ACORNS AND EAT ‘EM by Suellen Ocean

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“Oak environments are among California’s richest wildlife habitats; 110 species of birds use oak habitats during the breeding season, and 35 percent of California’s land mammals utilize oaks during some time of their lives. California’s deer herds are particularly dependent on oak habitats. By maintaining the health of your oak woodland, you also maintain an abundance and diversity of native wildlife.” “Aside from reducing oak seedling and sapling survival, wildlife do not harm oaks, and instead provide benefits through maintaining ecological balances. Some birds and mammals even ‘plant’ acorns during their foraging activities. The presence of wildlife often adds beauty to a woodland and value to property. When desired, landowners can take some measures to increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife on their lands. Here are a few suggestions.” “Leave brush piles in areas where they do not pose a fire hazard. These environments are used by quail for cover and by a variety of small animals for food and shelter.” “Leave a few snags if they do not pose a fire hazard or safety concerns. Snags - dead, standing trees - are often rich environments for wildlife, especially birds. Woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds rely on these habitats, and predatory birds use snags as perches. Many birds will move acorns, inadvertently distributing them to new germination sites.” “Add water impoundments (well away from oaks). Not only does year-round water increase wildlife diversity, it also improves fire-fighting capabilities.” “Manage vegetation for diversity. The diversity of wildlife depends upon the diversity of habitats and age classes of vegetation. If you maintain grassland, oak woodland, shrubland, as well as diverse gradations between these vegetation types, you will encourage diversity in wildlife occupants. The edges between these zones are particularly rich in wildlife. For example, if you allow a field to become shrubby on the edges where it borders shrubland or woodland, you will be inviting deer, quail and other animals.” Univ. of Calif., Berkeley Natural Resources ACORN TORTILLAS These especially good tortillas are made from: 1/4 cup leached & pre-cooked & cooled acorns’ 1/4 cup bran 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt enough cool water to make a soft dough Heat an un-oiled cast iron skillet. Roll out dough to “tortilla thickness” on a lightly floured board. Heat first on one side, then flip and cook until done.
“Historically, livestock grazing and wildlife production have been the dominant land use throughout the hardwood range. We can thank the livestock industry for the open, pastoral character of much of California’s countryside. But it is also in portions of this region that regeneration for several oak species has been poor, especially during the last 80 years. Cattle are the oft-named culprits, and although it is true that cattle do take their toll on the oaks by consuming acorns, seedlings, and saplings, oaks often do not regenerate even when the cattle are taken off the land. Obviously, the oak regeneration problem is more complex.” “It has been suggested that grazing for the last hundred years has caused a combination of ecological reactions that are inhibiting natural oak regeneration. Such factors as changes in the species composition of the grassland, greater ground squirrel populations, insect and soil fauna changes, and alterations in populations of acorn and seedling eaters may all complicate oak regeneration. Whatever the causes, careful management is needed -- of both land and oaks -- if these trees are to continue their traditional and ecological role on the hardwood range.” Univ. of Calif., Berkeley Natural Resources ACORN ENCHILADAS (the best!) 1 dozen corn tortillas 1 medium size can of tomato puree 1 cup pre-cooked acorns* 1-2 Tbs. chili powder 1/4 cup sour cream 1 Tbs. soy sauce 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 clove garlic pinch of sugar 1 Tbs. olive oil Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add tomato puree, chili powder and soy sauce and simmer 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Steam tortillas, or microwave to soften. Add remaining ingredients to sauce, and spoon into tortillas. Mixture should be thick, not runny. Place in a large casserole dish, cover with shredded cheese and bake in oven at 350° for 20 minutes.
Page 1 and 2: ACORNS AND EAT ‘EM by Suellen Oce
Page 3 and 4: COF note: Always seek and receive p
Page 5 and 6: up under a big Oak and read, It Wil
Page 7 and 8: If you live in an area like mine, e
Page 9 and 10: CALIFORNIA BLACK OAK or KELLOGG Que
Page 11 and 12: EMORY OAK or BLACK OAK Quercus emor
Page 13 and 14: NORTHERN RED OAK or RED OAK or Quer
Page 15 and 16: VALLEY WHITE OAK or CALIFORNIA WHIT
Page 17 and 18: “At the edge of the village a gro
Page 19 and 20: OAK - “any broad-leaved shrub or
Page 21 and 22: “One of the most interesting Spri
Page 23: “Acorns were a crop ideally suite
Page 27 and 28: QUOTE... “Inland Indians of the P
Page 29 and 30: “The Northern Pomo Indians looked
Page 31 and 32: “The Concows [Indians] of Round V
Page 33 and 34: “The edible acorns of several spe
Page 35 and 36: “Acorns of the Valley White Oak a
Page 37 and 38: “The few ancient timber mansions
Page 39 and 40: “The acorn is the fruit, or nut,
Page 41 and 42: “The great regard paid to the oak
Page 43 and 44: “The oak grows most luxuriantly o
Page 45 and 46: “Q. Ballota, an allied form, abun
Page 47 and 48: “Some trees of the sessile-fruite
Page 49 and 50: PINEAPPLE ACORN SMOOTHIE In a blend

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