All articles tagged with #wildflowers
Australian scientists discovered a new native bee species with devil-like horns, named Lucifer, found in Western Australia's Bremer Ranges. The female bee's horns may serve various functions, and the discovery highlights the need for habitat protection and better understanding of native pollinators to prevent the loss of endangered plants and ecosystems.
A study from Warsaw University, published in Ecological Entomology, reveals that small urban wildflower patches can support pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hoverflies as effectively as natural meadows. Despite fewer butterflies in urban areas, the diversity of species remains comparable, suggesting that urban wildflower meadows can help mitigate insect decline and enhance biodiversity in cities.
Colorado's wildflower season offers a stunning display of colorful blooms, with peak viewing times varying by location and elevation. Tips for a successful viewing experience include going to the right place at the right time, identifying the flowers, respecting the environment, being prepared for changing weather, and taking the time to observe and appreciate the diverse array of wildflowers.
California is gearing up for a spectacular spring superbloom, with wildflowers beginning to bloom in low elevation deserts and expected to reach their peak in April. The wet winter has set the stage for a potentially brilliant display of vivid purples, yellows, greens, and whites in parks like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Chino Hills State Park. However, the wildflowers are sensitive to weather conditions, and heavy rain or extreme heat could pose challenges. Climate change also presents long-term threats to the delicate balance of these natural ecosystems, making conservation efforts crucial to preserving the beauty of the wildflowers for future generations.
Jonathan Yacko and Natalie Gilliard transformed their lawn into a vibrant meadow by planting wildflowers in Chittenden, Vermont. The couple, who moved to the area during the pandemic, found joy in watching the flowers bloom and attracting bees and butterflies. The meadow also became a focal point for community engagement, with neighbors expressing their appreciation and strangers stopping by to admire the colorful display. Yacko and Gilliard's initiative not only beautified their surroundings but also fostered a sense of belonging and connection within their small town.
Botanist Naomi Fraga is on a mission to find rare wildflowers in California that have been lying dormant for years. This spring's wet weather has provided an opportunity to document the existence of rare plant species so that they might be saved from the brink of extinction. Fraga and other rare-plant biologists are in a race to find wildflowers before they disappear again. The botanists' ultimate goal is to secure endangered or rare species designations for the most threatened plants.
The University of Florida is awarding Tom Petty an honorary Doctor of Music degree posthumously for his contributions to music. The university is also partnering with Petty’s estate on the Tom Petty Endowment for Guitars & Innovation, benefitting its School of Music’s Guitar and new Music Business & Entrepreneurship programs. Petty’s estate donated $100,000 to the new endowment. The Cade Museum in Petty’s hometown of Gainesville, Florida, will celebrate Petty’s doctorate by screening the 2021 documentary Tom Petty: Somewhere You Feel Free on Thursday.
California is experiencing a superbloom after one of the wettest winters on record, with hillsides exploding with color and wildflowers visible from space. While the spectacle draws visitors, parks are urging people to stay on designated trails and take only photos, not flowers, to avoid damaging the delicate blooms. The superbloom is expected to last until early May and will be good to better-than-average depending on location, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
An unusually wet winter in the US West has led to a "Superbloom" of wildflowers across California and Arizona. The colorful flowers, which are no bigger than a few inches, are expected to bloom well into May. Experts say Superblooms often follow wet winters, and this year's is particularly widespread and spectacular. Visitors have been flocking to see the burst of orange and yellow flowers, but experts ask people to not trample the flowers and to be mindful of the environment.
California's desert hills are experiencing a historic superbloom of wildflowers this spring due to the winter's heavy rainfall. The hills are covered in vibrant blossoming flowers, attracting tourists to capture the perfect spring moment. California's biologically diverse landscapes are home to more than 7,000 species of native plants, including the California poppy, the official state flower. The California Parks Department provides a daily updated list of where to witness these super blooms during the peak season.
California's super bloom of wildflowers, following historic rains that ended the state's three-year drought, has been captured in satellite images released by Maxar Technologies and NASA. The images show a flood of vibrant orange, yellow, and green covering parts of Palmdale, Santa Margarita, and Carrizo Plain National Monument. The state went from the three driest years on record to the three wettest weeks on record when it was catapulted into its rainy season in January, according to Karla Nemeth, director of California Department of Water Resources.
Historic rains in California during the winter months have led to a vibrant super bloom of wildflowers across the state, visible even from space. NASA recently released satellite images of the super bloom at Carrizo Plain National Monument, showing the open grassland dense with super blooms in hues of purple and yellow. Super blooms happen about once in a decade in a given area in California, but 2017 and 2019 proved that the phenomenon could happen at any time, and it's happening now.
Heavy winter snow and rain have caused wildflower "super blooms" in the West, with brilliant orange blooms bursting in fields of poppies near Los Angeles. Visitors can head to a number of parks this year to snap photos of the wildflower blooms, with the help of state websites that show where strong blooms are underway. Both California and Arizona provide updated wildflower reports for their state parks.
California is experiencing a rare "superbloom" of wildflowers due to a particularly wet past few months. Superblooms occur in a wet year that's come after several drier years, because wildflower seeds are waiting around in the ground for the right conditions to bloom. The California Department of Parks and Recreation expects this year's wildflower blooms to range from "good" to "better-than-average." Officials recommend those who venture into superbloom territory should check the forecast before they go, know their body's limits and respect the natural landscapes.
Northern California is on the verge of a superbloom, with wildflowers exploding in vibrant displays across the state. The California Department of Parks and Recreation is encouraging people to enjoy the kaleidoscopic show but reminding the public to stay on trails, not go onto private property, block roads or illegally park. Several places across the state are recommended to see the superbloom, including Mount Tamalpais State Park, China Camp State Park, Trione-Annadel State Park, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.