Pinal County is ground zero for spring wildflowers

For the next few weeks, residents and visitors will see the splendor of spring unfold in Pinal County. Wildflowers are already beginning to bloom in the desert, along highways and in our parks and recreation areas. 
 
To help you enjoy the golden Mexican poppies, blue Mohave lupine and other spectacular blooms, Pinal County is recommending a half-day or full-day drive.
 
Half-day journey:
Take U.S. 60 East to Florence Junction, and then turn south on 79. South of the town of Florence, make a left onto the Florence-Kelvin Highway (this is a dirt road so be prepared to go slowly, using caution). The Florence-Kelvin Highway ends at State Route 177. Turn left, stop for lunch or dinner in Superior where 177 ends. Return to your starting point using US 60.
 
Full-day journey:
Take U.S. 60 east to Florence Junction and turn south on 79. Take 79 all the way to Oracle Junction and turn left onto Highway 77. Stop for a snack or a meal in Oracle, San Manuel or Mammoth. Continue north on 77. At Winkelman, turn left onto 177, which will take you past the town of Kearny. Further north, see the historic Ray Mine before 177 ends at Superior. Take time to explore Superior before heading west on U.S. 60. If time permits, stop at the beautiful Boyce-Thompson Arboretum just west of Superior.
 
Other places to enjoy wildflowers in Pinal County:
 
· Along the Arizona Trail (www.aztrail.org/)
· Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (azstateparks.com/Parks/BOTH/index.html)
· Picacho Peak State Park (azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/index.html)
· Lost Dutchman State Park (azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/index.html) 
 
Note:  Picacho Peak and Lost Dutchman are two parks that may be closing after wildflower season, due to the acute state budget crisis. The latest information indicates that the parks will be closing June 3, but many efforts are underway at the state and local level to avoid closure.

A beautiful wildflower season must be tempered with the notion that once the heat comes on strong, the green growth will become fuel for wildfires. Make sure you clear all dead plant material from your home or business. Good wildfire protection requires no dry or dead plant material within at least a 30-foot perimeter around any structure. Tree branches that encroach upon or hang over rooflines should be pruned back.
 
For more tips on wildfire prevention, go to www.firewise.org/resources/files/fw_brochure.pdf. 

File photo