EL NINO RAINS SHOULD BRING BUMPER CROP OF WILDFLOWERS

As the Morongo Basin Communities begin to dry out after a series of “El Nino” based storms drenched them, experts say the surplus of rainwater should settle into the ground and germinate seeds that could soon blossom and bring an abundance of wildflowers to the Hi-Desert and Joshua Tree National Park for the first time in years. The colorful wildflowers may spring up across the lower elevations in the Park by the end of the month and with dozens of different flowering plants visible just about everywhere. Experts attribute their optimistic outlook to this week’s storms, which dropped nearly 2 inches of rain in Yucca Valley, nearly 3 inches in Morongo Valley, and just under an inch in Twentynine Palms since Tuesday, according to Accuweather.com. It’s been over five years since a significant wildflower bloom was seen in the region. Experts say this year’s wildflower display may rival that seen in the last major bloom in 2005.