Spring Forward! Where to Discover Nature Near Koreatown
Spring is the season of new beginnings! After all the heavy rains, Southern California is experiencing a Super Bloom, a rare occasion when all the wildflowers bloom at once. Birds are nesting, wild critters are flourishing, and butterflies are painting the sky with their magic. From botanical gardens to wildlife hikes, and even a butterfly pavilion – you’ll find your favorite spot to discover nature near Koreatown!
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
15101 Lancaster Rd.
Lancaster, CA 93536
Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through May, with a variety of wildflowers creating a mosaic of color that changes daily. Eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills make the park a wonderful place to hike and smell the flowers. Benches located along the trails make good places to sit quietly and watch for wildlife. Poppies open up in mid morning, and curl up in the late afternoon/evening or if it’s cold, so check the weather forecast before arriving. The weather can change suddenly and it is frequently windy here during the spring. This is a desert grassland, so drink water often. No dogs, bikes on trails, drones, or picking flowers.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
In 1903 Henry E. Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. Today, the estate is home to 16 spectacular themed gardens spread across 120 acres, including Desert Garen, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, Herb Garden anad more. They also offer popular botanical programs such as 2nd Thursday Garden Talks, Garden Tours, Music in the Chinese Garden, Japanese Tea House Tours. Don’t miss the Annual Spring Plant Sale, coming up Sunday April 28.
Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants
10459 Tuxford St.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants is a force for change in Southern California. While preserving the legacy Theodore Payne–a pioneering Los Angeles nurseryman, horticulturist, and educator widely considered to be the father of the native plant movement in California–their r goal is to transform the region into sustainable, healthy communities. Located on 22 acres of canyon land in the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley, their full-service native plant nursery, seed room, bookstore, art gallery, demonstration gardens, and hiking trails are open to the public year round. Friendly on-leash dogs are welcome, and there is no admission charge.
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
As the sun sets, Descanso sinks into darkness and the fun begins! Night Garden is a series of special evenings of science, music, libations and surprises. Let your inner science geek go free and enjoy nature in a new way. Coming up is LA Blooms, a celebration of the variety and beauty of flowers. Wear your best florals, or maybe a garden party hat, and enjoy blossoms – real and imagined – in full bloom. April 6, 2019 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $5 members; $15 nonmembers. Advance tickets required, register here.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 W Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Butterflies are taking flight at the Natural History Museum! The Butterfly Pavilion showcases hundreds of butterflies and the plants that surround them, an interaction that has been refined over the course of millions of years. This seasonal exhibit — located outside on the south side of the Museum — features expansive flight space, ample resting spots for visitors, and lots of natural light. There will be hundreds of free-flying butterflies inside, and the museum’s gallery Interpreters will be on hand to explain why these animals are so special.
2900 N Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Nestled in a wooded canyon with a small stream, the Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary and Trail offers views of many species of birds in their natural habitat. This short hike offers great views and connects to a wider system of trails. The bird community represents most of the rich diversity found in the Santa Monica Mountains. More than 200 species have been recorded over the years, and around 150 are seen every year. From March through June, nearly 70 species may nest, particularly in the many small canyons that drain off the slopes into the Los Angeles River.
70705 Ramon Rd.
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Ready for a road trip? Desert X is a site-specific exhibition that first took place in Spring 2017. Artists from different parts of the world are invited to create work in response to the unique conditions of the Coachella Valley and project their vision based on the extraordinary natural and social history, matchless spectacle of the geologic epic, radical abstraction of the surrounds, and the singular incursions of humans into the seemingly barren landscape. Free and open to the public. Plan your visit here.