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Blue Sky Ecological Reserve - Site # 36 |
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Background: | Sycamores and willows line two creeks as they wind through a pristine foothill canyon featuring one of southern California's finest oak woodlands. Steep slopes covered with endangered coastal sage scrub shelter nesting California gnatcatchers, red-shouldered hawks, and western rattlesnakes. The Green Valley Truck Trail weaves among three types of oaks, whose acorns are favored by acorn woodpeckers and mule deer. Identify the rare Englemann oaks by their white, deeply grooved bark. The two year-round creeks attract wildlife between March and October, when other streams are dry. Stream banks reveal the tracks of mountain lion, coyote, raccoon, gray fox, mule deer, and bobcat; dense riparian growth attracts California towhees, lesser goldfinches, Costa's hummingbirds, and many other songbirds. Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures circle above dramatic rock outcroppings. The trail climbs to Ramona Dam, a beautiful but moderately strenuous hike. |
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The Habitat: | Chamise chaparral 35%, coastal sage scrub 40%, riparian and oak woodland 25% |
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Viewing Tips: | Moderate probability of seeing predators, deer, birds of prey, songbirds, and gnatcatchers year-round. Songbirds are most abundant in spring and summer. A pristine, undeveloped site. NO BICYCLES OR VEHICLES PERMITTED ON ON TRUCK TRAIL. |
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Site Notes: | Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is a 700-acre oak-lined canyon flanked by coastal sage scrub and chaparral-covered hills. The Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Brilliant colors of wildflowers on the hillsides in Spring, a gentle breeze and the songs of birds provide an inviting escape for a nature walk. |
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Nearby Viewing Sites: | Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve
Lake Poway
Lake Hodges |
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Visitor Information: | Chamber of Commerce - (858) 748 0016 - www.poway.com |
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: |
Staff On-site: | No |
Open: | Everday |
Hours: | Sunrise to Sunset |
Year Round: | Yes |
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How to Get There: | From Interstate 15, take Rancho Bernardo Road exit and head east for 3 miles (Rancho Bernardo Road becomes Espola Road) Blue Sky parking lot is on the left. |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | California Department of Fish & Game |
Agency Site URL: | www.poway.org |
Physical Address: | 16275 Espola Road Poway, CA 92064 |
Agency 2: | 14644 Lake Poway Road Poway, CA 92064 |
Manager Phone: | (858) 668 4781 |
Contact Us: | by Email |
Site Phone: | (858) 668 4781 | | |
County: | San Diego |
Addition Website: |
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