By Wendy Langhans

No matter what time of year, you see their pictures everywhere – in magazines at the checkout counter, Dentist’s office and even the waiting room at the DMV.  Their pictures are plastered all over electronic media too – satellite and cable TV shows and web pages.  They’re high-fashion models, and we recognize them because most have a certain “look” about them.

What does that “look” consist of?  The usual answer has three parts – you have to be tall, thin and have a good bone structure.  But there’s got to be more to the “look” than that.  Because if we confine ourself strictly to those three criteria, then I contend that Telegraph Weed most certainly has the “look”.  How so?  Let me explain.

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1)  The Telegraph Weed, Heterotheca grandiflora, is tall – reaching heights of up to 6 feet.

2) The Telegraph Weed is thin on the bottom (and more amply built on top).

3) The Telegraph Weed, a member of the Sunflower family (Asteraceae), has a good bone structure.  Take a look at this photo and observe the shape beneath the flower blossom.  Can you see the high curving cheek bones?

Tall, thin and good bone structure – that describes the “look” of the Telegraph Weed.  And just like the ubiquitous photos of high-fashion models, the Telegraph Weed can be found throughout California.  Both Telegraph Weed (which blooms most of the year) and high-fashion models are displayed in a way that captures our attention.  However, there’s more there than meets the eye.

Both Telegraph Weed and high fashion provide a form of nourishment.  However, as the announcer says in the TV ads, “results may vary”.  Telegraph Weed provides food for insects and their cheerfully sunny blossoms enrich our spirits.  High-fashion, on the other hand, tends to feed our insecurities and bankrupt our wallet.

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Upcoming Outdoor Events:

Saturday, November 20, 8:00-10:00 AM, Morning Bird Hike at Towsley Canyon. Towsley Canyon is a year-round home for many birds.  For the permanent residents summer brings the heat and winter the rains.  Amazing, birds find a way to tolerate the challenges and celebrate the rest.  Beginners welcome, bring binoculars.  For directions and trail maps, click here.

Saturday, November 27, 10:00-12:00 AM, Native Plants and Native Uses, at East/Rice Canyon. Not all shopping malls have walls.  The local Native Americans were savvy shoppers, finding food, clothing and shelter right in their own backyard.  For directions and trail maps, click here.

Trail Maintenance Schedule.  Come join our volunteers as they help maintain our trails.  Contact Steve at machiamist@aol.com for time and place.

Wednesday mornings, November 3, 10, 17, & 24.

Saturday mornings, November 13 & 27.

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You can listen to stories like this every Friday morning at 7:10 a.m. on “The Hike Report”, brought to you by your hometown radio station KHTS (AM1220) and by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

For the complete MRCA hike and activity schedule and for trail maps, click here or go to www.LAMountains.com.

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