LP Trail Talk Series & Wildflowers

LPFA TRAIL TALK SERIES

    Got plans for April 19?  You do now……  Headed up by Super Volunteer Scott Kipp, the LPFA has been working on lining up a series of talks, films and presentations focused on the Los Padres Forest and all the great recreational activities we enjoy in the Los Padres.  Our first event is Tuesday April 19 at the Veterans Memorial Hall in downtown Santa Barbara.

Headlining the event will be a presentation by James Wapotich on backpacking the trails within the SB wilderness areas.  If you haven’t heard/seen James talk, you gotta make it.  Not only are his stories a lot of fun but the photos will make you want to get out on the trail – they are fantastic!

In addition to James, we’ll have complimentary malty/hoppy/fermented beverages to quench your thirst and enough social time bookending the presentation to pick peoples brains about the best locations across the forest.  We’ll also have a few smaller presentations mixed in to provide volunteer opportunity updates and other fun forest stuff.

The event is FREE for LPFA members or $10 for non-members.  All proceeds from the event will go to the LPFA Trail Care program, which is used to purchase food and trail tools for our volunteer projects.  Space is limited so get your tickets while you can!  Click here for tickets or email INFO@LPForest.org for more information or questions.   See you there…..!

Loma Pelona, not so bald at the moment, April 2016 – photo Humphrey

WILDFLOWERS

Spring 2016 has shaped up to be one of the most spectacular wildflower seasons in recent memory.  The hills across the Los Padres are dotted with purples, golds, oranges, pinks, reds, whites and just about every other color you can imagine.  Quite spectacular this year.  Figueroa Mountain continues to hold the top billing with a poppy display you can see for dozens of miles in all directions.  We heard reports last weekend of literal traffic jams of people making the pilgrimage up to Fig Mtn.  While the poppies/lupines on that side of the SY Valley are terrific, there are many many other lesser known locations across the forest that are bursting with colors as well.  Get out there and explore!

Colorful Zaca Lake Flanks, look at Bald Mtn! – photo John Wiley

We do have rain in the forecast for the next week so it’s possible the flowers might stick around a little longer this year as well.  If you haven’t gone to see the flowers, make a point of doing it this year.  No matter if you drive hours to that secret western facing slope or simply hit your favorite trail, no doubt you’ll be in for a fantastic wildflower display.  Go get it!