A seagull flies over the California Coastal National Monument which stretches along the entire coast of California and extends 12 miles into the Pacific Ocean.  The Monument includes 20,000 rocks, islands, pinnacles and reefs.
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Wagon wheel in the Carrizo Plain National Monument Three Pump Jacks, Midway-Sunset Oilfield Painted Rock. Carrizo Plain National Monument. Wild Horses Piedras Blancas Lightstation, San Simeon
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Bakersfield Field Office

Wildflowers and Sightseeing

Birding/Ethics/Hiking & Biking/Horseback Riding/ Hunting/Tours/ Wildflowers

2009 WILDFLOWER STATUS

May 13, 2009.  The last of the wildflower blooms on the Monument have faded with the arrival of higher temperatures.


Beginning March 6th check  http://www.theodorepayne.org/hotline.html for updates on whether the flowers have started to bloom.  Mid March to mid April is the usual time frame for wildflower season, but it is dependent on the weather and varies from season to season.  Also beginning in March check this page for more information.

There are many factors, including temperature, rainfall and the timing of the two that determine which flowers bloom and their distribution in any given season. Every year is not spectacular and only a few flowers may prevail in some years.


Carrizo Wildflowers 30 Mar 2009
Wildflowers March 30, 2009


TOURS

The Goodwin Education Center offers weekend tours during April and May to Soda Lake and Painted Rock, allowing the visitor to learn about wildflowers and other fascinating features on the Carrizo Plain.  Please call in advance (805-475-2131) for reservations as space is limited. For sightseeing on your own, please be aware that most roads are unpaved and automotive services (including gas), are a long distance away. Also be aware of natural dangers such as rattlesnakes which are commonly found on the Carrizo Plain and as always, take only pictures and leave only footprints. Painted Rock is closed until July 15, 2009, except by reservation.

El Saucito Ranch Tour

The historic El Saucito Ranch will be open four tours this season: April 5, 19 and May 3. Learn about pioneer settlement and agricultural history on the Carrizo Plain.

On this tour you will visit the oldest standing ranch house on the monument representative of the pioneer period settlement. The ranch headquarters includes a ranch house, post office, generator building, work shop, corral, hired hands house, and a hay barn. Call 805-475-2131) for reservations.

WILDFLOWER & PLANT INFORMATION

A preliminary list of plants found on the Carrizo Plain is available at this website. It may also be purchased at the Education Center.  The Education Center also has photographs of many of the wildflowers to help you answer "What kind of flower is that?"

Links

Carrizo Plain Plant List

Special Status Plants

Wildflower Photos Page 1
Wildflower Photos Page 2
Wildflower Photos Page 3
Wildflower Photos Page 4

Wildflower Hotline
http://www.theodorepayne.org/hotline.html