OC Parks Wildflowers

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-07-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

California Fuschsia (Zauschneria californica) Blooms July to November. Found in planter by Nature Center.

Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa) It is drought tolerant and used by the Spanish as a cure for sore throats. Butterflies use as a nectar source. Found in planter by Nature Center. Posted by Ranger Jax.

Wildflowers at Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-06-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sapphire Wooly-Star (Eriastrum sapphirinum) Blooms May to June. Found on Grasshopper Trail.

Canchalagua (Centaurium venustum) Spanish settlers used as a remedy for fevers. Blooms June to July. Found on Grasshopper Trail and Weir Canyon Trail. Posted by Ranger Jax.

Wild Roses and More at Santiago Oaks

2011-05-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

Ranger Jax from Santiago Oaks Regional Park continues to catch great blooms on camera. This week, he had a little technical difficulty, so he asked me to post these.

California Wild Rose

California Wild Rose (Rosa californica) Blooms April to July. Found on the Historic Dam Trail.

Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus

Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia littoralis) Blooms May to June. Found on Peralta Hills Trail.

Turkish Rugging

Turkish Rugging (Chorizanthe staticoides) Blooms April to June. Found on Yucca Trail and Chutes Trail.

White Nightshade

White Nightshade (Solanum douglasii) Found on Historic Dam Trail

Pink Mariposa Lily

Pink Mariposa Lily (Calochortus plummerae) Blooms May to July. Found on Yucca Trail.

Thanks for continuing to catalog the wildflowers at Santiago Oaks, Ranger Jax!

Mallow and Monkeyflower at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

2011-05-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today, the Bush Mallow and Monkeyflower are bursting with blooms, a spectacular sight. Come out and visit Laguna Coast Wilderness Park this Memorial Day!

Large pink flowers open along the many branches of the Bush Mallow. Although Bush Mallow and Monkeyflower win in terms of blooming opulence, you can find many plants blooming in the nooks and crannies created by grasses, shrubs, rocks, and trails. Students in need of 40 flower photos for their science project satisfied their needs on Mary's Trail alone!

Isn't this a beauty?

For photographs and names of this and many of our other May bloomers, check our photo gallery for May at: http://lauraatlcwp.smugmuc.com/Nature/Flowers/May-Wildflowers-2011 You may want to look back at the February, March, and April photos, as some of these plants just keep on flowering!

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-05-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

Heart leafed Penstemon (Keckiella cordifolia) Blooms March to August. Found on Pacifica Trail.

Caterpillar Phacelia ( Phacelia circutaria) Blooms March to June. Found on Windes Nature Trail.

Bush Monkey Flower (Mimulus aurantiacus) Blooms March to July. Found on Pacifica Trail. Posted by Ranger Jax.

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-05-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Electric Blue Sage (Salvia chamaedryoides) Drought tolerant. Blooms throughout the year. Found in the picnic area.

Bladderpod (Isomeris arborea) It is also called Burro Fat. May be found in bloom throughout the year. Found in the picnic area. Posted by Ranger Jax.

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-05-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) Blooms May to July. Found on pathway from upper parking lot to Ranger Station.

Golden Stars (Bloomeria crocea) Blooms April to June. Found on Pacifica Trail.

Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus) Blooms April to October. Found on Wilderness Trail. Posted by Ranger Jax.

Media Wildflower Tour

2011-05-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

On Monday, OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff took some members of the media out on our annual tour to observe and photograph local wildflowers.

We had been planning and rescheduling this for about a month, mostly due to the fickle weather Orange County has been experiencing. This year also presented a challenge since trail conditions in many areas changed dramatically during December's severe storms.

Wildflower Paparazzi

With the tour date finally set for the morning of Monday, May 2, fate threw one more curveball our way. Despite it being a very busy news day following Bin Laden's death, we were glad to get representatives from the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register and AOL's Patch out on the land (links go to their stories and photos).

Though the forcast called for temperatures into the 90s, the weather was perfect, and a nice breeze helped everyone keep their cool. It also helped clear out some of the haze, affording views as far as Catalina -- before a wildfire struck it that afternoon.

We first visited the northeast end of Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Compared to last year's profuse blooms, it was more heavy with grasses. Still, we saw plenty of morning glories, yellow pincushion and deerweed, displaying various states of pollenation (its blooms turn from yellow to orange after pollenation).

Next, we went to Loma Ridge, within the 20,000-acre Irvine Ranch Open Space donated to the County last year. There, portions of the trail were lined with beautiful, white lupine. We also saw mariposa lilys, Indian paintbrush, and monkeyflower (which is one of my favorite flower names ever).

Want to get out there and see for yourself? You're in luck. Saturday, May 7 is a Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but get there no later than 2 p.m. so you have time to explore. Ask for directions to Loma Ridge and be prepared for some elevation gain.

Of course, Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Head to Vulture View Trail for the blooms we saw.

Click below for a slideshow of photos OC Parks communications staff member Kristi and I took on the tour!

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-04-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

MinersLettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) Grows in moist shady places. Most evident in spring and early summer. Found on Windes Nature Trail.

Parry's Phacelia (Phacelia parryi) Blooms March to May. It can be found on the Weir Canyon Trail.

Tidy Tips( Layia platyglossa) Blooms March to May. It can be found on Grasshopper Trail. Posted by Ranger Jax.

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-04-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

Fringed Indian Pink (Silene laciniata) Blooms May to July. Grows on rocky,sunny slopes. You can spot it on Windes Nature Trail.

Ground Pink (Linanthus dianthiflorus) Blooms February to April. Found on Bumblebee Trail. Posted by Ranger Jax

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-04-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja affinis) Blooms March to May. It can be found hiking on Barham Ridge Trail

Fiesta Flower (Pholistoma auritum) Blooms March to May. It is a fire follower. Spanish girls decorated their festive outfits with the flowers. It can be found hiking on the Historic Dam Trail.

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2011-04-04T10:44:00.001-07:00

Owl's Clover, spotted along the Sage Ridge stair steps.

Spring Color at O'Neill

2011-03-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Spring color is alive at O'Neill Park.

The beautiful combination of Wild Hyacinth and Popcorn Flower can be seen on many of the parks trails. These are common favorites this time of year.

Another favorite is California Brittlebush with it's lovely sunflowers.

In and around the park nature center the Autumn Sages are in full bloom. These lovely sages produce a variety of colors include the dramatic combination seen here.

The Prickly Pear cactus is starting it's bloom cycle. The cactus, now fat with water, will make some spectacular blooms this season.

Deer Weed is making it's colorful presence felt all along the park hillsides and trails.

OC Zoo wildflowers

2011-03-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

We know that OC Parks have wildflowers. But did you know that the OC Zoo, inside Irvine Regional Park, does too? Watch this video to see what other kind of wildlife this home to eagles, bobcats and bears has!

