Flora & Fauna
Flora --
The 500 plus acres of Clear Lake State Park provide the visitor with a unique opportunity to enjoy and study a great diversity of plants. Near the lakeshore and along the creeks there are aquatic growths of tule, cattail, willow, cottonwood, box elder, and many other types of riparian plant life associated with water and marsh areas.
The 500 plus acres of Clear Lake State Park provide the visitor with a unique opportunity to enjoy and study a great diversity of plants. Near the lakeshore and along the creeks there are aquatic growths of tule, cattail, willow, cottonwood, box elder, and many other types of riparian plant life associated with water and marsh areas.
|
At the higher, drier elevations of the park are blue oaks, California laurel, foothill pine, California buckeye, mountain mahogany, and other plants associated with the oak woodlands. |
|
|
The upper elevations of the park developed from an ancient volcanic flow. The years of erosion provide soil conditions for trees and plants to gain foothold and provide an array of spring flowers with some blooming late into the summer. Baby Blue Eyes, Wavy-leaf Soap Root, Clematis, and Sticky Monkey Flower are just a few of the wild flowers that can be seen along the trails.
|
|
|
The lichens, ferns, and mosses on the volcanic rocks dry in summer, but come to radiant life during the winter wet season and provide spectacular viewing along the trails and the road to the swim area. |
Fauna
Conditions described in Flora provide habitat for many animals. Among them are black-tail deer, gray squirrels, ground squirrels, skunks, river otter, raccoon, mink, and muskrat.
There have been occasional sightings of mountain lion and ringtail.
|
|
The park has the California Audubon designation as an Important Bird Area. This indicates it provides essential habitat for breeding, wintering, and/or migrating birds.
|
With over 300 species identified in Lake County, any visit to the park provides an opportunity to see numerous species. A Lake County Seasonal Bird List is available at the park.
|
|
|
American Robin, American White Pelican, and Varied Thrush are just a few that might be seen in winter. Spring brings back the Osprey, Bullock's Orioles, and many others. Among the year around residents are California Quail, Wild Turkey, Scrub Jay, Oak titmouse, at least six species of woodpeckers, the Great Horned Owl, and other birds of prey. Herons, ducks, egrets, and grebes are visible from creekside and lakeshore.
|
|
There is splendor in the park year around to be enjoyed at one's own pace. Binoculars, bird and plant/flower/tree guides can be a help in identifying flora and fauna of the area. All features (plants, animals, artifacts) are protected in the State Parks.
