To your left stands an impressive Valley Oak, likely between 150 and 200 years old. Valley Oaks are native to California and are among the largest and longest-living oak species in the state. They begin life as a single acorn, which falls from the tree in autumn. If conditions are right—moist soil, space, and sunlight—the acorn germinates and sends down a deep taproot, allowing the seedling to access water even during dry summers. Over the decades, the tree develops a wide-spreading canopy and a thick trunk. Growth is slow, but Valley Oaks can live for several centuries if left undisturbed. Nearby, the pump station plays a modern role in sustaining the landscape, delivering water from the slough to the managed wetlands east of the trail, helping to maintain vital habitat for wildlife.