2011-03-14T15:49:00.001-07:00

Spring Is Here!

It may not be spring officially, but we all know that here in California the warm growing season is in full swing.

These Canyon Sweet Peas are growing in several places on the Coyote and Pawfoot trails of O'Neill Regional Park.

Prickly Phlox can be stunning as it bursts forth in large bunches in sunny spots on the Live Oak Trail.

Blue Eyed Grass makes its dramatic, though short, appearance here in early spring. This beautiful bunch grass is one of our now rare species of grasses somewhat hard to find. Most of the native grasses of the Orange County area have been plowed under in the previous century to make room for Oats and Rye and the cows the would enjoy them.

Our Lord's Candle is a species of Yucca that is common in O'Neill (Yucca whipplei). The amazing fact about this plant is that after reaching maturity, about 5 years, it will grow up a single stalk of flowers. This stalk is called an "inflorescence." It will shoot up from ground level and become as much as 9 to 10 feet tall. The inflorescence is covered with sweet smelling blooms that will produce the seeds of new life for the Yucca. After blooming the Yucca will die.

It is almost the season for Sage. You can find many varieties of flowering Sage at O'Neill. This is just the beginning for Sage season with some species not blooming until the hot dry days of Summer or Fall. This beautiful Purple Sage can be found in the Nature Center garden at O'Neill.

Wild Hyacinth

2011-03-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

Caspers, East Ridge Trail.

The Lords Candle

2011-03-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

At Caspers along the East Ridge Trail.

Caspers Wilderness Park

2011-03-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

Indian Paint Brush being suckled by a hummingbird (Starr Rise Trail) Blue-Eyed Grass (West Ridge Trail)

Prickly Pear Cactus Flower (West Ridge Trail) Two bes keeping cozy in a Lilac Mariposa Lily (West Ridge Trail)

Purple Astar (West Ridge Trail)

Lupine

Red Bush Monkey Flower

Golden Yarrow (Loskorn Trail)

Bush Monkey Flower (Loskorn Trail)

Mariposa Lily (Loskorn Trail)

Wild Hyacinth (Loskorn Trail)

Bush Lupine (Loskorn Trail)

Fiesta Flower (Loskorn Trail)

Fiddleneck (Starr Mesa Campground)

(Help?)

Early Blooms at O'Neill

2011-02-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

Early Blooms at O'Neill Regional Park

A few species of wildflower have made there appearance already at the park. With these regular rains and deeply watered hillsides, it should be a great year for seeing your favorite flowers.

Lupines have made there appearance in rather dramatic fashion at the end of Coyote trail.

Wild Hyacinth can be seen on most trails of the park in small numbers at this time. These flowers occur mostly on the hill sides of the Coastal Sage community of the park.

The delicate blooms of Douglas Nightshade can be found on the Live Oak Trail. You will have to slow your pace and look carefully to find these small beauties.

One of the many species of Morning Glory can be seen in a few locations near the beginning of the Live Oak Trail just out from Miller's Circle in the regional park.

One of the most prolific blooms early in the season is the delicate white flowers of the Wild Cucumber vine. You can spot these at almost any point in and around the O'Neill wilderness.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Begins to Bloom

2011-02-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

Flowers are beginning to appear all over Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Most are small treasures discovered in unexpected places, but you can find fields of Fiddleneck, sprays of Chaparral Sweet Pea, and gardens of Popcorn Flower.

You can find these Popcorn Flowers and California Suncups on Bommer Ridge overlooking Emerald Canyon. Poppies are beginning to bloom on Serrano Ridge.

These Chaparral Sweet Peas can be found on Little Sycamore Canyon and Willow Canyon Trails.

Wild cucumbers are blooming all over the park. You can often smell the sweet fragrance of the blossoms as you pass by on the trail!

In February, I found more than 25 different blooms in the park. To see them and learn their locations, click on this link: http://lauraatlcwp.smugmug.com/Flowers/February-Wildflowers-and-More/15886641_ixYHj#1191356011_Hr9RG

Be sure to visit Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and take time to smell the flowers! You could join us for one of our special native plant or wildflower walks! (Click for event information: http://ocparks.com/lagunacoast/default.asp?Show=Events_3 )

Laura Cohen, Resource Specialist

February Flowers at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

2011-02-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

This winter, nature mixed the perfect concoction of warmth, water and soil to create beautiful blooms throughout the county. Recently at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, the golden hues of Fiddleneck and deep purple tones of Parry's phacelia have begun to dot the hillsides. Joining in nature's wildflower mix is purple sage, deer weed and coastal sunflower. Located adjacent to the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, a quick walk through the Butterfly Habitat will delight nature lovers of all ages with spring colors and sounds. Some of these blooms may not last long - so get outdoors flower lovers and explore nature's canvas up close!

Featured Flowers for February-Blooms of the Butterfly Habitat

The Butterfly Habitat is located adjacent to the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center

The white, fragrant dense clusters of Ceanothus.

The showy, purple flowers of Purple Sage ...

The firey Indian Paintbrush ...

An avian visitor sits atop Chaparral Mallow in the Butterfly Habitat ...

Deer weed lines the path with a rainbow of green, yellow, red and orange...

Wildflowers already blooming at Caspers

2011-02-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!
It is that time of year again, and the flowers are coming out fast. At Caspers you can see Blue Dicks, Shooting Stars, Indian Paintbrush and Witches Hair on the newly opened trail, Quail Run. Volunteers, staff and Park Rangers worked by hand on Quail Run, and it is a moderate climb over to East Ridge. Come out and enjoy the first wildflowers at Caspers!
- Ranger Jacky :-)

Welcome, 2011!

2011-02-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

"April showers bring May flowers," is the way the saying goes. But this year, "December storms and January sun bring early flowers," may be more appropriate (if not as catchy).

Orange County got soaked in December and many OC Parks got hit with flooding, slides and erosion that kept them closed for a month. All have reopened, though some trails are still closed while repairs are being made.

The good news? Flowers are already popping up, and have been since late January. So we're taking this blog off its seasonal hiatus and will again start posting what you can come and see in and around OC Parks.

In the meantime, click below to see a slideshow of some of the damage the December storms brought!

Lunch

2010-07-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

Caspers Park Preservation Foundation volunteer Allan McGee made this interesting discovery while participating in invasive plant removal in Lucas Canyon. This Splendid Mariposa Lily was photographed as the perfect lunch spot. A crab spider captured a bee in a web and stuck around to protect its next meal. Great photo!

Summer Splendor

2010-06-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

California buckwheat lines many
of the trails at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
It's hard to believe the flowers
could get better than this! (This is the view from Bommer Ridge into Emerald Canyon.)

Natural floral arrangements burst forth everywhere you look.

The detail inside the flowers can be striking.

If you watch the flowers long enough, you will begin to observe some of nature's drama as it unfolds. Check out this bee...on the same plant as the bee assassin!

There is still time to enjoy the wildflowers...and fruit developing from earlier spring wildflowers is beautiful!

Don't miss your chance to connect with nature in Orange County! Get out and take a walk in the park! Enjoy the change in seasons!

Board of Supervisors Holds Special Meeting to Consider 20,000 Acre Gift on Tuesday

2010-06-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Photo of the Sinks at Limestone Canyon by Stephen Francis Photography, used with permission.

(This story isn't directly wildflower-related, but may be of interest to our readers! An earlier post included flowers in Fremont Canyon, which would be included in this donation. Story via www.ocgov.com.)

(Santa Ana, CA) – The Orange County Board of Supervisors will discuss a historic 20,000 acre open space gift at a special meeting on Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 a.m. The Irvine Company is donating the land for its continued preservation and recreation.

If approved by the Board, the dedication will increase OC Parks’ parkland and open space by 50%, to nearly 60,000 acres. This proposal represents the largest single land donation ever gifted to the County.

The Board of Supervisors previously approved a Letter of Intent informing the Irvine Company of the County’s intention to accept the land and establishing the criteria to do so on Sept. 29, 2009. The OC Parks Commission considered and approved the acceptance of the property on June 17.

The Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. to consider the adoption of the proposed budget for FY 2010-2011.

The Board of Supervisors meets in the Hall of Administration at 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. To view meeting agendas and watch the special and regularly scheduled meetings streamed live, visit www.ocgov.com. All documents related to the land donation are available on the OC Parks web site at www.ocparks.com.

# #

East Flats/Quail Run/Old Corral/Caspers Park Road - Nice Loop Hike at Caspers Park

2010-06-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend Caspers Park provided several showy flowers along the trails. Ranger Sara and Park Attendent Wendy hiked a quick loop that proved to be spectacular for the camera lens. Wendy is a great photographer.

Cholla Cactus can be seen all over the desert southwest and in the coastal sage scrub areas of Orange County Parks.

The Taranlua Hawk Wasp is a nectarivore; an animal which eats the sugar-rich nectar produced by flowering plants. It is seen here on the beautiful flower heads of the Indian Milkweed.

Centaurium venustum, a dicot, is an annual herb that is native to California and is endemic (limited) to California alone. Commonly called Beautiful centaury, canchalagua or charming centaury.

This one is really eye-catching. Chlorogalum pomridianum is known as Soap plant, soaproot, wavyleaf soap plant or Amole.

With 37 miles of trails at Caspers, there is always something to see.

Summer has Arrived At O'Neill Regional Park!

2010-06-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Monkeyflower and Fringed Indian Pink can still be found on the Edna Spalding Trail, but the weather is really warming up!

White Sage is blooming and smells terrific!

Our Lord's Candle is dropping seed.

Wild Cucumber is dried out.

The Mariposa Lily is still wonderful.

Three Interesting Flowers at Caspers Wilderness Park

2010-06-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

DON'T TOUCH! Artichoke Thistle (Cynara cardunculus) has extremely sharp spines on all parts of the plant. Introduced to California in the 1800's, it has become a major pest. Due to the production of thousands of seeds and rapid growth, the Artichoke Thistle leaves no room or nurtrients for native grasses to grow.

In it's native Europe, Artichoke Thistle is eaten as a steamed vegetable, used to make cheese or enjoyed for its brillantly colored blossom and dried for floral arrangements.

Weed's Mariposa Lily (Calochortus weedii) is native to coastal mountain ranges of Southern California and Baja California. These "hairy" flowers can be found on the West Ridge Trail.

Blooming near the Nature Center, the Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus) is a showy pink to lavender color seen from April to July. Bush Mallow grows to about 15 feet in height and is a common shrub in chapparal and coastal sage scrub.

Morning Fog and Flower Hike at O'Neill!

2010-06-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Boy, it was foggy early Saturday morning, but what a great time to go hiking at O'Neill Regional Park. You will be able to find Buckwheat on most of the trails. It is June and I am still locating flowers!

Golden Yarro is abundant and will add some color to your hike!

Heart-leaved Penstemon was blooming. The red blooms are easy to find along the side of the trail.

Matajila Poppies are still in bloom!

Monkeyflower and Everlasting are mixed in with the California Sagebrush.

As summer approaches and the days are warmer, be sure to bring some water! I'll be back on the trails again this coming weekend. See you there!

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-05-29T13:55:00.001-07:00

Wild Rose ( Rosa californica) Blooms April-July. Red,berry-like fruit (hips) are rich source of vitamin C. Photographed on Historic Dam Trail.

Canchalagua (Zeltnera venusta) Blooms June to July. This was considered by early Spanish settlers to be an indispensable remedy for fevers.Photographed on Sage Ridge Trail.

Turkish Rugging (Chorizanthe staticoides) Blooms April to June. Found on Yucca Trail. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

Ever Get the Feeling You're Being Watched?

2010-05-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

I do.

The Western bluebird couple I wrote about earlier remain quite comfy outside my office window at Irvine Ranch Historic Park. Here, the more colorful male appears to watch me work.

It seems that they keep mistaking their own reflections in the large window for intruding, competing birds. That's why they keep flying at the glass.

Correction: The female keeps flying at the window (gently, fortunately). Her mate seems content to sit by and watch her erratic behavior.

They occasionally perch on top of a bluebird house we installed on a nearby tree, but seem to have nested elsewhere.

I affectionately call them "Sid and Nancy."

Juaneno Trail - Caspers Wilderness Park

2010-05-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

There are still a variety of flowers blooming on the Juaneno Trail before the heat of summer arrives.

California everlasting (Gnaphalium californicum) will have the faint aroma of maple syrup as the blossoms begin to dry.

Chalk dudleya (Dudleya pulverulenta)

Mexican champion (Silene laciniata)

Indian milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) grows to approximately one foot tall. This native is a perferred larval food of the monarch butterfly. It is distinct with very fuzzy, gray foliage and heads of creamy white flowers. You will spot this plant along the trail in sunny, dry sites and is interestingly, deer resistant.

A pollinator (bee) coming in to do it's job for the prickly pear cactus.

Low larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum) is sparse yet interesting. Keep a watchful eye out for this one.

Golden yarrow

(Eriophyllum confertiflorum) is abundant.

Hike on!!!!

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-05-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ground Pink (Lianthus dianthiflorus) It blooms February to April. This wildflower was found on Bumblebee Trail.

Caterpillar Phacelia (Phacelia cirutaria) It is an annual and blooms March to June. It can be found in Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub habitat.

Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus) Blooms April to September. It is a Fire follower and grows on dry or disturbed slopes, mostly south facing. This wildflower was photographed on Mountain Goat Trail. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

A Beautiful Photo from Caspers Wilderness Park

2010-05-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you Cindi, for this photo of the Splendid Mariposa Lily.

Interesting Flowers at Caspers

2010-05-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

This plant is too interesting to leave out of the blog. These photos were taken on a trail that is not open at this time. I will keep an eye open for specimens in an area that can be included in your next hike.
Chorizanthe staticoides, a dicot, is an annual herb that is native to California and is endemic (limited) to California alone. It is commonly known as turkish rugging. This plant only grows to about 3 inches tall, so you will have to look closely as you hike to see it. It can be found up to 6561 feet of elevation in Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral communities.

May Flowers on the Trails at O'Neill Park!

2010-05-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

There is still an abundance of color on the trails at O'Neill Regional and Wilderness Park. Monkeyflower is lining the hillsides along the Vista Trail.

The Deerweed flowers change color, from yellow to orange, as they are pollinated.

Statice can be found at the east end of the Mesa Trail. The Mesa is a great place to have a picnic, walk your dog, and enjoy nature all at the same time.

Golden Stars and Indian Paintbrush can be found along the side of the trail as you make your way up to the Vista Point. The elevation at Vista Point is 1492'. On a clear day, there are wonderful views of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Caterpillar Phacelia can be found on the Live Oak and Vista Trails.

Fields of Vetch are popping up where the Live Oak trail meets the Coyote Canyon trail.

My friend, the Western Fence Lizard, kept me company as I made my way across the wilderness trails.

I had a great time hiking and can't wait to get back on the trails!

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-05-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

Milkmaids (Cardamine californica) Blooms very early spring,February to April. Found in damp shady areas.Photographed on the Windes Nature Trail.

Matilija Poppy(Romneya coulteri) It is a perennial and blooms from May to July. This flower can be found along side the trail from the upper parking lot to the Ranger Station.

Fringed Indian Pink (Silene laciniata) Blooms May to July. It grows on rocky sunny slopes. Stickiness of stems and leaves traps insects, but discourages ants, increasing opportunities for cross-pollination. This wildflower was located on Windes Nature Trail. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

Bluebirds at My Back Door

2010-05-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

While wildflower blooms are getting fewer and further apart, so do our posts on this blog, unfortunately.

Wildlife, however, continues to thrive -- even around our headquarters building at Irvine Ranch Historic Park, just across from the Irvine Marketplace shopping center.

All morning long, two birds have been keeping me company while I work at my desk. They're making themselves quite at home on the small patio outside my sliding door. In fact, they seem quite eager to come inside for some reason. Luckily, they aren't flying into the glass hard enough to hurt themselves.

I consulted with the Park Ranger from Yorba Regional Park while he was here on a mail run. He identified them as Western bluebirds.

Incidentally, Yorba Regional Park has quite a few bluebird houses. It's a great place to go bird watching. Park Ranger Ron Nadeau offered to bring a bluebird house here for them to get cozy in.

Peters Canyon Regional Park, which is just down Jamboree Road from our office, also has bluebird houses. Here's an LA Times article about them.

I did some quick online research to learn more about my new feathered friends. They appear to be a male and a female. The males have bright blue wings and a red breast. The females have more of a brownish gray tinge and less pronounced blue on their wings.

As I type this, they continue to try their luck at my window. I wonder what they'd do if they actually got in here.

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-05-01T07:50:00.001-07:00

Western Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) It is a perennial. Blooms March to July.

Golden Star (Blumeria crocea) Blooms April to June, most profusely after wet winter.

Golden Yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum) Blooms March to August. All the wildflowers were photographed on Bumblebee Trail. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

Still Many Flowers to See at O'Neill Regional and Wilderness Park!

2010-04-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

While hiking down the Arroyo Trabuco trail, I found that there are still many flowers blooming in O’Neill Regional and Wilderness Park. This wonderful display of Bush Sunflower is growing along the edge of the trail.

As you are hiking, be sure to look up along the slopes. You will find Monkeyflower hanging on to the side of the hills.

Morning Glory can be found climbing in the chaparral.

The Buckwheat is really starting to pop!

The Lupines are still amazing! This photo was taken on the Arroyo Trabuco trail, but you can also find many stands on the Live Oak and Coyote Canyon trails.

The weather has been great. Come on out and take a hike at your favorite park (mine is O'Neill)!

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-04-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

California Buckwheat (Erigonum fasciculatum) Important food source for bees,native Harvester ants.

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia littoralis) Fruit (tunas) and fleshy pads (nopales) are edible. Rich in fiber,vitamin C.

Deerweed (Lotus scoparius) It is a fire follower. It helps stabalize slopes and fix nitrogen in the soil. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

Wildlife Among the Wildflowers

2010-04-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Our Park Rangers and other staff have done a great job posting the wildflowers they find in OC Parks! The season is winding down a bit and parts of the hills are turning from green to brown, but we will continue to post for a bit longer, at least.

Springtime not only brings out wildflowers, it brings out wildlife -- including some adorable animal babies.

Two Park Rangers sent me short video clips this week, and although they stray from the wildflower theme, they were too fun not to share.

In this first clip, Riley Wilderness Park Ranger Donna Krucki caught a little skunk family making its way through the park. She came across these "lil' stinkers on Pheasant Run Trail," she wrote.

Also, Park Ranger Molly Stallcup at O'Neill Regional Park sent in a video of a Common Poorwill she filmed one night this weekend. These little birds are nocturnal and feed on insects. Their markings allow them to blend in to their surroundings and make them hard to spot.

Get out there and enjoy the wildflowers while they're still there. You never know what else you'll run into out on the trails!

Flowers are Blooming on the Upper Bellview Trail!

2010-04-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Bellview Trail is in Caspers Wilderness Park, but the upper loop can be accessed from Robinson Ranch in Rancho Santa Margarita. This is a tough hike!

Fields of Catalina Mariposa Lilies are found as you make your way to the one mile loop. You will be travelling along the edge of the Cleveland National Forest.

I suggest making a right when beginning the loop. It is easier to climb up the steep incline rather than sliding down.

You will find Statice and Broad Leaf Filaree as you wind your way back to the loops beginning.

You will feel like you have travelled farther than three miles when finishing this hike due to the steep inclines and rough terrain, but it is well worth the challenge!

Wildflowers and Reptiles of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-04-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

This is an Alligator Lizard which was photographed on Santiago Creek Trail.

This is a photograph of Owl's Clover (Castilleja exserta) located on Grasshopper Trail.

Bush Sunflower (California Encelia) photographed on the Bobcat Meadow Trail. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax

Much to See and Do at O’Neill Regional Park!

