Wauhab - Valpe Ridge Area
Map SatelliteLying immediately east of the Sunol Park, this area is a continuation of the semi-wilderness of that park and consists of a series of ridges and valleys. Approximately a third of the area is grassland, which is primarily on the south-facing slopes. Festuca spp. is common here.
There is also a mixed evergreen forest as well as a foothill woodland, with blue oak, Quercus douglasii, gray pine, Pinus sabiniana, and some Coulter pine, Pinus coulteri, in the latter. A small portion of the area is covered by chaparral, including chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Ceanothus spp., and toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia.
Several perennial springs and streams support a riparian community, with sycamore, Platanus racemosa, dominant.
Animal life is typical and abundant. Mountain lions, Felis concolor, have been reported in the area.
Serpentine and Franciscan metamorphics are found here.
Integrity: Portions are lightly grazed, but most of the area is virtually undisturbed. The Ohlone Regional Wilderness is included in the area.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present. Portion private.
March 1980
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman