Temecula is a diverse town. Located just a few miles up the road is this amazing place to explore and connect with Nature. It was just what we all needed.
The Reserve consists of 9000 acres. The land has been set aside to protect unique ecosystems like Engelmann oak woodlands, riparian wetlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, bunchgrass prairie, vernal pools and more than 200 species of native birds and 49 endangered, threatened or rare animal and plant species, including mule deer, mountain lions, badgers, bobcats, western pond turtles, white-tailed kites and fairy shrimp. Two species of fairy shrimp live in the seasonal vernal pools on the Reserve, but only one is found here and nowhere else on Earth.
When I called to inquire about the wildflowers, I was told there aren't any yet. Boy were they wrong. They didn't know about Bob, the flower whisperer.
This acorn woodpecker was the most prevalent bird seen but others delighted as well.
The vernal pools were vibrant and so worth the hike to get there. Wow.
The human history here goes back for thousands of years and encompasses all of California's diverse inhabitants: Native Americans, Mexican land grants, American cattle ranchers and lastly, urbanization. Thankfully, this area has been saved by the Nature Conservancy.
What more is there to say?
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2 comments:
Beautiful pics Denise and what a wonderful hike. It is so nice to visit you in Temecula. Woo hoo!
LOVE the hearts!!!
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