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| Kaweah Oaks Preserve - Site # 101 | |||
| Kaweah Oaks Preserve, a 344-acre nature preserve, protects one of the last remaining valley oak riparian forests in the San Joaquin Valley. This preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days per year. | |||
 | Regional - worth visiting if you are already in the area. They may be located farther from populated areas or with more limited wildlife species. | ||
.jpg "Kaweah Trail Map: 1024x768")
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| Background: | Step back in time and experience a pristine valley oak woodland like those so common in the Central Valley a century ago. This jungle-like preserve in the floodplain of the Kaweah River has waterways lined with valley oaks, western sycamores, Fremont cottonwoods, and many types of willows. Lianas (climbing vines) of wild grape provide outstanding wildlife corridors by linking trees, blackberries, wild rose, and low-lying shrubs. While you will undoubtedly see coyotes, California ground squirrels, and cottontails, this preserve is a haven for birds. Red-tailed, red-shouldered, sharp-shinned, and Cooper's hawks watch for birds and small mammals among the massive trees. Acorn, Nuttall's and downy woodpeckers are common. The lush vegetation provides perches and cover for ash-throated flycatchers, western wood pewees, black-chinned hummingbirds, loggerhead shrikes, lazuli buntings, western scrub jays and other songbirds. Riparian areas bordering Deep Creek, People's Ditch and ponds shelter belted kingfishers, wood ducks, great blue herons, and and great egrets. The center of the preserve is marked by an alkali meadow with native perennial bunchgrasses and supports southern alligator lizards and California legless lizards. Western fence lizards are common. Hike the self-guiding Grapevine, Sycamore or Valley Oak trails for an outstanding overview of the preserve. | ||
| When you walk along the trails at Kaweah Oaks Preserve, you can imagine how this area looked before it was settled over 100 years ago. The preserve provides habitat for over 300 plant and animal species, including bobcats, great horned owls, California grapes, willows, and the preserve's namesake - the majestic Valley Oak. | |||
| The Habitat: | Valley oak riparian corridors(25%) with spectacular California grape liana, alkali meadow (50%) with salt grass and native bunch grasses, oak woodland savanna (25%) with California Sycamore. Kaweah Oaks Preserve is open to the public year round, sunrise to sunset. Amenities include parking, picnic tables, trail guides and restrooms. Please tread lightly and be respectful of grazing cattle. Remember to bring drinking water and sun protection, wear comfortable shoes, and watch for hazards such as rattlesnakes and ticks. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as owners pick up and discard waste. Bicycles are not allowed on any of the preserves except for Dry Creek Preserve. | ||
| The Experience: | Recognized by The Nature Conservancy in the 1980's to have superlative valley oak riparian corridors, they purchased this property and turned it over to a local group of volunteers now know as the Sequoia Riverlands Trust | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | Trails are each approximately 3/4 mile from their trailheads. Trailheads range from .5 - 1 mile from the parking area. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | At least 142 bird species counted here. Songbirds excellent during spring and fall. many spring nesters, including tree swallows. Lazuli buntings, grosbeaks, and wood ducks. Many resident woodpeckers and birds of prey. Docent-led tours. Self-guiding trails. | ||
| Site Notes: | This remnant landscape of Tulare County affords the visitor an uncommon glimpse into the unfettered valley oak riparian corridors of times past. Watch hawks soar and squirrels and rabbits dive for cover. Coyotes skirt the tree line looking for a meal. Some of the year, enjoy the taste of native California grape or blackberry. Pets are allowed in Kaweah Oaks but only on a leash. Remember to always pick-up after your pets. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | Lake Kaweah/Terminus Dam | ||
| Festivals & Events: | SCICON BBQ and Wildflower Festival Circle J-Norris Ranch annual Biodiversity Festival GO NATIVE! CULTURAL EVENT DARK SKY FESTIVAL Hike to Nation's Christmas Tree | ||
| Visitor Information: | Visit Visalia - (559) 334-0141 - https://www.visitvisalia.com | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | No | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | Daylight hours | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved.  Gravel. | ||
| Road Hazards: | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 35 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area:adjacent | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: No | |||
| Parking Notes: 35 car parking lot available for visitors | |||
| Special Tips: | There is no drinking water. Be sure to bring water esepcially during the hot summer months. | ||
| How to Get There: | Kaweah Oaks Preserve is located seven minutes east of Visalia, California. Travel seven miles east of downtown Visalia via Highway 198, then turn north on Road 182; go one-half mile. The parking lot is on the west (left) side of the road. Walk through the kiosk and gate to enter the preserve. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | Sequoia Riverlands Trust | ||
| Agency Site URL: | www.sequoiariverlands.org | ||
| Physical Address: | 29979 Rd. 182 Exeter, CA, CA 93221-9366 |
Agency 2: | 427 S. Garden St. Visalia, CA 93277 |
| Manager Phone: | |||
| Site Phone: | (559) 738-0211 | ||
| County: | Tulare | ||
| Addition Website: | |||