Do You Know The Official Flower Of California? Find It At Antelope Valley!
Written: Mar 22 '03
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Pros: Interesting reserve; Visionary founders and park officials; lots of wild flowers to see
Cons: Not too many visitors
The Bottom Line: If you are an outdoors person and a nature lover, you will fall in love with Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
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| charles's Full Review: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve |
All over the state of California, the blooming season is abuzz. From the fertile lands of the San Joaquin Valley stretching from Oakland to Bakersfield, the blooming of the fruit trees attracts visitors from all over the world and nearby states. It's the time of the year when mother nature offers its beauty to all to appreciate. During the first weeks of February, depending on the right amount of rain and sunshine, we can enjoy this annual visual feast in the Central Valley of California.
For those of us who enjoy going on wild flower hikes, we know what comfort we get from watching the wild flowers growing all over the roads leading to Yosemite and other mountain areas. We always keep our eyes open to spot the state's official flower, the California Poppy. Nowhere else can you find it than at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. I almost lost my breath the first time I went to this reserve located near Lancaster. Thanks to all the Winter rains in February, we can expect to see these wild, bright orange poppies springing all over the reserve this year. Now is the time for you to pay a visit to the reserve just like many other tourists and motorists who are appreciating this natural jewel. You will never regret being there. If you have friends visiting you from other states and kids, they will thank you very much for taking them to this unique spot in California.
Poppies and other wild flowers at the reserve
Just imagine driving by the rolling hillsides of green grass with wild, bright orange flowers interspersed among all over. At Antelope, it's a pure mat of poppies and other flowers you will see for all the 1,760 acres of the reserve. If you ask the park's officials and those who are familiar with the reserve, they will be able to tell you some of the flowers names. For example, I learned about the yellow Bigelow's Coreopsis and purple Red Stem Filaree. The reserve's volunteers are more than willing to help visitors out. As the 100th anniversary of the poppy's status as the state's flower is drawing near, many activities are being planned for the occasion.
In front of these vast acres of natural beauty, one can't stop wondering about these Spring decors. Almost every year, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve reminds us that Spring is right around the corner. The long days of Winter are far behind us. Soon these beautiful flowers will withered away by the heat of the Summer months. Everything will be browned out. It's time to get out and enjoy the weather.
Are you interested in taking a trip to the area?
Without any doubt, you will enjoy your trip to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Where else can you find more than 1,700 acres of California's land mass covered by the official flower?
The golden poppy is on display in season each spring. What you may want to know about is that the park has eight miles of trails. So if you feel like working out, you will be able to do so right there. While you are there, make sure to drop by the visitor center which has natural history displays and watercolor paintings by Jane Pinheiro. Park officials will tell you more about this great lady who was a leader in the efforts to preserve the reserve.The State Reserve is established to protect and perpetuate outstanding displays of native wildflowers, particularly the California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica, the state flower. Other wildflowers share the desert grassland to produce a mosaic of color and fragrance each spring.
How to get there
Directions: The reserve is located 15 miles west of Highway 14 near the town of Lancaster. The visitor center is located on Lancaster Road (Avenue I.)
Testimonials
I have traveled a lot, but I have never seen anything like that. Something so wild, yet so beautiful! Once in a while, it's worth taking the time to enjoy what's available to us, for free all around us. We don't have to pay a cent to enjoy this natural museum.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: March-May
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Wildlife
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Epinions.com ID:
charles
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 - Top 100 |
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Location: CA, USA
Reviews written: 1079
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