Wonder
Dry Creek wildflower meadows, Tulare County
In short
Valley of Dry Creek in Tulare County is better known and protected due to a rare biotope – sycamore alluvial woodland community. In total there are only 17 such woodlands known in California and the one in Dry Creek is the third largest and is considered to be healthy. The area contains many species of rare plants.
33.5%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Dominating species
Map of the site
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In detail
This monument here is included due to impressive spring wildflower displays – there are few wildflower meadows in this part of California which can be compared to Dry Creek wildflower meadows regarding the size and visual impressiveness.
Gravel mine turns into preserve
In 2004 California Portland Cement Company suspended mining of gravel in their Dry Creek mine located at the lower reaches of the valley. The land of the former quarry was granted to Sequoia Riverlands Trust.
Unfortunately, the mining operations did change the landscape. Old sycamores and oaks were felled, streambed of Dry Creek was changed. Restoration activities included the re-establishment of natural stream patterns and vegetation. The diversity of the unique Californian nature is returning here. As the activities will bring more success, the area will be opened for tourism.
Beautiful dream coming true
Part of this beauty is man-made – the thorough work of nature conservation activists and landscape designers has turned the former industrial landscape into magnificent scenery. Here man has proved that he is a venerable part of nature.
If the winter has been generous with the right amount of rain at the right times – there can’t be a more beautiful place to enjoy the spring than the valley of Dry Creek. The walk through the endless cover of diverse flowers and sparse growths of sycamores with bright orange and green hillsides all around… this world can’t get more beautiful than this.
References
- Beautiful gallery! Spring Wildflowers before the Storm, Creator’s Palette, accessed on February 27, 2010
- Dry Creek Preserve, Sequoia Riverlands Trust website, accessed on February 27, 2010
- Dry Creek Preserve, Visalia website, accessed on February 27, 2010
- Wildflowers, Visalia Times Delta, accessed on February 27, 2010
Dry Creek wildflower meadows of Tulare County are included in the following list:
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