Austin Creek State Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Austin Creek State Recreation Area |
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Austin Creek State Recreation Area
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 Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Location in California
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sonoma County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Guerneville, California |
| Area | 5,927 acres (23.99 km2) |
| Established | 1964 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Austin Creek State Recreation Area is a special state park in California, United States. It's a wild and beautiful place. You can find it in Sonoma County, California. It's right next to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. They even share the same entrance!
This area has lots of different landscapes. You'll see deep ravines and grassy hills. There are also hills topped with oak trees. From some rocky spots, you can even catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. The park has about 20 miles (30 km) of trails. These trails offer amazing views of the wilderness. You can also go camping here. There are spots for both backpacking and car camping. You can also find the old Pond Farm artists' colony here. It dates back to the 1940s.
Contents
What Animals and Plants Live Here?
Austin Creek State Recreation Area has different elevations. It goes from about 150 feet (46 m) to 1,500 feet (460 m) high. This means it has many types of homes for plants and animals. You can find areas near streams, called riparian zones. There are also chaparral areas with tough shrubs. Plus, there are woodlands with conifer and oak trees.
The park covers about 5,927 acres (2,399 ha). It has open woodlands and rolling hills. You'll also see wide-open meadows. These look very different from the thick redwood forests nearby.
Wildflowers and Water Animals
Many beautiful wildflowers grow here. Look for Douglas irises and Indian paintbrushes. You might also spot buttercups, lupins, and cluster-lilies. Don't forget the bright California poppies and shooting stars.
The streams are home to trout and salmon. You can also find newts and salamanders there. Bullfrog Pond has sunfish and black bass. Of course, you'll hear and see bullfrogs too!
Birds and Mammals
Lots of different birds live in the park. You might see wild turkeys and wood ducks. Keep an eye out for spotted owls and great blue herons. Ravens, white-tailed kites, and California quail are also common. You can also spot woodpeckers, hawks, and tyrant-flycatchers.
Native mammals include squirrels, deer, and raccoons. There are also foxes, coyotes, and skunks. If you're lucky, you might see a bobcat or even a black bear. Mountain lions also live here. Sometimes, wild pigs are seen too.
Why Was the Park Almost Closed?
Austin Creek State Recreation Area was once on a list to be closed. This happened in July 2012. It was part of a plan to save money in California. Before that, in 2008, it was also one of 48 state parks that might close. This was during Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's time.
But good news! In September 2012, the California State Parks allowed a group to run the park. This group is called Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. They are a non-profit organization. This means the park stayed open for everyone to enjoy!
Images for kids
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Austin Creek State Recreation Area
