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Time's a wastin'!

The wildflowers were glorious on Sat., April 5, on the Carrizo Plain National Monument, only a 90-minute drive from Bakersfield!

Many folks aren't aware that we have a monument in our back yard. Clinton's Presidential Proclamation established it in 1991. It encompasses about 250,000 acres of grassland between here and the coast.

The monument has marvelous attractions: An up-close-and-personal view of the San Andreas Fault; two campgrounds plus other areas for dispersed camping; wildlife to view, including some endangered species; exhibits about ranch life in bygone times; Soda Lake, which has no outlet to the sea; and guided trails to an overlook of the monument and along the edge of Soda Lake. There are guided tours (by reservation only — 805.475.2131) to an archeology site, Painted Rock, on Saturdays.

The Guy S. Goodwin Education Center is packed with information and interactive displays about geology, wildlife, plants, and ecology, and it has mounted specimens of the California condor, a Sandhill crane and several other species. There is a botanical garden of native plants outside the center. The center also has a small museum store with books, cards, and caps for sale.  

This year the wildflowers are wonderful. The bloom was good two weeks ago and very good last week. They won't last long!

For further information, please call BLM at 661.391.6088 or the education center at 805.475.2131. The education center is open Thurs. - Sun. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 31.  

There is no admission fee to the Monument, but please be prepared. Have a full gas tank, food, water, sun protection, and a warm jacket when you come, because the nearest services are in Taft or Buttonwillow, some 50 miles away.

Hope to see you on the Monument soon!

Nancy Ryan
Friends of the Carrizo Plain