Tumey Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tumey Hills |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 747 m (2,451 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Fresno County |
| Range coordinates | 36°32′5.831″N 120°39′31.620″W / 36.53495306°N 120.65878333°W |
| Topo map | USGS Tumey Hills |
The Tumey Hills are a small mountain range located in the western part of Fresno County, California. They are part of the California Coast Ranges, which are mountains found near California's coast.
This area is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is a government agency that takes care of public lands. Because of fire danger, there are rules about vehicles in the Tumey Hills. From mid-April to mid-October, you cannot drive motorized vehicles here. This helps keep the area safe from wildfires.
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Exploring the Tumey Hills
The Tumey Hills are a great place to learn about nature. They are not very tall, reaching about 747 meters (2,451 feet) at their highest point. This makes them a good spot for exploring and seeing different kinds of plants.
Rules for Visiting
It's important to follow the rules when you visit the Tumey Hills. The most important rule is about vehicles during fire season. This season usually runs from spring to fall. During this time, the weather is dry, and plants can easily catch fire.
- No Motorized Vehicles: From mid-April to mid-October, you cannot use cars, motorcycles, or ATVs. This rule helps prevent sparks that could start a fire.
- Protecting Nature: Always stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing plants or animals. This helps keep the natural environment healthy for everyone.
Plants of the Hills
The Tumey Hills are home to many different plants. Some of these plants are native, meaning they naturally grow there. Others are non-native, meaning they were brought to the area from somewhere else. Both types of plants play a role in the ecosystem.
Non-Native Plants
Non-native plants can sometimes grow very quickly and take over areas. Here are some examples you might see:
- Wild Oats (Avena spp.): These are common grasses that look like oats.
- Filaree (Erodium spp.): Also known as stork's bill, these plants have long, pointed seed pods.
- Barnyard Foxtail (Hordeum murinum): This is another type of grass with bristly seed heads.
- Bromus spp.: This group includes several types of brome grasses.
- Rat-tail Fescue (Vulpia myuros): A thin, delicate grass with a long, narrow seed head.
Native Plants
Native plants have adapted to the local climate and soil over many years. They are an important part of the natural balance of the Tumey Hills.
- Forked Fiddleneck (Amsinckia furcata): This plant has small, yellow-orange flowers that grow in a coiled shape, like the head of a fiddle.
- Miner's lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata): This plant has round leaves that look like a cup, with small white flowers growing in the middle. It was often eaten by miners in the past.
