UPDATED 7/08/20: In an effort to minimize the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on park patrons, staff, and the Orange County community at large, and consistent with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor’s office, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), OC Parks are operating in the following manner as of 7/08/20.

Congress through the National Park Service, Department of Interior, selected OC Parks as a grant recipient to “Save America’s Treasures.” The National Park Service, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts, provided $4.8 million in grants awarded to 16 projects in 12 states, supporting the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections throughout the country.

There’s California gold in those hills! California Poppies, that is. The state flower is in full bloom around OC Parks’ Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens.

Arden was the shady canyon home of famous Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska in the late 1800s. Her historic house still stands today with its striking architecture and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark destination. A young Englishman, Theodore Payne, began his American career as Madame Modjeska’s head gardener in 1893. He found his passion for horticulture at an early age, but his love for California native plants began while working on the ranch and exploring the wild canyons of Orange County. He was a strong advocate of growing and protecting California natives, and left behind a legacy of beautiful botanical gardens and a foundation which continues his work to this day.

Here's your chance to draw California poppies from your own home! Follow the steps in the photos (check our social media on Monday!) to draw this flower or you can print out the coloring page in the "More" link.