Sunday - an emotional day - part 1, the low

Drove to Silverwood conservation center for a guided tour of the riparian oak woodlands. Bill and I were the only ones there so we had the privilege of a personal tour with the manager of Silverwood, who, after 20 years of living on the property, is an expert in this specific ecosystem His papers bring scientists calling to see first hand the results of his research. It was an emotional experience hearing his first-hand story of a devastating fire in 2003 that resulted in 15 deaths in the valley. The woodlands along with his home and all of his collections were destroyed. His focus was then to look at the impact of the fire on the ecosystem that ironically requires fire to thrive. 

The result of the research shows that this man-made fire, starting just as the Santa Ana wind came down the valley, was so hot, layers of stones with centuries-old grinding slabs close to ancient native sites cracked and disintegrated. The plants have been attempting to do their natural revival since then but now two new enemies - both with devastating effect: the three-year drought and the excessive use of ground water by a neighbouring orchard and a casino has drained the aquifers (65,000 gallons a day). The underground water that keeps the Coast Live Oak (ironic name) alive while there is a drought, has now dropped far below their root system. At least 12 centuries-old oaks are dead and as we walked through the forest, our guide pointed out shrubs and other native species that are dying - new dead bushes each time he walks the trails. This is an ecosystem that grows like the arctic - such severe conditions, it takes centuries for replacement.
Our guide wondered if he is supposed to talk about this - said people want him to be positive. But he said it is hard to be positive when you are watching the world around you dry up and die.