Loch Lomond
Reservoir was named after Loch Lomond , Scotland, a freshwater loch
which lies on the Highland Boundary Fault and is the largest lake
in Great Britain.
The name is in keeping with other Scottish names of the area such
as Ben Lomond and Bonny Doon. Features of the Recreation Area have
Scottish names such as Glen Corrie Trail, Stewart Cove, Loch Sloy
Road, Gilchrist Trail, Caber Trail, and Highland Road. And
coincidentally the current Chief Ranger is named Scot
Lang!
Surviving on
the plentiful deer, fish, acorns and small game and living a
relatively peaceful life, the Zayante group of the Ohlone tribe
were the original inhabitants of the canyon in which Loch Lomond is
situated. The Ohlone enjoyed saunas, games, basketweaving, songs,
and trade with other tribes throughout California. Due to artifacts
found in the city of Scotts Valley, some archaeologists believe
that these inhabitants may have been in the area for over 12,000
years!
The arrival of the Spanish and the advent of life on the missions
brought cultural disturbances and viruses to which Native Americans
had little or no resistance. This brought about the end for the
Ohlone.
Most of Old Growth forest around Loch Lomond with redwood trees
over 300 years old was heavily logged in the late 1800s. The forest
now consists of second growth redwood and Douglas fir.
In the 1950s the City of Santa Cruz bought the land and developed
the area opening the Recreation Area in 1963 creating a wonderful
retreat for hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The loch
now supplies the city of Santa Cruz with its water.
Loch Lomond (traditional)
By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes
Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond
Where me and my true love were ever lak/wont to gae
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.
O you’ll tak’ the high road and I’ll tak’
the low road
And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye
For me and my true love will ne-er meet again
On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.
‘Twas there that we parted in yon shady glen
On the steep, steep sides o’ Ben Lomond
Where deep in purple hue, the hieland hills we view
And the moon comin’ out in the gloamin’.
The wee birdies sing and the wild flowers spring
And in sunshine the waters are sleeping
But the broken heart, it kens nae second spring again
Tho’ the waeful may cease frae their greeting.
