The Oak Glen Preserve, part of the San Bernardino Mountain chain, is a small tucked-away spot which has been home to many apple groves for many many years. The are was mostly very quiet before the late 1990's and has since grown.
Due to economics many of the businesses and great lands are falling into bankruptcy and with it typically private development. The Oak Glen Preserve is one such area. The Los Rios Rancho, which used to be a privately held apple orchard, must have fallen victim to bankruptcy. The bank/holding firm was ready to sell and privatize the lands which hold very diverse vegetation, old-growth trees, and many species of wild animals, including Bears, Mountain Lions, and Bobcats.
Thankfully the Wildlands Conservancy was able to garner the land and keep it wild. The land is now available as a thriving nature attraction, more info can be found HERE.
Many of the wild overgrown areas have been cleared away for picnicking and several trails sprawl throughout.
This picture shows one of the areas cleared of sprawling brush to reveal a wonderful open spot for picnicking or just relaxing. There exist many very large old Oak trees, which are native to these areas. The trees are full and lush during the summer and beautifully colored during the fall season.
Another wonderful aspect about the conservancy is the preservation of old growth like the tree pictured above. This tree has an approximate girth of fourteen feet, nothing short of a small giant. For this area, far South of the Giant Redwoods and Sequoias, and at its elevation, it's quite amazing to find wonderful trees such as this.
A wooden-laden staircase helps your ascent.
An interesting twist - a few of the trees have grown over the walking path and look as if they are growing out of the bank on the right. Of course they have merely grown over in an arched fashion, but non-the-less they look amazing.
There are a couple small lakes in the are, more like ponds than lakes, but they are full of life. Many different fowl frequent these waters and several make their homes here. One of the lakes, I noticed, contained Catfish and Trout.
Along one of the paths you will come upon this sign explaining the different type of fowl which visit the lake.
Behind this sign and bucket is a small stream. The sign asks persons who walk by to fill the bucket and water the trees.
Another of the small ponds with dormant reed growth on the left.
There's great signage along the way to tell you about the many species abundant in the area.
If you're ever in the area, best time is in fall for the colors and the ripe apples, the Wildlands Conservancy is a must see.
For more information and maps, go to www.WildLandsConservancy.org
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