Читать книгу Hiking & Backpacking Big Sur. Your complete guide to the trails of Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, and Silver Peak Wilderness онлайн

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By definition, riparian (riverside) woodlands follow clear water in Big Sur country. Characterized by moisture-loving trees, this community nestles alongside creeks, streams, and rivers in the heart of the wilderness. The most common trees are the deciduous western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), red alder (Alnus rubra), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), and several species of willow (Salix spp.). In fall the major drainages of the Santa Lucia Range, notably the Carmel and Big Sur Rivers and Arroyo Seco, boast vibrant hues as autumn leaves catch the slightest canyon breezes. In spring the forest flaunts such delicate moisture-loving flowers as leopard lily (Lilium pardalinum), giant stream orchid (Epipactus gigantean), scarlet monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis), red columbine (Aquilegia formosa), and thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus).

During spring tiger lilies adorn the banks of riparian corridors.

This is one of the best areas to view wildlife. Butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals all gather here to drink, hunt, forage, and mate. Resident species include: