10 signs of spring on the preserves
Category: Blog, Bohemia Ecological Preserve, Hidden Nature, LandPaths Preserves, Nature for All, Ocean Song, Rancho Mark West, Stewardship, TrekSonoma
By LandPaths Staff
March 24, 2021
After a difficult fall and winter, we are taking heart at the signs of spring proliferating across Sonoma County. Enjoy the following photos and observations from LandPaths’ staff, who’ve been out and about capturing the flowers that signal the start of a new season on the land!
Want to get out on the land to see these beauties for yourself? Be sure to check our Calendar of Outings for upcoming stewardship days and a chance to reweave your connection with our shared nature!
Wild Radish
“A beautiful Wild Radish flower standing in front of a patch of Field Calendulas at Ocean Song. You can see the wild radish flowers in pink in the background.” – Jesica Rodriguez, Bilingual Field Specialist
Wild Strawberry
A Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) opens up in the woodland forests of Ocean Song. An early bloomer, this flower appears as early as February. Small, red berries to follow in the warmer months! – Jesica Rodriguez
Sun Cup
“A native wildflower known as Sun Cup or Golden Eggs (Taraxia ovata) opens up to the afternoon sun at Bohemia Ecological Preserve.” – Jesica Rodriguez,
Slink Pod
“Growing under the redwood firs, the purple/brown spotted leaves of Slink Pod (Scoliopus bigelovii) began popping out from the forest floor at Bohemia Ecological Preserve. Even stranger looking then the spotted leaves, the brown and white striped flowers appear, giving off a rotten smell enjoyed by flies, ants, and gnats!” – Jesica Rodriguez
Wild Currant
“Wild Currant (Ribes sanguineum) flowers begin blooming in the shady riparian areas of the forest of Ocean Song. This year the plant has more light and room to grow, hopefully giving us and other animals more berries to snack on!” – Jesica Rodriguez, Bilingual Field Specialist
Douglas Iris
“Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana) found along the Beeman Loop at Ocean Song. Grass is green, color popping, and the sounds of pollinators buzzing is almost deafening in the garden. You can feel life pulse around you as you walk.” – Erin Mulligan, Acting Community Care Manager
Sword Ferns
“One of my favorite parts of Rancho Mark West is the hillside below Buzzard’s Roost. Before the Glass Fire, this hillside was covered in sword ferns growing in between towering redwoods and Douglass fir trees. This spot felt very ancient. The fire burned pretty hot at Rancho, but it is nice to see the ferns are coming back.” – Elias Lopez, Bilingual Stewardship Specialist
“Ceanothus, sun cups, and death camas – We saw all of these flowers during our Young Stewards program workday. Even though the sky was overcast and the day cold, the flowers brought a cheerfulness to the scenery and made us remember that warmer days are ahead.” – Erin Mulligan
