Trail Discoveries Checklist

 Superb Climate, Diverse Wildlife

At left, our Creatures Checklist proves to be a mere "starter" for your trip along the Oakhurst River Parkway.

Due to Oakhurst's unusual location in climate zone 7 - between San Joaquin Valley's foothills and the high Sierra mountains - birds and other animals frequent our area from zones both above and below us.

The plant-growing season - early May to late September - is shorter than in the foothills and valley below us, but also being below the higher elevations mean we have milder winters (lows average 13. This is not only fine territory for plants needing winter chill and dry, hot summers, but these very plants are a smorgasbord for hoards of birds.

We have deer descending to Oakhurst after summer feeding at higher elevations, and some animals - the California Fence Lizard is one example, have simply set up shop and remain in Oakhurst year round.. Furthermore, Oakhurst lies above the smog layer, and yet below the heavy snows.

Click on the links to hear their sounds.
You can print this checklist HERE to take with you to check off what you’ve seen on your walks!

 

Rainbow Trout

Fish & Amphibians

Crawly Things

  • Alligator Lizard

  • Garter Snake (harmless)

  • Western Fence Lizard

  • Western Pond Turtle

Insects

  • Butterfly

  • Cricket

  • Grasshopper

  • Bumble Bee

  • Honey Bee

  • Water Boatman

Trees & Shrubbery

Flowers

  • Baby Blue Eyes

  • California Poppy

  • Fiddlehead Fern

  • Indian Pink

  • Lupine (Bluebonnet)

  • Paintbrush

  • Sierra Shooting Star

  • Woolly Sunflower

  • Yellow Star Thistle

Whatever time of year you visit Oakhurst, you're sure to find that many creatures, plants, and flowers from our checklist are quite visible along the Oakhurst River Parkway Trail.

  • Orobanche Vallicola Flower

    When it comes to plants, Oakhurst is proud to be the location of only the second Orobanche vallicola officially noted in Madera County! This rare plant grows from a root over six feet long, which attaches itself to the roots of the native plant, the Elderberry. Only when exactly the right moisture beneath the elderberry is perfect will this parasitic root begin growing up until it breaks the surface. Once it does, it presents fur-like leaves in late Summer and pops into a bloom of very small pink flowers, which fade to white as Fall comes in. Because Orobanche vallicola freezes in winter, it is always a toss-up whether it will grow again the following year.

  • Yellow Star Thistle

    Another local plant resident you might see is the Yellow Star Thistle. This plant has been making news lately as a rangeland danger. While pretty to look at, its spiny bristles can lead to a painful leg if you - or animals - don't notice it while walking. Ranchers dislike the plant because Star Thistle-infested rangelands cannot be used for livestock grazing. Horses are susceptible to "chewing disease" brought on by Star Thistle. It is a good plant to just stand back and admire.

  • Evening Grosbeak

    Also visible to the eye along the trail, all types of birds have made the area their much preferred habitat. It's a tough job finding food, raising youngsters, and calling out quite frequently.

    As you walk the trail you'll see everything from Red Tail hawks to tiny goldfinches. We have even seen a bald eagle soaring overhead, and every town's scanvenging denizen, the large black ravens squawk their whereabouts.