Nature on the Land
GARLAND RANCH REGIONAL PARK
This large inland park along the Carmel river features riparian willow
thickets, lowland sycamores, live oak woodlands, and chaparral.has abundant
flowers, including California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) and
lupines (Lupinus spp.).
This gem of a park offers many trails for all levels of outdoor interest and fitness. Bikers and equestrians can choose from several trails on the eastern and western boundaries of the park; and for hikers who like to walk with Fido, dogs are permitted on the trails off-leash so long as they are under immediate voice command. For family hiking, there are trails that skirt some lovely stretches of the Carmel River, and for the hardcore, Snively's Ridge on the top of Garland provides some spectacular, heart-pumping panoramas of Monterey Bay, Carmel Valley and Rancho San Carlos.
Garland Ranch
Spend a morning at one of the sites on California's Central Coast Birding
Trail. The park contains oak woodlands, chaparral and riparian habitats.
The Carmel River runs along the park. You may see Hutton's vireo, acorn
and Nuttall's woodpeckers, warblers, lazuli bunting, and many other songbirds
on this field trip favorite.
Highlights: Hutton’s Vireo, Acorn Woodpecker, Nuttall’s Woodpecker,
Yellow Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, and other breeding
songbirds.
