Spring 2018
It's as dry as I've known it to be in 32 years of living in northeastern Maricopa County. Not necessarily the driest year - there have been others as dry. It's quite a contrast from spring 2017 - rainfall was near normal last year and the wildflower show was very good. This year? Well, all the usual suspects are showing up, though many fewer plants, and those substantially smaller. It's a bonsai wildflower spring. There are tricks to finding the few, small plants. Look for areas where water concentrates. Low spots, washes, and in the northern preserve especially, along the granitic boulders. Rain falling on the boulders runs off and collects at the boundary between boulder and soil. So check the boulders along trails, especially on the northern side. You'll find most of the usual suspects, you just have to look closely.
Animal numbers are down as well. Butterflies and other insects are reduced in number. Mammals and herps are less impacted and due to sparse vegetation may be easier to see. Birds the same - numbers may be lower, but individuals easier to see. And photograph. Migratory birds are coming through; the Brewer's Sparrows are back, chittering and chatting incessantly amongst themselves as they move through the preserve feeding.
In addition, the city has opened up many new trails in the northern preserve. And the work is not done yet. Planning for more trails is under way. A new temporary trailhead has opened at Pima and Dynamite, providing access to the northwestern preserve and a permanent trailhead will open there next year.
Yes, it's a dry spring. But there is plenty to do and to see and to learn. Consider the dryness a challenge rather than a source of discouragement.
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