There’s been a significant amount of rain and the temps have been cool until the last few days. The blooms are still coming! One significant change is that the meadows, hills, and mountains are green again. Once there is some warm weather, the wildflowers will be bursting but for now they are slowly peaking through the grasses.
Even today, there are 2 wildflowers that I have never encountered before. Each time I hike, I get to discover more of the beautiful native plants in my neck of the woods.
Today I had the most honored privilege of meeting a wild horny toad. This was a very special moment for me and I shouted for joy when I saw a large horny toad scurry into a plant to get out of my way. It is so important to be aware of your surrounding when you hike because your steps could harm a little friend. These little guys and other fragile creatures need our protection, which is why it is necessary to leave the dogs at home and keep dogs off the trails.
I will only post pictures of CA native plants. There are a lot of other plants blooming right now but they are invasive. I have several from today that I would have posted. Check back at the end of the week because I have another hike planned.
Miniature lupine or Lupinous bicolor
Miniature lupine or Lupinous bicolor
Black sage or Salvia mellifera
Black sage or Salvia mellifera
Sand Surrey or Spergularia atrosperma
Red maid or Calandrinia ciliata
Foothill snowdrops or Plagiobothrys nothofuvuls
Gray Buckeye butterfly or Junonia Grisea
CA horned lizard or horny toad
CA horned lizard or horny toad
Please go out into the wilderness and enjoy the amazement and beauty that we are so fortunate to exist with. I truly hope that everyone is able to connect to nature. It is a love like none other.
If you’re out on the trails or outdoors, please leave no trace and keep the wilderness pristine.