Cleary Reserve

In the inner Coast Range, the Reserve embraces portions of three watersheds and contains an unusually diverse and rich mosaic of forest, woodland, chaparral and grassland communities. Several springs, a permanent stream, two ponds and two 18-meter (60-foot) high waterfalls are found in the Reserve.

One of the most inland stands of redwood, Sequoia sempervirens, occurs here. Other abundant trees include Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, yellow pine, Pinus ponderosa, gray pine, Pinus sabiniana, knobcone pine, Pinus attenuata, black oak, Quercus kelloggii, blue oak, Quercus douglasii, goldencup oak, Quercus chrysolepis, and madrone, Arbutus menziesii.

A profusion of wildflowers, ferns and fungi is found in the various communities.

Numerous animals inhabit the Reserve. Included among the larger mammals are mountain lion, Felis concolor, black bear, Ursus americanus, bobcat, Lynx rufus, ring-tailed cat, Bassariscus astutus, and badger, Taxidea taxus. A number of raptors and waterfowl are found on the Reserve and the pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus, nests here. Both valley quail, Lophortyx californica, and the mountain quail, Oreortyx picta are common here.

Integrity: Maintained as a natural research area. A portion of the land was formerly cultivated and there is an old orchard; however, over three-quarters of the area is natural wild land. There are laboratory and other facilities on the site.

Use: Research, education.

January 1975