The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve’s two-day volunteer training for the 2017 spring season will be held Saturdays, February 4 and 11.

Volunteers are needed to staff the visitor center and gift shop, walk the trails, and/or lead tours. Learn about the wildflowers, wildlife, history and volunteer duties at the training, and then meet people from around the world that have come to see our beautiful wildflowers!

No experience or prior knowledge is required. Volunteers range in age from student to senior citizen, must be interested in learning, and have a positive, friendly attitude. New volunteers must attend both training days, and pass a background check. A minimum of 8 hours per month is required (scheduling is flexible). Call (661) 946-6900 or email Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov for more information or to sign up for the training.

When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturdays February 4 and 11 (new volunteers must attend both days).

Where: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, 15101 Lancaster Road, Lancaster.
Directions: From Hwy 14, go west off the Avenue I exit and continue 15 miles. Avenue I turns into Lancaster Road; the reserve is on the right.

From Hwy 138, go south on 170th Street West and left on Lancaster Road. The reserve is on the left.

The Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve will be open March 1 – April 30, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekends. The Interpretive Center offers wildlife and wildflower displays, a gallery of Jane S. Pinheiro’s detailed watercolor paintings, an orientation video, and a gift shop featuring unique wildflower-themed items.

Bloom peak and duration is unpredictable, but generally late March/early April is the best bloom, with a mosaic of color that changes daily. Poppies open up on nice days but they curl up if it’s windy or cold, so visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before arriving. Wildflower updates and photos will be posted weekly throughout the season at www.parks.ca.gov and www.Facebook.com/PoppyReserve, or call (661) 724-1180 for recorded updates.

Admission is $10 per vehicle, $9 with a senior 62 and older on board, or $5 with a California State Parks Disabled Discount Card. Please note that dogs are not allowed, with the exception of trained service animals. All flowers and park features are protected and may not be picked or taken, and visitors must stay on trails at all times.