Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve 50th Anniversary Photos of Park Heroes

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve was dedicated on April 24, 1976, the Bicentennial Year of the United States. A park to preserve the state flower, the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) became a reality due to the leadership of the Lancaster Woman's Club in cooperation with many local and state organizations. The links below tell the story of the 20-year campaign to create a park for poppies: Video: Reminiscing starring Dorothy Bolt, Pat Simi, Mary Wilson, Gretchen Winfrey and Jeri Coleman Story of a Dream California Poppies by Milt Stark, published in Antelope Valley Refections Magazine Milt Stark and PRMDIA by Mary Wilson Who Was Jane Pinheiro by Augusta Thompson The Great Poppy Lady by Ann Gregg Summary Report by Lancaster Woman's Club 1972 to 1974 Poppy History by Gladys Cunningham and Press Release by Dorothy Bolt

Caption: Something to Smile About Herbert Rhodes, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, accepts deed to wildflower land from William Penn Mott, Jr., President of the California State Park Foundation; Jane Pinheiro, long time advocate of the Poppy Park, approves. Ceremonies were held April 24 1976, in Lancaster, when the first 2,000 acres of the park were dedicated. Fund-raising will continue for additional land and a Nature Center on the park site.