North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Protected nature area in Oroville, California.
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is a protected nature area in Oroville featuring volcanic rock formations, grasslands, seasonal waterfalls, and natural pools across its terrain. The land consists of an elevated basalt plateau with varied landscape features scattered throughout its expanse.
The state acquired this land in 1993 to protect Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools, a rare habitat system found nowhere else in large quantities. The purchase was funded through a major environmental conservation program.
This place serves as a learning site where visitors can observe rare plant species and animals found only in California, such as the Butte County meadowfoam and horned lizard. Walking through the reserve lets you experience the specific habitats where these species live.
Most visitors need to carry a daily or annual pass to enter the reserve, though those with valid hunting or fishing licenses are exempt from this requirement. Access conditions may change depending on the season and ground conditions.
This location contains one of only four known sites in California where Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools occur. These rare habitats appear only under very specific geological conditions found in few places.
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