Fort Ord, National Monument in Monterey County, United States
Fort Ord is a protected nature reserve and national monument in Monterey County, California, covering rolling coastal hills and open terrain. Trails wind through grassland and low shrubs common to this region, offering views of the gentle topography.
The military used this area starting in 1917 for training soldiers, until the base closed in 1994. Long before the army arrived, indigenous communities lived here and used the land for hunting and gathering.
The land holds archaeological evidence of Costanoan Indians who used these grounds for hunting and gathering thousands of years before military occupation.
Access is through several trailheads, including Creekside Terrace near Reservation Road and Badger Hills off Highway 68 near Salinas. Trails vary in length, so bring water and suitable footwear before heading out.
The reserve shelters a number of rare species, including the California tiger salamander, which lives in seasonal pools. Many plant species that have become rare elsewhere in the region continue to thrive here in their natural habitat.
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