Bakersfield Cactus in the Oil Patch
text and photos by Bonnie East
On April 11, 2005 I had an opportunity to view some flowering populations of Bakersfield Cactus (Opuntia basilaris variety treleasei) within Chevron/Texaco's Kern River oil fields just north of Bakersfield. The digital photos are an example of one of the larger populations of Bakersfield cactus growing in this oil patch. However, on this particular day it was my job that took me to the oil fields to meet up with my contact, Larry Rhodes. Larry has been documenting populations of the cactus in the Kern River oil fields but performs other job related duties as well because it can't be all fun and no work. So looking at the cactus as we drive along inspecting oil wells and tanks happens to be the job that must be performed and the cactus are like icing on the cake. Of course the occasional kit fox, snakes, birds of prey, bobcats and various other flora and fauna seen during these trips add another level of enjoyment to my workday as well.
Due to the abundant rains we had had this winter and spring, the Bakersfield cactus populations were truly flourishing and blooming in April. Larry oversees a 20 square-mile area and as of April 25, 2005 had mapped 55 populations of the cactus in the hills. In looking for the clumps of cactus that seem to like the tops and sides of hills where there are gentle slopping descents; it has been a little challenging at times to spot them amongst miles of pipelines as well as the annual forbs and grasses that also grew like weeds this year. However during a prolific period of bloom beautiful magenta-colored flowers could be spotted peeking from behind the forbs. According to Larry other cactus populations took a little more work to find especially if there were no blooms. All in all, the cactus I saw blooming in the oilfields this spring were truly like rubies shinning in a desert grassland and I can only be so lucky to see them bloom like this again next year.
Until we meet again, Bonnie.
