"NATURE'S SHOW - Poppies bloom at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve west of Lancaster. The reserve opened for full operation March 5, the earliest opening since 1976." ROB LAYMAN Valley Press
Posted on 03/12/2005 9:46:12 AM PST by BenLurkin
LANCASTER - The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is open and ready for visitors. State park officials opened the reserve on March 5, the earliest it has opened for full operation since 1976.
"All kinds of people are coming," said Judy Elgin, a senior park aide with Mojave Desert State Parks.
This year's California poppy crop is especially big and bright, a result perhaps of the blossoms receiving more nutrients that allow them to grow better, Elgin added.
In addition, many other wildflowers are in bloom such as owl's clover, lupines and cream cups. Wildflower displays are expected to peak later this month.
The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
The 1,745-acre state reserve, nestled in the Antelope Buttes 15 miles west of Lancaster, is on California's most consistent poppy-bearing land.
To reach the Reserve, go north on the 14 Freeway to the Avenue I exit and go west to about 150th Street West. Parking is limited on weekends so visitors are advised to come early in the day. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking fees are $5 per vehicle, $4 for seniors. Passenger buses are $30 for up to 24 persons and $60 for more than 24 persons.
"NATURE'S SHOW - Poppies bloom at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve west of Lancaster. The reserve opened for full operation March 5, the earliest opening since 1976." ROB LAYMAN Valley Press
Aaaaarrrgggghhhh!
I'm sitting here watching the snow fall AGAIN in Massachusetts and you had to tease me with this?
Looks absolutely delightful.
The wild flowers are beautiful this year. However, watch for rattlesnakes-NOT Joking!
Including CO2.
By the way. Take the 14 to the avenue D offramp. Then go west about five to ten miles. One will find many square miles of flowers,no traffic and no fees.
Afghani warlords take note.
My thoughts exactly! :-(
The flying monkies can't be far behind.
A hill ablaze with puppies would do it for me too---wet,messy kisses and wagging tails.
Area around Pine Flat Reservoir and Kings River (Fresno area)has been gorgeous this year.
If it's any consolation, I wish WE had snow in Seattle...we are heading into a horrible drought...there is no snow in our mountains at all....
Thanks for the advice. I'm planning to drive out tomorrow, camera in hand. It sure is wonderful to see this desert blooming.
Poppies and other wildflowers aplenty in Arizona this year, too.
After years of trying to get some to grow from seed, I finally had some poppies two years ago. Then the durn rabbits ate them.
Hey Ben-lurkin, I won't be at the Poppy Festival this year but I wish all a great Show at this years "POPPY FESTIVAL" at Lancaster Ca.
Uncle George
cool.......used to live in Victorville several years ago and went to see the poppies all the time.......they are also a plenty up in Nor Cal as well.....
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