Sara Brady will describe the habitat management of The McConnell Foundation’s Lema Ranch and Churn Creek Open Space. The grasslands surrounding the trails are rotationally grazed by cattle each spring to facilitate the growth of native grasses, prevent grassland fires, and reduce the amount of fuel and herbicides used to maintain the land. The cattle are stocked at a high density and moved often to mimic the habits of the tule elk that once co-existed with native grassland species in this region. Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus), and blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus) are a few of the native perennial grass species that can be spotted on the two properties. In the fall and winter, interns from Shasta College have been helping the McConnell crew restore waterfowl habitat on Ross Ranch (a future open space property). The restoration process is ongoing so please come prepared to share your experiences. Come visit us out on the trails or contact Sarah Brady at 530-356-9594 for more information.
Tag Archives | Lema Ranch
Local Weekday Bird Walk at Lema Ranch
The Lema Ranch (home to the McConnell Foundation Headquarters) trails are paved, bathrooms are strategically located and offer various habitats: cattail-rimmed ponds, a large lake, open fields and oak woodlands. Past September trips have yielded some local specialties including Common Gallinule, Great-tailed Grackle, Lark Sparrow and Western Bluebird as well as resident waterfowl and songbirds. First of season in-migrators such as White-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are possible. One year we were privileged to see a variety of migrating warblers. Meet trip leader Linda Aldrich at 8:00 am in the parking lot off Hemmingway St., off Shasta View Drive for this ½-day outing.
Second Saturday Bird Walk at Lema Ranch
Lema Ranch, an oasis of open space in Redding, is excellent year-around birding. The ponds, orchards, and fields of the McConnell Foundation Headquarters provide an abundance of bird species. We will look for Common Gallinules, Marsh Wrens, Great-tailed Grackles, Lark Sparrows and other Lema Ranch specialties. This will be a 2-3 hour walk on paved trails with fine public restrooms. Meet our leader, Chad Scott, at the north parking lot off Hemmingway Street. Hemmingway Street is across from Mountain View school on Shasta View Drive.
Second Saturday Bird Walk at Lema Ranch
An hour long bird walk on the Lema Ranch trails will be held for attendees of the Northern California Audubon Council Meeting. All Wintu Audubon members are also invited, regardless of whether you are registered to attend the meeting. Of course, those not attending the meeting are free to continue birding the grounds as council attendees make their way to the 8 am meeting.
Local Weekday Bird Walk at Lema Ranch
Lema Ranch, an oasis of open space in Redding, is excellent year-around birding. The ponds, orchards, and fields of the McConnell Foundation Headquarters provide an abundance of bird species. We will look for Common Gallenules, Marsh Wrens, Great-tailed Grackles, Lark Sparrows and other Lema Ranch specialties. This will be a 2-3 hour walk on paved trails with fine public restrooms. Meet our leader, Chad Scott, at the north parking lot off Hemingway Street. Hemingway Street is across from Mountain View school on Shasta View Drive.