2010-04-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Prickly Phlox and Deerweed are abundant on the Edna Spalding Trail. Many different flowers are still blooming with the cool nights and consistent rains. You will find flowers all along the entire trail!
You never know what you will find as you are hiking along the trails. Keep your eyes peeled; on the ground for animal tracks and in the air for birds that you may see at the park. This Turkey Vulture was looking for a meal along the Edna Spalding Trail.

California Brittlebush brightens up the hillsides as you hike on the Live Oak, Vista, and Hoffman Homestead Loop. This is my favorite five mile hike at O’Neill Regional and Wilderness Park.

Come to the park tonight at 8:30 pm for Astronomy Night. Join the Orange County Astronomers for a night of star gazing. Astronomers will be here to answer questions.

There is still time to register for last trail race of the OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series that will be held this Saturday, April 17th. Don’t miss out on a really fun time!

Not just Wildflowers!

2010-04-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Mason Regional Park is still putting on a show!

The "wilderness area" of Mason Park continues to have oodles of sunflowers as well as Lupine, Wild Blackerry and Wild Rose.

You can view these along the Sand Canyon Wash and Road Runner Trails.

Stop and smell the Wild Rose, it has a heavenly scent, but please be careful to not step off the trail and onto another plant.

After you get your fill of wildflowers you can come over to the other side of Mason Park ( west side of Culver Drive) to catch a glimpse of a "wild child".

This 5 week old Great Horned owlet lost his footing when he was toddling along the edge of his nest and toppled to the ground. He was later banded and returned to his nest with his other two siblings.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park Wildflowers

2010-04-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja affinis) is a perennial covered with soft short hairs. It can be found on Pacifica Trail and Barham Ridge Trail.

Fiesta Flower (Pholistoma auritum) can be found on the Windes Nature Trail. Blooms March to May. Spanish girls decorated their festive outfits with flower as it easily affixed to fabric.

Miner's Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata). Annual succulent herb. It is edible cooked or raw. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

Flowers are Everywhere!

2010-04-08T08:27:00.001-07:00

It is amazing! Wild Hyacinth (also called Blue Dicks) can be found almost anywhere in O’Neill Regional and Wilderness Park. This photo was taken along the Hoffman Homestead Trail, but you can also find them as you hike the other trails in the park.

The Lupine Stands on the Coyote Canyon Trail arrive each spring, but I don’t recall seeing this many Catalina Mariposa Lilies in the mix. You can find this hill of blue and white as you travel to the upper end of the trail. It’s a bit of an incline, so be sure to bring some water!

Canterbury Bells are out in full force along the Hoffman Homestead Trail. These small blue, bell shaped flowers will catch your eye as you walk through the Coastal Live Oak. Very nice!

Prickly Pear is beginning to bloom on the sunny slopes of the Vista Trail.

You will also find areas with Monkeyflower, Morning Glory, California Buttercup, Deer Weed and Indian Paintbrush on the Vista Trail.

Black Sage is blooming on the Edna Spalding, Live Oak, Coyote Canyon and other trails that are located in the Chaparral areas of the park. This plant is in the mint family and the leaves are aromatic. The odor deters insects from eating the plant. Native Americans used this plant in many ways.
Don’t forget to register for the last trail race of the OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series. The race is Saturday, April 17th. Come and join us to for a fun time!

Tour Through Whiting Ranch and Fremont Canyon

2010-04-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Where do you think this photo was taken?

Were it not for the charred tree limbs (from the 2007 Santiago Fire), you might think these green hills are in Tuscany or England, not Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

Yesterday I was fotunate enough to spend my workday with some of our Park Rangers while we took members of the media to see wildflowers showing at Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

Staff from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy came along with their specially equipped truck to ferry us all on the steep and rugged trails. They also drove us deep into Fremont Canyon later that day.

At Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, we took the group along Vulture View Trail, on the northeastern end of the park (trail map here). There, not only did we enjoy the view above, we also saw hillsides absolutely covered in blooms, mostly Lupine, Morning Glories and Yellow Pincushions, with some Yucca (Our Lord's Candle) mixed in.

This photo doesn't even do justice to the amount of flowers blanketing the hills.

In fact, they are so profuse in some areas, they're actually growing in the middle of the trail!

Lupine and Morning Glory (at left)are by far the most prevalent on Vulture View Trail right now. Further south in the park, very close to the Glenn Ranch parking lot, plenty of Coast Sunflower, Ground Pink and more Lupine are just a short hike in on Line Shack Road.

From there, we headed out to Fremont Canyon. Irvine Ranch Conservancy manages this spectacular land, which is only available for docent-led tours (information here). We ascended high above the 241 toll road to the Windy Ridge for which the toll plaza is named! Check out this view with the toll road far below.

Fremont Canyon held plenty of California Poppies, Catalina Mariposa Lilies, Monkeyflower, Owl's Clover and Purple Nightshade. The photo at right shows Lupine, Poppies and Chia.

Although we were worried about how the trails and the flowers would hold up after Monday's rain, Tuesday turned out to be a beautiful day to get out and enjoy the blooms.

I'm looking forward to seeing how all the media's coverage turns out. They were certainly busy snapping a lot of shots (as was I with our little point-and-click).

Here are a story and photo slideshow from Pat Brennan's Green OC Blog on the OC Register website.

And one last photo, a Yucca (also known as Our Lord's Candle) from Fremont Canyon. Get out and enjoy the blooms before they go!

Awesome Blossoms at Upper Newport Bay!

2010-04-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Upper Newport Bay is "Bloomin"! The estuary is covered in nature's blanket of wildflowers. From the golden hues of Fiddleneck to the vibrant violet of Parry's Phacelia, these blossoms are truly a sight to behold. April showers should lengthen the blooming season, so come visit today!

Take a look at our featured spring blossoms......

Tidy Tips and Lupine create a hilltop meadow along the equestrian trial in Santa Ana Heights.

Tidy Tips cover the Santa Ana Heights slopes in vibrant shades of yellow and white.

Deer Weed and Coastal Goldfields bloom about the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

Fragrant Black Sage fills the Butterfly Habitat with rich aromas.

Encelia blankets the slopes with an array of color.

A California Gnatcatcher frolics about Fiddleneck.

The delicate pastel flowers of Wishbone dot the hillsides of Santa Ana Heights and West Bluff.

Bladderpod blooms attract hummingbirds and Harlequin Beetles along the Marsh Loop Trail

COMING UP AT THE BAY!

