Cache Creek Valley Oaks
Map SatelliteThis site is a fairly good example of valley oak woodland and is typical of the woodland that was once common throughout the Central Valley. Many of the Quercus lobata are greater than 1 meter (3 feet) dbh and the grove is rather densely forested. Very few seedling oaks are present due to grazing.
The southern half of the grove contains an understory of Toxicodendron diversilobum and Sambucus mexicana. Leymus triticoides is the dominant grass throughout the grove.
Great horned owls, Bubo virginianus, nest here, as do several species of woodpeckers.
Integrity: The area has been grazed, which is reducing replacement of the trees, and it is surrounded on all sides by agricultural operations.
Use: Private
December 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman