| LANCASTER, Calif., – California State Parks is hosting a media day, Tuesday, March 26, at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (Poppy Reserve) to inform the public how to view wildflower blooms in a safe and responsible manner. California Poppies as well as a rainbow of other flowers are already adorning the hills of the Poppy Reserve and thousands of visitors are expected to explore the park.
WHAT: Wildflower Bloom Preview
WHEN: Tuesday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Reporters interested in attending must RSVP for directions. Please RSVP to Jorge Moreno at Jorge.Moreno@parks.ca.gov by COB this Friday, March 22.
WHO: Rangers and Interpreters from Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
VISUALS:
- Wildflowers: California poppies, Joshua trees, lupine, red maids, gilia, fiddleneck, forget-me-nots, phacelia, blue dicks, slender keeled fruit and filaree flowers.
- Tour: Opportunity to visit other nearby state parks.
Below are some tips and park rules to make viewing California’s wildflower blooms more enjoyable:
- Each park has unique landscapes. Stay on designated trails whenever possible. Do not trample flowers. Tread lightly in the desert.
- When viewing the blooms, take only pictures. Flower picking is prohibited.
- Visit the parks during the week and arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Cell coverage can be spotty or nonexistent in some parks – be prepared.
- Read about your state park destination online and download a map prior to your visit, especially if you are visiting a desert. Many GPS and map apps will default to remote dirt roads requiring 4-wheel drive vehicles.
- Check weather conditions. Be prepared and plan for all types of weather.
- Bring plenty of food and water. There are often no restaurants, gasoline stations or stores near the bloom areas.
- Outdoor conditions can change quickly, especially in the desert. Bring sunscreen, a hat, layers of clothing and closed-toed shoes to avoid injury.
- Leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member or friend with information such as time of departure and expected return, site visit location, and names of everyone in your group. This will ensure law enforcement personnel have a better understanding of your location in the event of a rescue.
- Dogs are not allowed at the park; only trained service animals are allowed on trails.
Near the Poppy Reserve, there are other state parks within an hour driving distance to also view wildflower blooms and for other recreational opportunities. These destinations include Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodlands (8 minutes), Fort Tejon (40 minutes), Saddleback Butte (45 minutes), Red Rock Canyon (1 hour) state parks, as well as Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (35 minutes).
California State Parks encourages the public to explore all of the recreational activities available at the parks, such as wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, biking and interpretive programs for adults and children. For specific park information on these activities, wildflower blooms, maps and road conditions, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/WildflowerBloom.
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