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION – Sunday, April 25 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Join us for a fun-filled day exploring the natural resources and beauty of our fabulous planet. Family friendly activities include; children’s crafts, environmental-themed exhibits, event scavenger hunt, science discovery booths and the fabulous Sharkmobile Touch Tanks! Explore Orange County’s watershed resources with Inside the Outdoors, Team Kids and Disney’s Friends for Change through service learning activities and hands-on education. In the theatre, join the City of Newport Beach Film Festival as they showcase their environmental film selections throughout the day. Plus, enjoy viewing the winning “Ecomercials” produced by high school students sponsored by L.E.A.F. (Leaders of Environmental Action Films). Electronic Waste will also be collected for recycling courtesy of eWaste. For more information on this event, please visit www.newportbay.org , or phone (949) 923-2269.

Caspers Wilderness Park Easter Blooms

2010-04-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sticky Monkey Flower (Diplacus aurantiacus) is in full bloom. This plant can be found at the overflow parking area near the Nature Center and along trails in the park.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) a large bush or small tree, can be found in various places around the park and is just starting to bloom.

Sugarbush (Rhus ovata) is most commonly found in the Chaparral areas of Orange County. You can see a beautiful specimen near the park office.

Near the park office you can find one lone woolly blue curl (Trichostema lanatum). It has a showy blossom that looks almost like a woolly blue(purplish) puffball. If you have trouble finding it, stop in the office for some assistance.

Enjoy the colors of the season.

Hike safely.

22 Blooming Species on the Little Sycamore Loop at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

2010-04-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Sue and Jennifer for noting all of the species in bloom on the Little Sycamore Loop on Saturday, April 3: bush monkeyflower, canyon pea, wishbone bush, deerweed, Parry's phacelia, popcorn flower, wild hyacinth, splendid mariposa lily, purple nightshade, California poppy, rattlesnake weed, caterpillar phacelia, wild morning glory, white nightshade, paintbrush, dove lupine, owl's clover, tidy tips, ground pink, bee plant, johnny jump-up, and early onion. Can you find more? I've heard the rare Allen's daisy, named for our local "Bug Bob" Allen is in bloom.
ground pink

purple nightshade early onion

wishbone bush

Wildflowers and Animals of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-04-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Our Lord's Candle is from the genus Yucca.Indians made flour from the seeds and used fiber from the leaves to weave cordage,nets and baskets.

This is a Red Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) photographed on Anaheim Hills Trail.

This is a Red-tailed Hawk photographed on Grasshopper Trail. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

View the wildflowers throughout Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

2010-04-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

On a recent hike through Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, the Whiting Rangers came across the following wildflowers:

Ground Pink on Raptor Road

Perry's Phacelia on Live Oak Trail

Catalina Mariposa Lily on Dreaded Hill Road

Morning Glory on Borrego Trail

Blue Eyed Grass also on Borrego Trail

Wildflower Hike Saturday at Aliso & Wood

2010-04-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Getting fired up to go out and see some wildflowers for yourself? Lots of people must be, because there are only three spots available for Saturday's Wildflowers and Wild Foods Hike at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Aliso Viejo.

The hike goes from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required; call (949) 923-2235.

Learn about edible and useful plants on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky, 2.4 mile hike with a 100-foot elevation gain. It is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation's volunteer naturalists, who only ask a $2 donation to take part.

Like I said, only three spots remain for this hike as I type this! Call (949) 923-2235 for your reservation before it fills up!

April Fools!

2010-04-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Look at that ball in the Oak Tree at O'Neill Regional Park! April Fools!!! It’s not a ball, it’s an Oak Apple Gall! A gall is a tumor like growth, produced by the tree in response to its tissues being irritated by tiny wasps laying their eggs in the oak’s leaf.

You can find Oak Apple Galls easily along the Live Oak Trail.

Come and join us at O'Neill Regional Park on Saturday, April 17th for the third and final trail race in the OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series. You will have wonderful views of the wildflowers while getting some great exercise or come to cheer on the runners!

Wildflowers at Caspers

2010-03-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here are more wildflowers from Caspers Wilderness Park from East Ridge Trail and East Flats Trail. All the beautiful pictures were taken by Park Attendant Wendy Thurber. Enjoy!

Yucca Plant (Yucca schidigers)

Eucypta (Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia)

Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii)

Wild Hyacinth (Brodiaea pulchella)

Popcorn Flower (P. pencillata)

2010-03-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Caspers Wilderness Park Trail Report

San Juan Creek Trail - 3 miles

By Office Tech Cindi Morgan

At about 10am on March 30, 2010, Ranger Jacky and I had a great time hiking the San Juan Creek Trail. We started out at the junction of Juaneno and San Juan Creek Trail, hiking back towards the Ortega Flats Campground Area. We had partially cloudy skies with a slight mist; it was a great time for a hike.

San Juan Creek Trail runs parallel with the Ortega Highway for a short distance, and crosses San Juan Creek about three or four times. Therefore, be prepared to get your feet wet.

At the time of our hike there was not a lot of traffic on Ortega Highway, and with the beauty of the trail and park it was easy to forget the highway was even there.

Taking this hike in the spring meant the grass was high, flowers were blooming and caterpillars were EVERYWHERE. At times it was hard to step without crushing one.

Most of this trail is out in the open but meanders through some Oak Trees as you approach the Campground.

A beautiful patch of Fiesta Flower (Pholistoma auritum) near Ortega Flats Campground on the San Juan Creek Trail.

Scarlet Monkey Flower (Mimulus cardinalis).

Although there are a few hills, I would consider this an easy hike, approximately 3 miles, taking about 45-60 minutes for an average person.

The trail is in basically good condition however the winter rains have made a few changes. For example, the tall grass and crossing of the creeks make for a bit of adventure.

There are also a few places that are pretty rocky and might be a bit of a challenge for a mountain bike or horse but the areas are short in duration.

Any day spent out at Caspers is a wonderful day; I enjoyed this hike as I do all the trails here.

- Cindi Morgan

Awesome Blossoms

2010-03-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Before I went away on vacation to Morro Bay just two weeks ago the California Encelia (coast sunflower) at Mason Regional Park's wilderness area had just begun to bloom. Now upon my return I find myself feeling overwhelmed with awe at seeing the massive quantities of the beautiful yellow flowers that now carpet the sides of the Sand Canyon Wash trail.

From Culver and University Drive head south on Sand Canyon Wash Trail, then at Rattle Snake Junction continue on the Sand Canyon Wash east toward Yale Avenue to find these beauties.

This time last year there were a just few sunflowers here and there but this year, with all the rain we have received, we have been rewarded with hundreds, maybe thousands of blooms.

Another pretty little bloomer that is outdoing itself this year is the Common Fiddleneck, Amsinckia menziesii. You can find these on Sand Canyon Wash Trail between Bobcat Junction and the water district junction and the length of Gravel. Stop by the Park Ranger office or click here for a trail map of our wilderness section.

Barham Ranch Day Poppies and Lupine

2010-03-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Barham Ranch Day at Santiago Oaks Regional Park drew about 40 people, despite very strong Santa Ana winds.

