Institute for Ecological Tourism Department of Natural Resources Planning

Institute for Ecological Tourism Department of Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation
Humboldt State University, Arcata, California

Upland Prairies & Woodlands

Firecracker (D. Imper)

Upland prairies occur along ridge tops and creek sides, and exist in stark contrast to the dense ancient redwoods which often surround them. The open space and drier air supports oak-studded native grasslands, which in turn provide browsing areas for deer and elk. Native people burned these prairies to keep them free of trees and maintain forage for wildlife which they hunted. Wildflowers excel in this environment as do voles, mice, and gophers which are hunted from high above by hawks and other birds of prey. Bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lion also specialize in hunting these areas.

Significant Species	Season	Location
Red-tailed hawk	Resident	Prairie Creek, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods, King Range
Columbia black-tailed deer	Resident	Prairie Creek, Jed Smith, Del Norte, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods, King Range
Roosevelt Elk	Resident	Prairie Creek, Redwood National Park, King Range, Sinkyone Wilderness
Henderson's shooting star	Spring	Prairie Creek, Jed Smith, Del Norte, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods, King Range
Indian warrior	Summer	Prairie Creek, Jed Smith, Del Norte, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods, King Range
Firecracker flower	Summer	Prairie Creek, Jed Smith, Del Norte

Welcome

For more information contact:

Michael Sweeney, Director

Institute for Ecological Tourism, NRPI
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521

phone: 707/826-4147
email: ecotour@humboldt.edu

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