Immediately to the east of Auburn, CA, the rugged valleys of the Sierra Nevada Range host an area with the one of the highest biodiversity rates in the United States. An abundance of interesting plant and animal species are found in the canyons and peaks of the mountains. Of interest to scientists and nature lovers alike, there are endless locations for observing and photographing wildlife. California leads the nation in biodiversity due to its many ecological regions each with varied climates, geology, topography and soils. Auburn, CA, with its location in two distinct ecological regions, is home to species from the Central Valley region and Sierra Nevada Mountains. A wonderful area for living close to natural beauty, a visit to an Auburn, CA real estate company will provide more information on housing availability.
Covered with richly diverse temperate coniferous forests, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are host to some rare and threatened species. Perhaps the best known is the California Spotted Owl, This species lost population due to logging of old growth forests that the owl depends on for habitat. The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of North American woodpeckers. It relies on old growth forests where large nesting holes are carved out in dead wood. It is one of the keystone species of the area, as the nesting cavities then become habitat for other birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Catching sight of one of these magnificent red crested birds is a real experience. One of the most unique of the mammals found in the Sierra Nevada forests is the Northern Flying Squirrel. Large flaps of skin between the front and rear legs allow the squirrel to glide from tree to tree. Recently placed in the rank of keystone species, this squirrel benefits the forest by burying truffles, a fungus species, that it uses for food. The truffles are important to the health of the forest’s trees as the underground network of fungus helps provide nutrients to the trees. The squirrels assist the spread of the fungus as they bury them.
Large species of mammals are also found in the foothills around Auburn, CA. The Whitetail and Mule deer are two of the most commonly seen mammals. The Whitetail deer tend to go to higher elevations in the warmer months then migrate to the valleys in the winter. Mule deer are quite similar to Whitetails but are a purely Western species. The tail is narrower and black tipped. Mountain Lions and Black Bear also inhabit the foothills of the mountains but are rarely seen.
Hidden Falls Regional Park, just five mile west of Auburn, CA, is a recently opened park with over seven miles of hiking trails, blue oak forests, several creeks and a year round waterfall. A wonderful spot for photography, picnicking or just relaxing in the outdoors, the park offers the visitor abundant opportunities for observing wildlife. The park encompasses over 200 acres. An additional 900 acres located adjacent to the park will be developed in the future. The purpose of the park is to both provide opportunities for recreation and create habitat for wildlife. The park has paved parking lots, restrooms and an area for horseback riders to park their trailers.
Placer Nature Center located in Auburn, CA welcomes families and everyone interested in learning how to live a more ecologically sustainable life and learn about the wildlife of the area. They offer many events for children and adults to assist in the understanding and appreciation of nature and wildlife. These are just several of the recreation areas Auburn, CA real estate companies can provide information on.
Auburn, CA is located at the spot where the North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River meet. To the southwest of Auburn, CA are the headwaters of Auburn, CA Ravine, where a local volunteer group, Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead, are actively working on stream restoration that will enhance the habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Both fish migrate as juveniles from fresh water streams to the sea. They return to the fresh water streams to spawn. Dams and other impediments to their migrations have blocked their journey upstream from the ocean. Efforts are underway to remove obstructions and allow the migrating fish to return to the freshwaters to reproduce. The Auburn, CA Ravine flows into the Sacramento Valley habitat and is an excellent location for hiking and river sports.
An extension of existing trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding is currently being studied for the Auburn, CA area. The North Fork American River Trail will provide over twelve additional miles of trail starting at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River in Auburn, CA.
Auburn, CA is experiencing rapid growth. This is a great time to visit an Auburn CA real estate agent to learn how Auburn, CA could become home.
