California oak woodland can be found across 8.5 million acres of California land. It is the most biologically diverse habitat of the state, home to numerous species of trees, grasses, shrubs and forbs. Unfortunately, oak woodland habitats have faced continuous threats since the arrival of European and American settlers. Since oaks have little value as commercial timber, the destruction of oak woodlands have been seen as a positive sign of development, since the cleared land can be used for more “productive” uses such as intensive agriculture and urban construction.
Within the oak woodland found in the Trails End Ranch, there exists a riparian zone, which acts as a hotspot of biodiversity amidst a fragmented and developed landscape. Riparian zones are very important water-rich zones, especially in the dry Mediterranean habitat of California, which provide ecosystem services such as erosion and flood control, structural habitat for wildlife and water quality management.
The riparian zone in the Trails End Ranch does not have a flowing river or stream throughout the entire year. The construction of the road has significantly affected the composition and structure of the community. There is a high incidence of non-native species as well as a lack of biodiversity that is usually found in riparian zones.
Within the oak woodland found in the Trails End Ranch, there exists a riparian zone, which acts as a hotspot of biodiversity amidst a fragmented and developed landscape. Riparian zones are very important water-rich zones, especially in the dry Mediterranean habitat of California, which provide ecosystem services such as erosion and flood control, structural habitat for wildlife and water quality management.
The riparian zone in the Trails End Ranch does not have a flowing river or stream throughout the entire year. The construction of the road has significantly affected the composition and structure of the community. There is a high incidence of non-native species as well as a lack of biodiversity that is usually found in riparian zones.
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Australian Blackwood
(Acacia Melanoxylon)
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Barren Brome
(Bromus sterilis)
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Bigleaf Periwinkle
(Vinca major)
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California Blackberry
(Rubus Ursinus)
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California Burclover
(Medicago polymorpha)
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California Incense Cedar
(Calocedrus decurrens)
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California Manroot
(Marah Fabaceus)
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California Sycamore
(Platanus racemosa)
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Common Chickweed
(Stellaria media)
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Common Groundsel
(Senecio vulgaris)
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Common Sow Thistle
(Sonchus oleraceus)
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Goosegrass
(Galium appariem)
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Giant Wildrye
(Leymus condensatus)
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French Broom
(Genista monspessulana)
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Fuchsia-flower Gooseberry
(Ribes speciosum) (CHECK for RED FLOWERS)
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Miner’s Lettuce
(Claytonia perfoliata)
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Poison Oak
(Toxicodendron diversilobum)
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