Spring is here and after the heavy rains and warmer temperatures, wildflower watch 2019 is on!   Lake Elsinore's superbloom has already attracted national attention and large crowds, so much so that the area was briefly closed on March 17 for safety and traffic control.

Poppies and other flowers are blanketing the Antelope Valley's California Poppy Reserve.  When you go, be sure to stay on the official trails, as poppies are very sensitive to soil disruption.   Click HERE to visit the park's website for the latest bloom status.  

To learn more about where to see Southern California wildflowers, click HERE.  

If you live in West Los Angeles, you don't have to travel far to see wonderful wildflowers.  Why not take a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains and discover expanses of poppies, lupine, goldfields,  deep blue Parry's larkspur and pink owls clover .  C lick HERE  for the article by Suzanne Guldimann in the Topanga Mountain Messenger about flowers in the Woolsey Fire burn zone.  

You may also wish to join Botanist Doug Allan in Malibu Creek State Park on Sunday April 7th to learn about plant recovery after the fire.  This event is limited to 30 attendees, you must RSVP HERE if you wish to attend.

   

David Haake
Chair, West Los Angeles Group 
On the Bright Side!

Youth are taking action on Climate Change in a big way.  On March 15, students all over the world walked out of class and into the streets to demand action on the biggest threat of our time.  Inspired by the actions of Climate Activist Greta Thurberg, students the Youth Strike 4 Climate, was one of the largest climate demonstrations to date.  

To learn more about some of the activists involved, read here.

In summary, buy carbon offsets for your next flight!
POD SAVE US!

Check out Episode 5, "Drawdown" , The Overstory. In this episode, author-activist Paul Hawkins talks about his book of the same title and why he thinks global warming is more of a blessing than a curse.




Santa Monica Mountains Trail Days (pdf)(4/26/19-4/27/19)









  Heart and Soul of Cuba (11/15/19 - 11/23/19)








Channel Island Hopping (Assorted Dates)
M ake a Difference!

By now you've heard of the Superbloom; an annual abundance of wildflowers that occurs when Southern California has had sufficient rain.  The event draws crowds in the thousands.
However, the crowds themselves pose a danger to the wildflower population.  So before you venture out on a wildflower excursion, be sure to treat the wildflowers and trails  with the respect they deserve.

Unsure how to be a responsible flower observer?Find a helpful guide here.
Harwood Lodge

Did you know that the Sierra Club has a cabin in Angeles National Forest you can stay in? 
 
Harwood Lodge is available for weddings, events, or for guests who just want to spend a few days in the mountains. Click  here for more information!
Want to hear from us more than once a month?  Don't forget to follow us everywhere else we can be found!