Oak Woodlands

Oak woodlands have both historical and ecological values to the landscape. Native Americans in Northern California used the acorns as food and also performed prescribed burns of oak woodlands that controlled undergrowth and disease as well as decreased competition for new oaks and the frequency of large, naturally occurring fires. Ecologically oaks provide habitat for many bird species that depend on food and shelter that is on the edge of a wooded canopy. Oaks also improve soil conditions that decrease hazardous rainfall run-off, thereby increasing water absorption into the soil.

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