Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Majestic oak woodlands form some of Big Sur's most picturesque, enchanting forests.
The southern region shelters centuries-old blue and valley oaks, while coastal slopes
are studded with sprawling coast live oaks draped with lacy lichens. The most com-
mon trees are coast live oak (
Quercus agrifolia
), blue oak (
Quercus douglasii
), Cali-
fornia black oak (
Quercus kelloggii
), valley oak (
Quercus lobata
), and canyon live
oak (
Quercus chrysolepis
). Oak woodlands vary from dense forests to grassy savan-
nas, and plants from neighboring communities often occupy the understory.
Unfortunately, tens of thousands of tanoaks, coast live oaks, and black oaks
between Big Sur and the Oregon border are dying from sudden oak death. Researchers
have isolated a previously unknown fungal species they believe causes the disease.
This pathogen is a member of the genus
Phytophthora
(Latin for plant destroyer) and
is related to species blamed for such agricultural plagues as the Irish potato famine.
Scientists are conducting far-ranging research to determine how the fungus spreads
and how it can be stopped. It's critical to slow the spread of the fungus by preventing
the movement of infected leaves, wood, and soil. Visitors to Big Sur's oak woodlands
should clean their tires, shoes, and animals' feet thoroughly before leaving the area.
Acorns are the most important food item for animals living in or around oak
woodlands. In fall, as acorns ripen and fall, the forest chatters with excitement as birds
and mammals flock to harvest the nutritious nuts. Resident species include:
MAMMALS
Mule deer, bobcat, mountain lion, gray fox, coyote, striped skunk, wild
boar (introduced from Europe), California mouse, western gray squirrel, pocket
gopher, Audubon cottontail, lump-nosed bat, big brown bat, silver-haired bat, red bat,
and hoary bat.
