User:Billcronan/sandbox

Christopher Ruiz - Peer Review 1.The text does include well formatted text and the Section headers. wikilinks to related topics can be added. 2.The footnotes do point to the correct references, but some references come up more than once. A reference name can be used when citing in order to prevent multiple references that are the same. 3.The author can perhaps add more wikilinks to related topics and add some background or history of the park and other information

In intro Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, mountain biking, stargazing, fishing and hiking are common attractions of Sugar Loaf. The park boasts 25 miles of trails. with trails ranging from less than a mile to 8.8 miles, and elevation gains reaching 2,500 feet.

History History: The Wappo Indians were the first known inhabitants of the region, settling on along the Somona Creek 1500 years ago. They utilized the various sources of the region including acorns, and berries, and are known for their farming and basketry abilies. Spaniards attempted to takeover the area in 1823, failing. Later, the cholera epidemic dwindled the numbers of the Wappos, who were ultimately relocated to Indian reservations by the American government.

In the 1870’s farming increased in the Sugarloaf region. Business owners in town began hiring “gentlemen farmers” to manage their ranches along the Sugarloaf Ridge while the business owners remained in the town. Some even made livings off burning trees in the region to make and sell charcoal.

By 1920, the California government had dammed the creek for public water use while the region attracted campers picnickers and Boy Scout troops. Land owners began leasing land for animal grazing in 1942. Finally in 1964, the state of California admitted Sugarloaf as a California State Park.

Vegetation Sugarloaf Ridge State Park’s forests consist of Douglas firs, big-leaf maple, madrone, coastal redwoods, California buckeye and alder trees as well as an abundance of oaks including live, laurel, and mixed oaks. Poison oak and stinging nettles are found along the Sonoma Creek and can be a threat to hikers. Shrubs of the chaparral include manzanita, chamise, California lilac, coyote bush, toyon, and winebush. Sugarloaf experiences a colorful spring with a wide array of wildflowers California poppies, cream cups, lupine, penstemon, cream cups, buttercups, several varieties of pea, shooting stars, trillium, Indian warrior and mariposa lily. Less common are golden fairy lantern, zigadene, and fritillaria. Summer boasts the blossoming of even more flowers including clarkia, scarlet larkspur, farewell-to-spring, Mariposa lilies, monkey flowers, and Indian pinks and yellow star thistles and tarweed.

Wildlife Deer, as well as gray fox, bobcats and mountain lion inhabit the park. Turkey vultures can be seen swarming regions of the park as well. Trout are present in the streams and are a common attraction for visitors, especially beginning in late spring to early summer.

Bald Mountain As the main attraction for hikers, this peak can be reached by hiking the park’s trails. Upon reaching the summit, Mt. St. Helena, Napa Valley, and a distant view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains can be seen. The San Francisco Bay Area, Mt. Diablo, and the Sugarloaf Ridge can be seen when facing the south. The Mount Tamalpais lie South-Wes while the Coastal Range and a stunning view of the distant Pacific Ocean lie to the West.

Weather The temperature in the region remains fairly moderate with a summer high in the 90s and low in the 40s. Winter experiences temperatures ranging in the 30s to 60s. An average of 40 inches of rainfall in the park per year, mostly between November and April, with occasional snowfall.

Sonoma Creek Falls The Sonoma Creek falls down a 25 foot descent, landing on boulders and jagged rocks of the creek below with surrounding maple trees and ferns shading the area. This natural feat is best to visit during the rainy winter season and can be seen even from the campground.