NATIVE PLANTS -- Spring wildflower tours at Hanford Reach National Monument have proved so popular, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is doubling the number of tours this year -- and asking people to sign up for a lottery to fill the slots.

This year’s tours are April 25 and 27 and May 8 and 10.

• Register for the drawing online by 3 p.m. on April 14.  Winners will be notified by email by April 16th.  The fee is $3.

In 2013, the tours were on a first-come, first-served basis and filled in 21 seconds.  

The tours are within the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve of the Monument and may include the top of Rattlesnake Mountain, weather permitting. Viewing stops are planned along the tour route.

Weather will also play a decisive role in the quality and quantity of the wildflower show. 

“We’re a bit concerned that the wildflowers may not be as spectacular due to the very dry spring we’re having,” said Larry Klimek, Hanford Reach National Monument Manager. 

“However, there are always things to see and learn about on the Monument.  Even in an off year, the plants are worth seeing, and the guides are knowledgeable on a variety of topics related to the Monument.”