As you probably noticed, we had a pretty dry winter this year. That could be bad for a lot of things – from drinking water to worse fires – but another casualty is our wildflower season.
Usually around this time of year, the ground of Southern California springs to colorful life in the Anza-Borrego Desert first, then slowly travels north as the year rolls on. This year, most places are reporting rather lackluster displays, but at least one area is having some good luck – Figueroa Mountain in the Los Padres National Forest.
The always excellent SoCal Wanderer got a collection of beautiful photos of the nearby bloom from the rangers up there, who said they’ll be leading a free wildflower tour this Saturday, April 21st. from 9AM to 2PM.
If you don’t mind the drive (and it is a bit of a trek, so try to make a weekend out of it), Dr. Charles Blair of the Native Plant Society will lead a hike through some of the colorful blooms on display right now. Hikers should bring good shoes, plenty of water, your still-currently-legal Adventure Pass, and a sack lunch – along with the usual stuff you take with you on a hike. The group will meet at the Figueroa Fire Station at 9AM and depart at 9:30. In terms of directions, the rangers have told me it’s pretty easy to find the Fire Station – take Figueroa Mountain Road from the 154 in Los Olivos and drive 12 miles. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes from the time you turn due to the winding road.
For more information or any questions about the event, please contact Helen Tarbet at 805-925-9538.
