![Sometimes it's nice to know something about a flower other than it's a "lyf" (little yellow flower)](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large_lightbox/hash/36/e5/36e51f2597a9c86d287dc43c468b6e1a.jpg "Sometimes it's nice to know something about a flower other than it's a "lyf" (little yellow flower)")
With a wonderful stretch of warm weather ahead, it's prime time for hiking and discovering wildflowers. However, do you ever find, as I do, that it's difficult to identify those perky white flowers? Do you have problems getting beyond calling those unknown blossoms "lwf's" (little white flowers)?
Here are a couple of upcoming hikes in eastern Contra Costa County where experts can not only help you identify the plants you find, but also help you learn more about plant adaptations and other secrets. The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association is leading these wildflower-oriented hikes in May.
The first, Wildflowers at the Summit is on Saturday, May 8, 2010, with leaders Yulan Tong and Sue Donecker (925) 673-3356, taking hikers on an easy, short, and fairly level hike around Mt. Diablo State Park's summit. Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm.
To join in, meet at the Overflow Parking Lot below the summit. The hike is free of charge, but the entrance fee to Mt. Diablo State Park is $10 per car/$9 senior (62 and older) per car. Reservations are not required.. Heavy rain cancels. Restroom available.
On Sunday, May 16, there will be a nature walk starting from Mt. Diablo State Park's Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center (in Mount Diablo State Park at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. Leader Phil will help you explore a trail from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (longer if group wishes). Heavy rain cancels. No registration required. All ages welcome. Entrance fee for Mitchell Canyon is $6 per car/$5 senior (62 and older) per car.
Mt. Diablo information including maps, fees, hours:
After your walk, you can explore the museum or visitor center near your starting point. The Summit Museum is open 10 AM to 4 PM. It's in an historic stone building where you can literally stand atop the highest rocky point of Mt. Diablo. You can view the museum's many displays of the cultural and natural history of the park, and on a clear day, enjoy views as far as the Sierra Nevada. Call the park at 925-837-2525 to confirm that both the park and museum are open and verify hours of operation. Visitor Center telephone 925-837-6119.
Those hiking in Mitchell Canyon can continue their outing with time spent in the new Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. The center has displays and materials about the geology, the flora and fauna of Mt. Diablo State Park. Postcards, maps, and water are available for purchase, and a docent is there to answer questions. The Visitor Center is currently open Saturdays and Sundays and some holidays 8 AM to 4 PM during spring and summer months and 9 AM to 3 PM. during fall and winter months.
More hikes and events can be found at Save Mt. Diablo http://www.savemountdiablo.org/home.htm
Comments
I love those nature walks! Thanks for an informative piece.S
Even though I have allergies, I still love to see the bloom of wildflowers.
Even though I have allergies, I still love to see the bloom of wildflowers.
Well, Ed, I hope you can at least enjoy the photos! Sheila, thanks for your supportive comments.
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