Poppy Reserve Interpretive Center Opening
for 2016 Wildflower Season
Beginning Saturday March 5th, the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve will be open daily from 10 am – 4 pm weekdays and 9 am – 5 pm weekends. Closing date will be determined later in the season. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with 8 miles of peaceful hiking trails, a picnic area, and beautiful vistas.
The visitor center, staffed by volunteers, offers wildlife and wildflower displays, a gallery of Jane S. Pinheiro’s detailed watercolor paintings, an orientation video, and gift shop featuring unique wildflower-themed items. Guided tours about the wildflowers and cultural history of the reserve will be offered.
It is still too early to accurately predict this year’s bloom; winter rains germinated poppy seedlings but many were subsequently lost in the freezes. El Nino rains are expected which could make this a great bloom year, but Mother Nature is always unpredictable. Beginning in February, visitor information, wildflower updates and photos will be posted regularly throughout the season at www.parks.ca.gov, www.Facebook.com/PoppyReserve, or call (661) 724-1180 for recorded updates. Please note, dogs are not allowed beyond the parking lot, with the exception of trained service animals. Visitors must stay on trails and may not pick any wildflowers.
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is located at 15101 Lancaster Road. From Hwy 14, go 15 miles west off Avenue I exit. Avenue I becomes Lancaster Rd., reserve is on the right. From Hwy 138, go south on 170th Street West and turn left at the end onto Lancaster Road. The Reserve is on the left.