Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park |
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The state park entrance and landscape.
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 Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Location in California
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Los Angeles County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Lancaster, California |
| Area | 566 acres (229 ha) |
| Established | 1993 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is a special state park in Southern California. It's located in the western part of the Antelope Valley. This park protects beautiful, old Joshua trees and California juniper trees. These trees grow naturally in the western Mojave Desert area.
The park is found in northern Los Angeles County. It is about 20 miles (32 km) west of Lancaster. It's also only about 5 miles (8 km) from the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Contents
Park History and Importance
This park was given to the state by a man named Arthur "Archie" Ripley. He wanted to save a piece of the special Joshua tree and juniper woodland. This type of woodland used to cover much more of the valley.
Why This Woodland is Special
Today, only small parts of this woodland are left. Most of it was cleared away for farms and houses. Some trees were even used for strange things, like helping drivers find their way at night. Others were turned into pulp for making newspapers. The park officially became protected in 1993. It covers 566 acres (229 hectares).
Native American Connections
The Joshua tree was very important to the Native Americans who lived here long ago. It gave them food and materials for making things.
Research and Volunteers
The juniper trees in the park were studied by Otis M. Stark. He was a local historian and photographer. He also helped as a volunteer to create the trails you can walk on in the park today.
