Visiting Allensworth Ecological Reserve
The valley sink scrub community found at Allensworth Ecological Reserve is one of the best remaining examples of this rare alkali habitat in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Since 1980, the state of California has been purchasing land in this area, initially to protect habitat for imperiled species including the San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and Tipton kangaroo rat, along with several other special status species and natural communities. The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the State Fish and Game Commission in 1983.
Funding for these ongoing purchases has come largely through the State Wildlife Conservation Board, which does not provide funds for managing the lands. Thus, while the Reserve is conserved in perpetuity for the protection of lands vital to sensitive native species included in the Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley, funds for management, monitoring, and maintenance by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife depend on allotments from the state’s general fund.
Visitors exploring this flat land of valley sink scrub and valley saltbush scrub will see iodine bush, goldenbush, atriplex, and San Joaquin saltbush, ground squirrels, and possibly a coast horned lizard or two, along with native and migrating birds in season. Caution: Summer temperatures are very high, there are no visitor facilities, and there is virtually no shade. Carry water..
NOTE: The Project Team will be conducting research for a full article as volunteer time allows. Contact us if you’d like to help write about this Treasure.
March, 2022
Maps, Directions, and Site Details:
Directions:
From Visalia, take Hwy 99 south to Earlimart and exit West on County Road J22 (Ave. 56). In about one mile, turn left (south) onto Howard Road. In about two miles, turn right (west) onto Avenue 40. Proceed about one mile to the Allensworth Ecological Reserve gate, where parking is available. Access the reserve on foot, through the gate.
NOTE: To change the starting point on the map, click ‘More options’.
Nearby Treasures: Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, and Atwell Island Land Retirement Demonstration Site.
Site Details:
Environment: Valley; south of County Rd. J22, mostly between Hwy 99 and Hwy 43; over 5,000 acres of mostly flat native valley sink scrub and saltbush scrub habitat on land previously used primarily for farming, grazing, and non-toxic waste disposal; no visitor facilities yet
Activities: birding, hiking, nature study, photography, wildlife viewing; foot travel only for visitors inside the reserve; no visitor facilities (camping available nearby at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park; picnic tables, playground equipment, and restroom at Alpaugh Park); all visitors are responsible for knowing and following public use regulations for this area: see CDFW Public Lands Regulations
Open: daily, sunrise to sunset, weather permitting, unless closed due to emergency conditions; no fee
Site Steward: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Region; 559-243-4014
Opportunities for Involvement: Donate, volunteer
Links: Visitor Information
