Wallflowers: “They don’t look like much,� said...

Wallflowers: “They don’t look like much,� said Sandy Wohlgemuth, a Los Angeles Audubon Society official. . . . But the Reseda conservationist was glad to hear that four types of dudleyas--simple, grayish rock plants that dot area mountains--were granted protection under the federal Endangered Species Act this week. . . . He said: “We’re losing so much habitat.�

High Turnover: Tara Glaister, above, is the only starting pitcher returning to the Cal State Northridge softball team from last year. . . . Despite the loss of key players throughout the lineup, the Matadors are ranked No. 5 by FastPitch World magazine heading into Saturday’s season opener against Loyola Marymount (C10).

Travel Town: When Metrolink pulls into the Santa Clarita station about 9:35 a.m. Saturday, the train will be greeted by city officials and a marching band. . . . It will mark the start of regular Saturday service along the northern line, with five trains running daily. “It’s a pretty big deal around here,� said a city spokeswoman. “People seem to be excited.�

Speeding Train: Metrolink reaches speeds of up to 79 mph on its Santa Clarita run. Not long ago, that would have shamed Superman--The Escape, the much-delayed 100-mph roller coaster at nearby Magic Mountain. . . . “We’re faster than that now,� a park spokesman said. The coaster, currently testing at 90-95 mph, is scheduled to open at full speed this spring.