Happy Easter and Happy Spring. I feel almost guilty writing this since I know there have been flood, storms, and snow covering most of our nation but here today in Los Angeles it was 90 degrees and sunny! Frankly it was almost too hot for me this early in the year.

But spring is here and this week takes us north of Los angeles a bit to the Antelope Poppy Reserve where it was a tad cooler and windy!

Californias Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is truly one of the Golden States most unique state parks. Located in the western Antelope Valley, the Poppy Reserve is dedicated to preserving the states famed species of poppythe California poppy. The state flower of California grows unrestrained in 1745 acre state park. The park does not water the poppies or provide any other maintenance to ensure the field is totally natural. Sheep used to graze amidst the poppies, however in the early 1970s the park relocated the flock, since the California poppy prefers to grow in an undisturbed environment. The only proactive means the Poppy Reserve has taken is performing prescribed burns. This action is performed in hopes to prevent devastating wild fires.

The Antelope Valley was named when the area was wild and teemed with wildlife. The area was once home to pronghorn before the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s. California poppies were native to the area, which at 2600 to 3000 feet in elevation, is considered the high desert. This is the condition is perfect for the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), an annual or perennial flowering plant that is drought tolerate and fond of arid environments. Unlike the famous poppies of Flanders Field, California poppies feature compact flowers that are bell-shaped. The vibrant orange blooms close each night promptly at dusk and are popular for the art of pressing flowers. The poppys foliage runs fairly tall and is a lovely shade of grey green foliage with leaves resembling that of a fern.

The California poppy was dubbed copa de oro, meaning cup of gold by Spanish explorers due to the color of the blooms as the summer progresses. Another common name for the poppy was dormidera, meaning the drowsy one due to the nighttime closing blooms. This name was also given to the California poppy by Spanish explorers. Native Americans had several legends involving the California poppy, with the most famous one involved the infamous gold rush. In addition to providing nicknamed for the California poppies, the Spanish brewed a concoction using poppy leaves mixed with olive oil and perfume to make a hair potion. The Native Americans living in the area put their stamp on the California poppy. Due to the orange-gold coloration of California poppys blooms, the Native Americans tell a legend of how the gold was deposited in the earth from the golden flowers of the poppy after the plant sheds its blooms. In addition to legends, Native Americans ate the leaves of the poppy as a vegetable and used other parts of the California poppy were used to relieve aches and pains. The California poppy was adopted as Californias state flower by the California State Floral Society in 1890. Another poppy, the Matilija poppy, was in the running for the title of state flower

Since the California poppy is the state flower, the legislature has protected the plant. It is illegal to pick, destroy, or dig up a California poppy. Any person caught picking, destroying, or digging up a California poppy runs the risk of being fined for breaking the law. If you are interested in obtaining the California poppy, you should purchase seeds from your local nursery and grow your own. The California poppy is an excellent addition to any garden, but remember to only plant the flower in a climate where it will thrive and bloom.

The California Poppy can be seen all over the state in fact there are some in my neighborhood. But the preserve is like a sea of golden flowers.

Although the wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through mid-May, the park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.  Fall is also a pleasant time to visit, as the days are normally warm with milder winds.  Eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills make the park a wonderful place to hike and explore any season.  Get away from the city and relax in the quietude of the countryside, with only the birds singing and hawks gliding silently overhead.  Shaded picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with an interpretive display and a serene view over the valley to the San Gabriel Mountains.  The flowers are just beginning to peak and there will be a Poppy Festival April 19^th and 20^th.

Aside from the fields of poppies is the wildlife. The wildlife is returning- gliding hawks, singing meadow larks, and lizards zipping across the trail.  Lizards coming out also means rattlesnakes are coming out, so stay on the trail!  The natural spring on the North Poppy Trail is running again with rabbit brush coming back around it, which makes it a good place to sit quietly and watch for wildlife.

There are plenty of hiking trails with fanatastic views. There is also the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center, offering a short video, wildlife and plant displays and gift shop, is open daily for the wildflower season. 

Be prepared for wicked strong winds and bring sunblock!  The desert temperatures can vary widely and change suddenly, so bring layers for unpredicted changes in weather.  There could be very high numbers of the infamous Mojave Green rattlesnakes.

While visiting the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, you can also visit the Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park located seven miles west of the Poppy Reserve just past 210th Street East.  Here you will see a native Joshua Tree and Juniper woodland, one of the few left of this habitat which once spread across the Antelope Valley. In favorable conditions, Joshua Trees bloom with soft white artichoke-shaped flowers. There is a short self-guided nature trail located at the park and information panels about the woodland, and it's a haven for local wildlife so keep your camera ready.  Admission is free and dogs are allowed on-leash.  Watch for the sign on Lancaster Road and park along the fenceline; the pedestrian walk-through is adjacent to the locked vehicle gate on the north side of the road.

With spring here, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve and the surrounding area is a great day trip from the Los Angeles Area. This time of year, the flowers are in full bloom, the wild life is returning and the desert climate is refreshing.