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Hiking in the Oak Preserve: The Oak Woodland Natural<br />

Preserve is 60 acres on the western boundary of the park.<br />

It is only accessible by foot—no motorized vehicles are<br />

allowed in this area. All ages of oaks are present in this<br />

woodland from seedlings to 500+ years old. This level of<br />

Valley Oak regeneration in existing mature woodlands is<br />

extremely rare. The low number of invasive species in this<br />

woodland is also very rare. It is apparent that heavy cattle<br />

grazing never affected the area and the plant diversity of<br />

the understory is a unique feature of the woodland. It is<br />

a natural spring-fed area with many wetland species as<br />

well as the sage scrub plant community. Many rare native<br />

bunch grasses are present in the understory of the oaks<br />

in their natural historic habitat assemblage. The Valley Oaks appear to be free of disease<br />

and parasites with the notable exception of a natural infestation of mistletoe in a small<br />

percentage of the mature oaks.<br />

Native Grasslands Management Area:<br />

Hungry Valley SVRA protects over 4,000 acres<br />

of the finest examples of native grasslands<br />

remaining in the state today. This is one of<br />

the largest contiguous tracts of native grasses<br />

left in California. Due to historic grazing and<br />

agricultural practices, these native grasslands<br />

are extremely rare. Twenty varieties of native<br />

grasses exist here with very few non-native<br />

plants. These grasses support a robust rodent<br />

population. Hungry Valley’s Native Grassland Management Area is committed to preserving<br />

the park’s native grasses. Rather than prohibiting off-highway activities in the grassland<br />

areas, OHVs are allowed, provided operators obey the signs and use the established trails.<br />

Special Events: Hungry Valley SVRA hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.<br />

The Quail Canyon Special Event Area holds three major American Motorcycle Association<br />

races that attract thousands of visitors. Educational OHV groups often hold safety education<br />

events at the SVRA and the park has served as a dramatic backdrop for many commercial<br />

filming projects, due to its close proximity to Los Angeles and Hollywood. In addition, the<br />

Hungry Valley Pavilion and Group Camp is an excellent venue for community fundraisers,<br />

weddings, birthday celebrations, family reunions, and OHV riding clubs.<br />

208<br />

California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission

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