As you hike along here, notice a shadow line across the trail. The grassland is uphill along the trail; the mixed evergreen forest is back downhill in the opposite direction.
Edges between two habitats are called ecotones. They tend to have more diverse plants and animals, mixing the resources – food, water, and shelter, of both habitats. This is known as the edge effect. For example, some animals such as deer could use the cover of the forest, but browse in the grassland.
If you’re geocaching with a group, try travelling briefly in a caterpillar formation. Form a single file line, placing one hand on the shoulder of the person in front of you. Have everyone except the leader close their eyes. Then walk slowly and quietly along the trail across the boundary between the grassland and the mixed evergreen forest. Listen, smell, and feel the environment as completely as you can. Continue walking until everyone in the group passes the boundary. What differences do you notice, even with your eyes closed?
This spot is Track 13 on the Skyline Ridge Habitats Tour. The track tells you more about Canyon Live Oaks. For more information, click the link to be directed to the District’s website.
About this Preserve
2,143 Acres | 10.9 Miles of Trails
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve offers visitors remarkable ridge vistas and trails through expansive meadows, oak woodland, and chaparral communities. Two trails are accessible to wheelchairs and baby strollers: a half-mile encircling Alpine Pond and a 1-mile trail along the shores of Horseshoe Lake; both areas offer picnic tables for your use. The David C. Daniels Nature Center, located at the edge of Alpine Pond, is open to the public on weekends, April through mid-November. Visit the preserve page for detailed information about preserve uses, accessibility, and amenities.
Hours
Sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
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