Before the much-needed rain came to Chico this week, Alec and I ventured out to the USDA Forest Service Genetic Resource Center’s Nature Trail, which most people just call the Tree Farm. It’s one of our favorite places to go, although we were scarce for a while when Alec went through a scared-of-dogs stage (the trail is popular among dog owners). Kids love the creek, bridges and, most of all, the bamboo forest. Alec kept looking for panda bears in there.
The demonstration forest was started as a plant breeding research center way back in 1904, and despite threats of budget cuts it remains one of the best-kept secrets of Chico, yet still popular enough among those in the know that managers have had to plead with dog owners and picnickers to respect the sensitive landscape or risk losing access to the area. There are picnic tables, benches overlooking Comanche Creek and signs identifying more than 130 tree and plant species from China, England and beyond.
The Tree Farm is near Skyway and Highway 99. To get there, take Dominic Drive off the Skyway to Morrow Lane and then Cramer Lane. Drive (or bike, or walk) to the end, where you can park and enter.
