Poppies and lupines at Monte Bello
(See more pictures in our Blooming Plants Photo Gallery)

In some areas, wildflowers are blooming more profusely as a result of the District’s resource conservation efforts, aimed to ensure long-term protection of natural and cultural resources on District preserves. Prescribed burns, like the one implemented at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in July 2007, help control non-native invasive species and enhance the natural values of the Preserve’s environment.

Featured Preserve: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
• Ancient Oaks Trail: redmaids (Calandrinia ciliata), milkmaids (Cardamine californica), hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum grande), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare).
• Other sightings: blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), gray mule ears (Wyethia helenioides), hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), California buttercup (Ranunculus californicus), checkerbloom aka wild hollyhock aka checker mallow (Sidalcea malviflora), viola aka Johnny Jump Ups (Viola pendunculata), filaree (Erodium)

Wildflower Sightings Elsewhere

St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve
• buckbrush, shooting stars, checker lilies, fremont lily, hound's tongue, Indian warriors.