September 1992
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| Photography by Dr. Sharon Johnson drsharonjohnson@comcast.net |
Imagery & site design by
Kat G. Kalamaras |
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September 1992 |
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| Although widely appreciated for their natural character and beauty, California's coast live oak woodlands (Quercus agrifolia) have been highly modified by human activities. Livestock grazing introduced during the time of the Spanish ranchos coupled with probable native American burning has contributed to an open savanna-like landscape as seen in the brown hills above the irrigated field. On stream terraces and in alluvial valleys, oaks have given way to agricultural activities throughout California. Here we see irrigation for improved pasture. But California's oaks are adapted to a dry-summer climate and introducing summer irrigation commonly makes oaks vulnerable to fungi and other pathogens that thrive in moist, warm environments. I feel the oaks in this field are—unfortunately—doomed: if not from irrigation then from agriculture. Many improved pasture areas like this are now giving way to vineyards and my last drive through this area revealed that vineyards now occupy many of these sites. | ||||||
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