The hikers split up into three groups: beginner, intermediate and "hard core." I went along with Park Ranger Steve Jax's intermediate hike, which was steeper and harder than I'd expected!

The reward was seeing some very pretty wildflowers scattered along the trails. The tall, purple stalks of Lupine were the most common (see photo above of Lupine blowing in the strong wind gusts). The best flowers could be seen along the upper portions of Mountain Goat Trail and the Barham Ridge Trail.

Ranger Jax already posted some photos of the flowers we saw, but I had to add the following photo I took of some California Poppies on the Barham Ridge Trail. It is, after all, our state flower!

Reports of Plentiful Wildflowers

2010-03-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

We had many happy visitors today reporting wildflowers aplenty. You cannot expect to see hillsides covered with flowers at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, but you can find bursts of color on every trail. Today, we had reports of blooming nightshade, popcorn flower, plentiful canyon pea and early onion, deerweed, bush sunflower, fiddleneck, black sage and fucshia-flowered gooseberry all on Little Sycamore Trail.

Early onion

On Serrano Ridge, hikers found owl's clover, California poppies, paintbrush, Southern sun cup, wild hyacinth, wishbone bush and wild morning glory all in bloom.

Wild hyacinth

Paintbrush

Wildflowers of Santiago Oaks Regional Park

2010-03-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Purple Nightshade (Solanum xanti) can be found on Mountain Goat Trail.

Parry's Phacelia (Phacelia parryi) can be found on Mountain Goat Trail

Mariposa Lily also known as star-tulip and butterfly tulip can be found on Mountain Goat Trail.
You will also see Lupine, Bush Monkey Flower, California Poppy,Popcorn Flower and Coast Sunflower on the Mountain Goat Trail. Posted by Ranger Jax.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Wildflowers

2010-03-27T18:21:00.001-07:00

Thursday, March 25, while out with our Junior Rangers, we discovered this amazing flower on Laurel Canyon Trail.

If you seek it out and get down on your hands and knees to take a look, you will see the little white "owls" complete with dots for eyes!
It's interesting that this plant is partially parasitic, tapping into the roots of other plants.
You can see the tiny white "popcorn flower" growing around it.

Wildflowers at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

2010-03-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

There's no place like the wilderness to find a wide variety of wildflowers. You never know what you will find! This year, fiddleneck is blooming in profusion. You can see how it gets its name by looking closely at the flower arrangement.

Here are views of fiddleneck from the Nix Nature Center and from Bommer Ridge just above Crystal Cove State Park.

What other flowers are in bloom at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park?

At the Nix Nature Center, you can find:

Bush Monkeyflower

California Encelia

Baby Blue Eyes and other scattered beauties!

The sweet smell of California Everlasting!

North by Northwest

2010-03-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Further along the Horseshoe Loop trail from our last post, towards the northwest portion of Irvine Park's trail system, a few more flowers have popped up. There's one good patch of Catalina Mariposa Lilies, Calochortus catalinae (below), with a few outliers scattered about for those with sharp eyes.

Years ago on one of my firsts visits to Irvine Park the plant below caught my eye since I had not seen it before. It may exist in other OC Parks facilities, but I've never seen it in the abundance found at Irvine Park. I've since found Thickleaf Yerba Santa, Eriodictyon crassifoliumon, during backpack trips elsewhere, but (maybe due to the timing of my trips) never in bloom like it is now at Irvine Park as shown below.

The third species of lupine documented so far at Irvine Park (right) is Stinging Lupine, Lupinus hirsutissimus. This species seem to be less common than the other lupines at Irvine Park. An easy way to identify them is by the tiny hairs protruding from the stalk. They also have more of a pinkish hue rather than the deep purple of our other lupines. These specimens were also found along the Horshoe Loop trail on the north side of Santiago Creek.

Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints!

More blooms at Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

2010-03-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Blooms of Our Lord's Candle are abundant thoughout the park. This one in full bloom is located at the peak of Dreaded Hill Trail with a picturesque view of the park in the background.

Also abundant in the park are fields of California Poppies and large patches of Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry, like these observed on Mustard Trail.

Barham Ranch Days at Santiago Oaks

2010-03-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

I was over at Santiago Oaks Regional Park today and got to talk to the Park Rangers a little bit about their wildflowers.

They've got some good photos of the flowers there, but they haven't been able to post them because they're in the middle of preparing for Saturday's event, Barham Ranch Days.

Santiago Oaks is a unique park, in that it has elements of both a regional and a wilderness park. That is, there's a main, paved section open to vehicles, like a regional park. But there's also a lot of steep, outlying trails to hike and ride your bike or horse on.

Many of the flowers that are blooming are on the outlying trails, they tell me, so you'll earn your views by making some fairly steep climbs in some cases.

Ranger Steve Jax hopes to put up a full post this weekend, but I couldn't resist posting this picture of Chia (also known as Salvia columbariae), with a very green Barham Ranch in the background.

If you want to get a good look at Santiago Oaks, come by on Saturday, March 27 for Barham Ranch Days, starting at 10 a.m. The day will mark the seventh anniversary of the park adding the 500-acre parcel.

Mountain bike rides and beginner and advanced hikes will be available. Ranger Maureen Beckman and her horse will even lead equestrians on a ride (bring your own horse!).

Ranger Jim Simkins is planning games, chili, cornbread and sasparilla (yes, sasparilla -- it's like root beer) after the rides.

Click here for more information. Hope to see you out there!

Blooms at Caspers

2010-03-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Currently at Caspers Wilderness Park there are many wildflowers blooming. Along the main park road, you can see patches of Fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.), Coastal Sunflower (Encilia californica) and Popcorn Flowers (P. pencillata). If you decide to venture into the backcountry, check out East Ridge or any of our Ridges. Good luck and Happy Trails.
- Ranger Jacky

Peters Canyon in bloom

2010-03-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

The rainbow of colors after the rains...

"Lupine" in Blues, "Poppies" in Orange and "Popcorn" in white

the colors you will discover when you turn the corner

at every bend.

Peters Canyon Regional Park

2010-03-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

"Our Lords Candle" can be viewed along the East Ridge View Trail and make sure you take a look into the INNER Candle.

See Them While You Can at Irvine Park

2010-03-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's my first spring at Irvine Regional Park and I was hoping to see at least a few wildflowers in the surrounding hillsides. Thanks to our wet winter, the early season showing has far exceeded my expectations. Quite frankly I am surprised how many wildflowers there are at Irvine Park at the moment.Wild Hyacinth, or Blue Dicks (above) are one of the more common flowers on display at Irvine Park. Wild Hyacinth outnumbers our different species of lupines (below), but if you hike the Horseshoe Loop trail near Rooster Rock both can be found with ease.

