Mapping Areas and Observation points
The property divided into areas defined by topographical, plant community and usage factors. Areas are not precise,
Reasonably accurate locations of the observation points. Without a winter aerial photo to work with, however, the locations in the forested areas are less accurate.
Some of these are well worn, some are not.
This version was built on the Google Maps My Maps platform. On there it tells me the acerage of each area and also will let me load photos or videos for the areas and for specific points within them.
Addition done, deck expansion not started.
The far western trail goes through a full canopy forest grove while most of the other trails have differing sections of trees, shrubs and fields. The area outlined in the wide yellow line the is the residence area and not part of the trail system; the blue outlines the driveway, parking area and the RAGS studio and store. There are separate maps for each of the colored trail systems shown here, along with some discussion of what's found in that part.
The Forest Restoration project on the west will have a 100 year plan that can only be changed by unanimous vote of the board and the RAGS managers. The Nature Therapy Trails project plans are in 20 year increments and can be changed by a majority vote of the board of directors. The Studios have annual plans that the board approves and can change during the year as needed. The residence is where I get to live as long as I agree to the covenant between myself and the board of directors.
It's not really a forest, yet. While the other parts of the formerly cleared land are hosting persimmons or black locust, this section seems to have attracted a whole colony of easter red cedar (Juniperis ???). The soil type here is about the same as the rest of the place, but much shallower. One of the spots along this trail is the only place where bedrock is visible on the whole eastern part of the place. The cedar are quite happy here and are growing quickly so the trials need to be constantly worked on. Photo from winter 2019 or 2018
The entrances to this trail are through a couple of nice gathering areas. I prefer to leave most of this area without paths or trails, even though I do walk through it several times a year. That central cleared area used to be pond and is now a wet land fed by the storm drains from the Eagle Knoll golf course housing development. The mowed part goes down to the first approach to that we area. The mowed trail stops but a footpath continues once you skirt around the we area. This is the area, particularly in the lower left corner (southwest) where there appears to be the oldest trees and the fullest canopy. A good place for reintroducing natives who want that canopy. Photo from winter 2019 or 2018
In 2020 this is not quite a forest yet, still lots of youngsters and several distinct neighbourhoods. This system needs some detailed planning and laying out as it is a good place for nice wide easy to walk on trails. Slope is very gentle. It is closest to the highway and when the wind is from the east the noise can be annoying. Photo from winter 2019 or 2018
looks winter 2019 or 2018
looks winter 2019 or 2018
looks winter 2019 or 2018
looks winter 2019 or 2018
looks winter 2019 or 2018
RAGS does not have much parking; maximum is probably around 10 vehicles. The three vehicle road sections are access roads and are generally not passable when wet from rain or snow. The eight trails and paths shown here are mowed and maintained about like shown here -- lots of connections and twists and turns and interesting things to see.
looks winter 2019 or 2018
