“Super bloom” could soon be upon us

A “super bloom” could soon be upon us. All the recent rain storms after a year of drought could bring another season full of wildflowers.

Visitors may be treated to a sea of purple and yellow all across the grounds of Anza Borrego Desert State Park in Borrego Springs.

“When word got out that spread like wildfire, people came from far and near to see the wildflowers,” said Terry Gerson, district services manager for Colorado Desert District.

It’s a beautiful and rare sight in the desert.

“In 2017, you have the photo opportunities that were unusual because we had fields of flowers and everywhere you look in the desert which is normally a little bit barren looking to someone that’s not used to the desert it was green and lush and colorful,” Gerson said.

Tourists and students alike are hoping for weeks of gorgeous wildflowers.

“We are cautiously optimistic about having a good flower year,” said Kathy Beach & Beth Salisbury, teachers at Amelia Earhart Elementary School in Indio.

Although the conditions seem favorable to have a super bloom this year, there are no guarantees. A lot of factors could affect whether or not the super bloom occurs.

“It really depends on a lot of factors like rainfall, temperature, now lately just freezing conditions,” Gerson said.

Cold temperatures could also play a factor as well as a certain type of ‘sphinx moth’ caterpillar that could chew up the beauty before it blossoms. Flowers budding and curiosity, too.

“The kids are able to get out of the classroom, actually feel, actually smell, actually hear,” Beach & Salisbury said. “They really enjoy the experience. It’s something very memorable, to see it in real life and see why it’s important to be respectful.”

Students said they are taking away something more valuable than the flowers themselves.

“This is history. It’s like taking something from an important museum and just bringing it home with you just so you can see it instead of the world can see it,” said Lilah, Nicole, and Harper, third-grade students at Amelia Earhart Elementary.