Other varieties take a little exploration to find, but they can be located if you keep an eye out for them while staying on the trail. Purple and White Nightshade:

There are many native flowers like coastal sunflower and wishbone bush (below) that you might see at many different OC Parks facilities, but that doesn't make them any less stunning.

Remember the wildflowers won't last forever, so come on out and enjoy the colors while you can and make some discoveries of your own.

Wildflowers on Windes Nature Trail

2010-03-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Wildflowers to be found on Windes Nature Trail in Santiago Oaks Regional Park are Fiesta Flower, Common Fiddleneck, Baby Blue Eyes, Purple Night Shade,Johnny Jump Up, and Morning Glories. Windes Nature Trail is a short trail which gains steep elevation rapidly. Posted by Ranger Steve Jax.

Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

2010-03-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

The wildflowers are just beginning to bloom and will become colorful in the upcoming weeks. Lupines and California Poppies are in full bloom on Vulture View Road.

Also blooming on Line Shack Road near Serrano Road is a valley of Blue Flax mixed in with Common Fiddleneck.

O'Neill Regional Park

2010-03-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Everything is so green! Just think that in a short time from now we will be in the heat of summer when you need to plan all of your activities in the morning hours. Now is a great time of the year to go hiking at any time of the day.

Blue Dicks can be found on the Mesa, Edna Spalding, Live Oak, Vista, and Coyote Trails as well as in the Arroyo Trabuco.

Lupines are flowering on the Coyote Canyon Trail. I expect the stands to be as magnificent as they are every year. You will need to travel uphill and in the sun to see them. Be sure to bring some water with you!

Lupines are one of my favorite flowers in the springtime at O'Neill Regional Park.

You will see Indian Paintbrush when you hike the Coyote Trail.

The flowers are so bright that you can't walk by without noticing them!

Look up at the hillsides along the Edna Spalding, Live Oak, and Arroyo Trabuco Trails.

You will see purple patches of Prickly Phlox.

Simply amazing!

Our Lord’s Candle begins to show her flowers, but this is her last hurrah. Once the flowers turn to seed, this plant will die but others will take her place next year. Every part of this plant was use by the Indian Tribes that lived here many years ago.

Time goes by quickly. Plants that had only buds a couple of weeks ago are now in full bloom while others have already lost their flowers this season. Let’s see what shows up this coming week!

Caspers Adventure Day and Blooms!

2010-03-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

Caspers Wilderness Park, at 8,000 acres, is the largest in the OC Parks system. It's also one of the best to find plenty of wildflowers.

March 13, the park held Adventure Day, an event it last hosted 10 years ago! About 1,000 people came for music, games and hikes. (Above, Supervising Park Ranger Jacky Velasquez picks teams for an egg and spoon race.)

Park staff were especially excited to meet people who'd never been to Caspers or even knew it was there! Plenty of people said they plan to come back. And when they do, they're likely to see some good wildflowers. It's still a bit early in the season (I'm hearing that they'll really start blooming in April), but here's what Senior Park Ranger Sara Girard reported as of last week.

Shooting Stars and Blue Dicks are blooming at the northwest end of Quail Run near the Bell Canyon Trail intersection. Coast Sunflower, Fushia Flowering Gooseberry, Hummingbird Sage (pictured at left) and Scarlet Monkeyflower are showing near the nature center and tiny Johnny Jump-Ups (pictured below -- look how small compared to a BlackBerry!) are at Owl and Quail Campground.

If you've never been to Caspers Wilderness Park, it's definitely worth the trip. It's near San Juan Capistrano on the Ortega Highway. It's also a great place to go camping.

O'Neill Regional and Wilderness Park - Wildflowers

2010-03-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

The sun is finally out in full force today which will help the trails dry. This weekend will be a great time to come to the park to see the flowers.

Bermuda Buttercups may be found on the trails, in the campground and throughout the day use picnic areas of O’Neill Regional Park.

The Wild Cucumber is bearing fruit for the coyote, wood rats, and other animals to nibble on.

Wild Cumcumber may be found climbing along fencing, over brush and on the trails.

As you enter the park and are approaching the trail head for the Edna Spalding and Live Oak Trails, look at the hillside to your right. There are many Wild Peony bushes in full bloom. This is quite a sight, but the blooms will not last much longer!

Ranger Molly was hiking the Edna Spalding Trail and the single track portion of the Live Oak Trail. She found Prickly Pear, Deerweed, Purple Nightshade, Wishbone Bush, Mulefat, Deerweed, Common Eucrypta, Hairy Lotus and Blue Dicks in bloom. She sent me this great picture of Canyon Sweet Pea.

Saturday is the second race of the OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series. Everyone who will be racing (or walking) on the trails toward the finish line will have a terrific view of the wildflowers that are in bloom. One more race on April 17th!

Early Wildflower Reports

2010-03-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

It's still a bit early in the season, but OC Parks Rangers are starting to report some blooms.

First, here's a photo of a California Bluebell shot by the entrance at Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano: Next, Ranger Jim at Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange is reporting a number of blooms along the Mountain Goat Trail. Flowers spotted are: Blue Dicks, Parry's Phacelia, Lupine, Bush Monkey Flower, California Poppy and Slender Sunflower. Keep in mind, this is an uphill hike at about a 1,000-foot elevation.

At Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, lots of flowers are blooming in the West Bluff area near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. There, staff are seeing: California Encelia, Bladderpod, Black Mustard, Wild Radish, Lupine, Phacelia and Owl's Clover. In their butterfly habitat, they're seeing: Sticky Monkey Flower, Indian Paint Brush, Purple Sage, Deer Weed, Hummingbird Sage, Filaree and Fiddleneck.

Lastly, Mason Regional Park in Irvine is starting to see blooms in the natural habitat area. In case you didn't know, in addition to its lake, grass and playgrounds, Mason Regional Park has a wilderness-type area. Ranger Shelly submitted the following fabulous photographs:

Enceliea, found on Road Runner Trail

Fiddleneck, found heading north on Bobcat Trail to east Sand Canyon Wash.

Welcome to 2010 Wildflowers

2010-03-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new OC Parks 2010 wildflower season blog.

Every spring, OC Parks see beautiful blooms, especially in wilderness parks like Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano and Riley Wilderness Park in Coto de Caza. This year promises to be especially good, following Orange County's wet winter and some recent wildfires.

OC Parks staff, including Park Rangers, Resource Specialists and office technicians, have a front-row seat for the annual wildflower shows. This blog will let them share this information with you, the readers.

On this blog, we expect to share locations, descriptions, photos and scheduled wildflower hikes. We hope these posts inspire you to come out and see the beauty OC Parks have to offer.

Just remember, we want everybody to have a chance to enjoy them – so please don’t pick the flowers!

Photos from Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 2009
Top: Ground Pink
Left: California Poppy