Mother Nature has been full of surprises in 2020 – some bad, some good, and some beautiful. Arguably, the most beautiful so far has been the California superbloom, which has been imaged and shared by NASA satellites. Around the world, the superbloom is being hailed as a once in a lifetime miracle this year thanks to some much needed, but unexpected, rainfall. (1)

The Busted Bloom?

Located in the Antelope Valley, the northeast corner of L.A. county, the superbloom of hundreds of thousands of poppies is an annual event. Poppies, which are Indigenous to the Pacific coast and California’s official state flower, bloom especially well in the valley’s protected microclimate.  Although the poppies are expected to bloom each year, the exact timing can vary of course. State park interpreter Jean Rhyne explained, “Generally it happens early in April, but it can take place any time between mid-March and early May.”(2)

This year, however; was expected to be quite a bit different. A historical drought impacted the golden state so greatly in the winter of 2020 that many experts called the superbloom ‘off’. Rain and heat, both important factors influencing the delicate superbloom, were just completely wrong for nurturing the poppies through January and February.  Some even joked online that the poppies would be a ‘superbust’ over a superbloom.  (1, 2)

The ‘March’ Miracle

Defying the odds, a huge rainfall swept into the Antelope Valley during March and April. The California drought, almost all at once, was broken. In March and April alone, almost 10.5 inches of rain fell in the Antelope Valley (compared to an average of 4 inches).

Some have dubbed this last-minute rainfall as the ‘March Miracle’ for the instrumental role it played in precipitating this year’s superbloom – as sure enough – the poppies followed by full-on blooming! Now park officials wonder if the blooms will stick around longer than usual, in part due to the great volume and late arrival of the rain. (1)

Enjoying Nature… But Responsibly

As the majestic poppy superbloom is an annual event, coming to see the flowers is also an annual event for many Californians. Even visitors from around the world are drawn to see the poppies in full bloom. But once again, this year looks and feels very different due to Mother Nature’s design. Sure, some bold members of the public have defied the state’s official shutdown orders to see the fiery orange sea of flowers and snap photos. But for many, the opportunity to see the valley is just not there, and the risk is too great thanks to COVID-19.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to loom large in the United States, and with no defined end-point for quarantine lifestyles – getting out in nature can be hard. Jean Rhyne told media sources, ‘There are a lot of people not obeying the stay-at-home order, but visitation to the valley is only a fraction of what it would normally be at this time.’ To help people stay at home and stay safe, NASA has shared stunning images of the valley.  The wildflowers, as seen from space, can be seen at a unique and new perspective thanks to this technology. You may even spot some other flowers that are thriving in the valley! (2)

If you are hoping to take in some local wildlife this spring, please make sure you follow municipal and state regulations. There can be serious consequences for ignoring the rules and heading out anyway. Though the call of nature is great, listening to public health officials is more important for the well-being of everyone.