You've probably experienced some oohs and aahs just driving down the road this month: The wildflower season is upon us, and it's shaping up to be one of the best in years.
Already, yellow streaks of field mustard are splashed across the velvet-green hills of the Coast Range, while daffodils by the dozens of dozens are blooming at perennial haunts like Daffodil Hill. Thanks to Caltrans, you don't even have to leave Sacramento to enjoy the poppies popping up alongside many highways.
And the best shows are yet to come as dozens of other species spread their petals to the sun in late March and April.
"It's not going to be the best year ever, but it's certainly better than last year," said Glen Holstein, a botanist for the Sacramento chapter of the California Native Plant Society.
Ample winter rains have helped, but precipitation isn't all that matters when it comes to a profuse season for blooms. The best-case scenario for wildflower germination is a dryish December and January followed by late spring rains, Holstein said. "We didn't get that, but we're at 120 percent of normal for rainfall, and that helps."
Last weekend's scattered rain showers should help extend the season, and additional showers would help even more.
"If we get some good rain and it doesn't turn up to 85 degrees, the bloom should last well into April, maybe into May," said Kate Mawdsley, a docent with the Jepson Prairie Preserve.
The season may be short, but there are myriad ways to enjoy it – none better, perhaps, than in the company of a naturalist who can make secrets of the plant world come alive. Below are a dozen suggestions for places to go and wildflower-related things to do in our region.
Jepson Prairie Preserve
What: A 1,500-acre preserve containing one of the last remaining stretches of virgin bunch grass prairie and one of the biggest vernal pools in the state. The landscape is renowned for teeny plants that survive winter flooding to flower en masse in spring, and for its rare and endangered aquatic creatures.
Tours: 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays through May 11; $2 donation. Visitors who come at other times can pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the trailhead.
Where: Go west on Interstate 80, exit on Highway 113 south at Dixon. After about 12 miles, 113 turns east at an overhead warning light. Instead of turning with the highway, go straight onto the gravel road (Cook Lane), cross the railroad tracks and continue to the parking area near the eucalyptus trees on the left.
Information: Teri Engbring, (707) 432-0150, Ext. 200; nrs.ucdavis.edu/jepson.html
Setting it straight: In a story on Page M1 of last week's Travel section, there was incorrect information about the times for guided wildflower tours and the donation amount requested to help support the venue, Jepson Prairie Preserve. The tours, which are two-hour wildflower walks, are at 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sunday through May 11 (Mother's Day). There are no 12:30 p.m. tours. A donation of $2 is requested. For details and directions: www.solanolandtrust.org/a_e_jepsonPrairie.php or call Teri Engbring, (707) 432-0150.
Wildflower train excursions
What: Scenic Limited excursion trains operated by the Western Railway Museum run through the Jepson Prairie and Montezuma Hills toward Mount Diablo. The 10-mile round trip on the historic main line of the Sacramento Northern Railway lasts about an hour. Passengers also can explore the museum's exhibits and are welcome to picnic on the grounds.
When: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in April at 11 a.m. and 12:30 and 2 p.m.
How much: $10 general, $9 ages 65 and older, $7 ages 2-14; includes museum admission and train ride. First-class service $5 extra.
Where: 5848 Highway 12, about 12 miles east of Interstate 80.
Information: (707) 374-2978; www.wrm.org
Railtown 1897 wildflower trains
What: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, a sister institution to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, showcases historic locomotives and cars that have starred in film and TV productions. Wildflower trains departing at 4:30 p.m. April 19 and May 3 will be staffed by interpretive park rangers from the New Melones Recreation Resource Center. Before boarding, passengers can familiarize themselves with wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada foothills. A stop will be made en route to allow guests to spread wildflower seeds beside the tracks.
Call Bee travel editor Janet Fullwood, (916) 321-1148. Back columns: www.sacbee.com/ fullwood. For more travel and outdoor news, check out the blog sacbee.com/goingplaces.
