Laserfiche WebLink
<br />-, <br /> <br />..q~ <br /> <br />Vall rassland (Figure 4-2) typical of the contemporary California landscape is generally not a <br />native mix of grasses, but a blend of European exotics resulting from grazing and settlement <br />activities over the last 200 years. However, representative populations and diverse communities <br />of more than 300 grass species native to California are still found statewide. Growth forms range <br />from bunchgrasses to spreading sod-forming grasses, growing in height from just a few inches <br />to several feet. Because many of these grasses have deep roots, they can often stay green even <br />during summer months without required irrigation. <br /> <br />Figure 4-2 <br /> <br />Valley Grassland Community <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Valley Woodland (Figure 4-3) occurs in inland valleys, Mature groves have canopy heights of BO <br />to 100 feet and a 60 to BO percent canopy cover. Tree cover is a mix of evergreen and deciduous <br />species, including valley oak, coast live oak, blue oak, interior live oak and gray pine. Companion <br />under-story shrubs include manzanita, coffeeberry, currant, gooseberry and toyon. Small <br />openings, or meadows, contain annual goldfield, California poppy, lupines, and other forbs with <br />only a few grasses. This plant community is also referred to as Foothill Woodland because most <br />of the remaining viable habitats are found in the foothills of Northern and Central California. <br />However, this habitat was equally prevalent in the inland valleys before farming and grazing <br />activities generally replaced it. <br /> <br />136 <br /> <br />Grand Park Design Element <br />