Wildflower Watch
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Take a hike through these Orange County wilderness parks – in time for wildflower season. Check out our wildflower slideshow for a preview.
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| More Info: ocparks.com |
The 2010 wildflower season is almost upon us and as such, we must ask ourselves two questions: How was the rainfall? Precipitation has definitely been more than normal. Check.
And how’s the land doing after those destructive fires back in ’07? Still recovering. Check.
As it turns out, various types of flowers germinate after fires. Recovering land means the perfect conditions for the colonization of vividly fresh wildflowers –including our beloved state flower and highway beautifier, the California poppy.
A number of Orange County wilderness parks should be showing off their intense colors and wildflower charm starting in early March and continuing through May. So throw on your hiking shoes, pack your camera and get familiar with California’s natural beauties. Then you can pat yourself on the back for being such an avid botanist – at least for a day.
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano
:: 949.923.2210
The Highlights: Dripping Chocolate Lilies, Bright Lupine Stems and California Poppies decorate the Loskorn and West Ridge trails. Note that these Chocolate Lilies (Fritillaria biflora) earn their name by appearing chocolate-covered, unlike the Arthropodium strictum, which smells like chocolate.
Limestone/Whiting Ranch Parks
Trabuco Canyon
:: 949.923.2245
The Highlights: The Borrego Trail to Red Rock, a mid-level hike, is expected to have spectacular wildflowers in bloom throughout March.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach
:: 949.923.2235
The Highlights: The combination of streams, usually active only in springtime, and remarkable wildflower variety make for an idyllic scene. Keep your eyes out for delicate Baby Blue Eyes, vibrantly violet Johnny Jump-ups and Mariposa lilies. If you want to skip the hike, or if you have kids, enjoy the wildflowers from Painter’s Pier, attached to the Park’s Nix Nature Center. Season peaks end of April.
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
30952 Oso Pkwy., Coto de Caza
:: 949.923.2265
The Highlights: Look out for luminous Bermuda Buttercups, Fuchsia-Flowering Gooseberry and attention-grabbing Wild Lilacs.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
2145 N. Windes Dr., Orange
:: 714.973.6620
The Highlights: Though 90% of the park was burned in the 2007 fires, the land is anticipated to be flourishing with budding, dramatic wildflowers.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
4442 Carbon Canyon Rd., Brea
:: 714.973.3160
The Highlights: Carbon Canyon’s 124 acres is not only home to a 10-acre grove of redwoods, but also the Fuchsia-Flowering Gooseberry.
O’Neill Regional Park
30892 Trabuco Canyon Rd., Trabuco Canyon
:: 949.923.2260
The Highlights: Among the oaks, sycamore trees and cactus, are meandering creeks and vibrant wildflowers in early spring.
Upcoming Events
Junior Ranger Day at Santiago Oaks
On Saturday, April 17, 2010, Santiago Oaks Regional Park invites five- to 12-year-olds to experience the life of a park ranger. In this free event, aspiring park rangers will explore the park, learn about local animals and wildflowers, check out the displays in the Nature Center, and go on a short hike along the dirt trails. Although the park will be providing a snack – sunscreen, sturdy shoes, water, and a hat are suggested.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Parking: $5
Reserve a spot: 714.973.6622
Wildflower Hikes at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
On Saturday, May 8, and again on Saturday, June 12, Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists will lead moderate, but steep, 3.5-mile morning hikes in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Along the way, they will identify native spring bloomers and answer questions from hikers.
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $2 donation per person
Parking: $3
Reserve a spot: 949.923.2235
