Treasure Tales I-L

Established in 2000, the 725-acre James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve, owned and managed by Sequoia Riverlands Trust, protects Tulare County’s largest remaining natural prairie. Ongoing restoration work is dramatically increasing its abundance of native wetland prairie plants and animals and more than doubled the number of bird species on the property (to over 150). Grab your binoculars and join an SRT-led tour, or view this preserve from its fenceline anytime. Includes video.

Surrounded by bright “fairy rings” of gold and purple flowers, the hundreds of vernal pools that dot the James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve in wet years support fascinating life forms such as tiny fairy shrimps, clam shrimps, “Cyclops” copepods, and the astonishing western spadefoot, all of which provide meals for the scores of different birds that flock there to find food.

The 725-acre James K. Herbert Wetland Prairie Preserve provides fine opportunities — especially in wet winters and springs — for birdwatchers to enjoy the sights and sounds of dozens of different avian species flying, feeding, courting, hunting, and sometimes even vanishing underground.

Established in 1927, the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District, encompassing 337,000 acres of Tulare and parts of Kings counties, works with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the many area irrigation districts and ditch companies on flood control, irrigation, and power generation, maintaining over 200 miles of waterways and hundreds of acres of recharge basins. Call to arrange group tours.

In 1982, Visalian Alan George, the Nature Conservancy, and the people of Tulare and Kings counties saved a 324-acre parcel of rare intact Valley oak woodland from destruction. Now managed by Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Kaweah Oaks Preserve, near Visalia, is a haven for birdwatchers, dog walkers, hikers, photographers, picnickers, and wildlife, and a major educational resource for schools and the public. Includes video.

Alan George, Tulare County’s honored “Mr. Oak,” tells the fascinating story of his “chance of a lifetime” to preserve 324 acres of intact Valley oak woodland and how the long process to protect these trees “was like a big jigsaw puzzle with all the parts finally coming together to the satisfaction of all involved.” Vision, dedication, communication, coordination, partnerships, and persistence prevailed at last. Includes video.

This tiny (10′ x 12′) rustic wooden post office, built in 1910 to replace the original one established in 1890 in a Kaweah Cooperative Colony tent, has continuously served Three Rivers residents on the North Fork of the Kaweah River for well over 100 years. Picnickers, photographers, and history buffs are welcome. Includes video.

Decades of contention ended in 1940 with the creation of Kings Canyon National Park. Its wonderfully accessible wilderness and front country invite backpackers, birdwatchers, campers, fisher folk, hikers of all abilities, equestrians and stock packers, photographers, picnickers, nature lovers, fans of wildlife and wildflowers, giant sequoia seekers, and scenic drivers to revel in its magnificence.

The southern part of Kings Canyon National Park, including part of Grant Grove and other giant sequoia groves, is in Tulare County, but to see the great canyon of the Kings River, the park’s namesake, you must leave Grant Grove and make the spectacular drive down Highway 180 all the way to Roads End and back. Walk some easy, short, beautiful trails with your camera for meadow, river, waterfall, wildflower, and wildlife viewing.

Lake Kaweah, near Three Rivers, was created in 1962 by damming the Kaweah River. The large lake area provides seasonal opportunities for birding, boating (marina and boat rentals, too), camping, disc golfing, dog walking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, photography, picnicking, swimming, and waterskiing. Its Kaweah Heritage Visitor Center, open year-round, has free loaner life vests for kids.

Ledbetter Park has eleven acres of lawns, many trees, a baseball/soccer field, a basketball court, picnic tables and arbors, multiple sets of modern playground equipment, a skate park, a stage and bandstand, paved walking paths, and several Veterans’ memorials make this Tulare County park a community hub, serving the enjoyment, health, and well-being of Cutler and Orosi residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

On only one springtime day per year is Sequoia Riverlands Trust’s 110-acre Lewis Hill Preserve near Porterville opened to the public so that folks of all ages can climb its thousand-foot high hill to discover the rare and imperiled striped adobe lily and San Joaquin adobe sunburst amidst multitudes of other beautiful wildflowers. Fabulous views and kite flying from the hilltop are extra rewards of this day. Video included.

Andrew Carnegie funded construction of 1681 public library buildings in the U.S., including six in Tulare County, two of which still actively serve their communities. Exeter’s 1916 Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival style library became, in 1975, a senior center, while the 1921 Craftsman style Orosi building (the last Carnegie library built in California) continues as Orosi and nearby Cutler’s library today.