ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, Calif.—Contrasting with puffy white clouds and blue skies, a sea of wildflowers colorized the dirt desert landscape with yellows, purples, and whites on March 20 along Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s northern boundary in San Diego County.
“The 3 1/2 hour drive we made here today was well worth it. These flowers are stunning,” a young couple from Los Angeles told The Epoch Times.
According to California State Park officials, wildflower blooms are to be expected after a series of heavy rainstorms that hit the state in winter months.
In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the wildflower bloom has been “good” to “better than average” for California’s arid desert regions.
“Wildflower blooms vary from year to year based on multiple factors. Precipitation levels, the timing of that precipitation, amount of sunlight, humidity levels, and seasonal temperature patterns can all affect both the bloom timing and number of flowers seen across the region,” California State Parks spokesman Jorge Moreno told The Epoch Times.
“At Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the park is already seeing blooms in certain areas that were not blooming last year, [and] the continued weather will be key in how long the blooms will last.”
Arriving just before sunset, one family of three who made the drive from Orange County to see the wildflower bloom at the park’s Henderson Canyon area pulled to the side of the road then excitedly scanned their surroundings to see thousands of flowers.
As they carefully hiked the desert landscape to not trample on the desert primrose, sand verbena, and desert sunflowers, a patch of flora caught the mother and son’s attention while the father lingered back to watch their enjoyment.
“It’s good to see how beautiful nature is ... it’s important for the soul,” Raj Gupta told The Epoch Times while watching over his family.
“We wanted to see the flowers before heading up to the mountains for a few days, and I am really glad we did.”
Other families arrived shortly before the Guptas in vehicles ranging from motorcycles to customized camper vans to large recreational vehicles, which offloaded a group of elderly people holding cameras.
“I’m excited to try this out finally,” California resident Chris Stevens told The Epoch Times while turning on his camera. “This area is apparently the hotspot for the flowers.”
According to the California Department of Fish and Game, humans have not been the only species attracted to the wildflowers since the flower blooms began to appear in February.
After a population decline in recent years throughout California, several species of bumblebee have begun to make their return as they forage for nectar and pollen in California’s wildflower blooms.
“Bumblebees are one of our most noticeable insects visiting California wildflowers throughout the state,” California Department of Fish and Game spokesman Tim Daly told The Epoch Times.
“During the spring wildflower season, especially in super bloom years, plants become a keystone part of the ecosystem supporting wildlife up the food chain.”
According to Mr. Daly, about 50 species of bumblebees exist throughout North America, with half of those species found in California.
In recent years, six of these bumblebee species came into consideration as “species of greatest conservation need” because of an onslaught of habitat conversion, pesticide use, and non-native species, he said.
“Bumblebees are dependent on flowers for the nectar and pollen, and they are among the most important pollinators of native plants and agricultural crops,” Mr. Daly said.
“Flowers produce pollen and nectar, which attract and sustain the state’s pollinators, and the vegetation and seeds from plants provide shelter and food for small mammals and birds.”
As spring progresses in Southern California, weather conditions create the possibility of additional wildflower blooms outside of Anza-Borrego Desert, including Chino Hills State Park, the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, and even the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, where rangers have reported blooms of flowers such as verbena, primrose, and Spanish needles.
Visitors are asked to remain on labeled state park trails and to take only photos, not flowers, from bloom areas.
“We advise to understand the area they plan to visit as cellphone coverage can be spotty, read about the park before heading out, know your vehicle limits, check weather conditions, and take plenty of water and snacks,” Mr. Moreno, the California State Parks spokesman, told The Epoch Times.
“This year’s bloom is expected to be an impressive one.”
