CSERC: Spring wildflowers provide colorful, dazzling displays

From hillsides above New Melones reservoir south to the Merced River canyon (and many places in between), brilliant blankets of colorful wildflowers made this spring one of the most spectacular in recent years.

Poppies drew a lot of attention, but many other species of wildflowers also grew abundantly in the foothills due to the consistent rain events that kept them from drying prematurely. Recent rains bode well for wildflowers across the lower mountains, as well.

As the snow recedes and spring warmth pushes higher into the mountains, the wave of spring growth slowly sweeps up the slopes. Even as the foothills dry and their first pulse of flowers fade, new colors emerge to add to the beauty of the season.