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2012 Ranger Cam

Welcome to Ranger Cam 2012, your source for updates on wildflower and cactus blooms at Arizona State Parks. State Park Rangers and volunteers use digital cameras to capture the weekly changes in the desert as the ground starts to warm and the flowers germinate. Check out upcoming activities on our Event Calendar.

Boyce Thomspon Arboretum State Park

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Mexican Gold Poppies (left) & Penstemon (right).

Blackfoot Daisies (left) & Phacelia (right).

Bladderpod (left) & Bluedicks (right).

Staff report few flowers, but an impressive hillsides of Gold Poppies on the west-faces of Peachville Mountain about five miles north of Superior. One charismatic, photogenic species endemic to the Arboretum is at peak this week -- as you walk the 'switchbacks' section of the main trail (below picket post mansion) look for trailside shrubs packed with white flowers. Crossosoma bigelovii, also known as Rhyolite Bush and Ragged Rock Flower. Other native shrubs in full bloom on the Arboretum grounds include Jojoba, Mormon Tea and Tomatillo.

Volunteer Cass Blodgett will lead weekly wildflower walks at the Arboretum starting the first weekend of March; author Colleen Miniuk-Sperry will also lead morning and afternoon "where to find & how to photograph wildflowers" workshops March 3. For details http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/

Picacho Peak State Park

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

A view of a light carpeting of green across the desert floor & mountain slopes (left) & a close up of a Mexican Gold Poppy (right).

A few scattered poppies in the low, wash areas of the desert at Picacho Peak SP. Mark your calendars for Civil War in the Southwest at this park on March 10 & 11.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Wedneday, January 25th, 2012

At the end of January, the Superstition Mountains were green. Check out the Hikes & Programs at this park.

Tips for Viewing Wildflowers

1. Research the areas you will be going before you leave to be sure the elevation is where the flowers are blooming. Different flowers bloom at different temperature and soil conditions. Flowers in sand dunes are much different than those in the mountains. Arizona Highways Magazine has an excellent "Desert Wildflower" book. This book also tells the rainfall patterns and temperatures that affect wildflower blooms.
2. Bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch.
3. Bring a camera and lots of film. A magnifying glass will let you see the flowers up close.
4. Don't touch or pick flowers, buds or seed plants. Don't step on the green plants.
5. Be in the desert on a sunny day between 10-3:00 if you want to see poppies when they are open and the most beautiful. On cold or windy the flowers will close.
6. Don't stop on the freeway or park on the side of roads to take pictures.
7. Never touch any type of cactus. The tiny spines you can't see embed themselves in your skin.
8. Watch for the wildflower pollinators: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, ants, bats, and beetles.
9. People with allergies should be aware that the pollen could cause an allergic reaction.
10. Globemallow are pretty but also called "sore-eye poppies" because if you touch your eyes after touching the flower the star shaped hairs will irritate your eyes.

Rules & Regulations about Native Plants

The Native Plant laws that protect plants everywhere in Arizona require that you not harm the plants. This includes digging them up, shooting them, stealing skeletons, collecting the seeds or picking the flowers. About 30 different plants and almost all cacti are on the Native Plant protected lists. There are civil penalties and fines ranging up to $2500 and 6 months in jail for violating these laws. In State and National Parks the laws are even more specific. You can't collect plants, harm plants or animals, pick up any type of plant skeletons, collect wood, or pick up archaeological or historical objects or even take rocks from the Parks.

Past Ranger Cams

Check out the 2011 Ranger Cam
Check out the 2010 Ranger Cam
Check out the 2009 Ranger Cam
Check out the 2008 Ranger Cam

To take your own photographs, rangers recommend a piece of black velvet for photo backgrounds. Wildflower books are available with brochures and maps in rural areas at all the State Parks. For more information on Arizona’s State Parks’ wildflowers call the hotline at (602) 542-4988 or track the blooms on the RANGER CAM at AZStateParks.com/rangercam.