Ahmanson Ranch

* Thousands of oak trees live on Ahmanson Ranch in rolling oak savannas and as solitary stately individuals. Some of these oaks were mature adults before Columbus discovered America and centuries before the land came to be owned by Washington Mutual.

Natural Southern California is at its best on Ahmanson Ranch:

* One of the last and largest remaining strands of California’s native needle grasses, green even in late summer.

* Hills, canyons and stream beds that are never dry.

* The delicate San Fernando Valley spine flower now back after decades of having been thought extinct.

* Water and willows, frogs and insects, birds and bats, eagles and hawks carry on the serious business of living

* Mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, badgers, possums, raccoons, gophers and squirrels live and die here, generation after generation.

These natural scenes found on Ahmanson Ranch offer contentment and tranquillity from our busy urban lives. These important natural experiences help teach our youth feelings of kindness and respect for others.

Ahmanson Ranch qualifies for funds under Proposition 12 and 13. Please e-mail Rusty Areias, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, at rarei@parks.ca.gov or call (916) 653-1570 to request that the irreplaceable Ahmanson Ranch be purchased as permanent state parkland to protect and augment the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Our national urban park serves 15 million people and has the largest number of visitors of any park in the nation.

MARY E. WIESBROCK

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