Lewis Hill Preserve
110-acre preserve protects two rare wildflower species
Crowd gathers for annual wildflower walk
This 110-acre grassy hill scattered with rock outcrops protects two rare and beautiful wildflower species, the striped adobe lily (Fritillaria striata) and San Joaquin adobe sunburst (Pseudobahia peirsonii). The open grasslands and blue oak woodlands of the southern Sierra Nevada foothills provide critical habitat for these exceptional flowers at Lewis Hill Preserve. In 1994, the Hawkins family donated this property north of Porterville to the Kern River Research Center. Six years later, the title transferred to the Tule Oaks Land Trust, now a chapter of SRT.
About the Flowers
Adobe striped lily
Striped adobe lily: state-threatened bulb former
- only 15-20 occurrences in Tulare and Kern Counties
- roots grow down when the soil is wet, and when soil dries it pulls the bulb down, which keeps it protected
- usually 2-3 flowers, in some years get 7-8 flowers
San Joaquin adobe sunburst: federally threatened, state endangered
- a daisy will come up in early April
- Found only in Tulare and Fresno Counties
Other wildflowers
- Fiddleneck (pale orange/yellow in color)
- California poppies (vibrant orange)
- Miners Lettuce (leaf is edible)
What to do if you'd like to visit Lewis Hill
This nature preserve is not yet regularly open to the public. Check our online calendar or sign up for our e-newsletter to learn about public programs and special events at Lewis Hill Preserve. Look out for the annual spring wildflower walk, a unique guided tour of rare, regional flowers.
How to get to Lewis Hill Preserve
Located just north of Porterville. From Highway 190 in Porterville, exit at Plano, one-and-a-half miles east of Highway 65. Drive north four miles to the crest of the first hill. Lewis Hill is on the west side of the road.
View Lewis Hill Preserve in a larger map and get turn-by-turn directions with google maps
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For more info on Things to Do in/around Visalia, visit the Visalia Convention & Visitor's Bureau.