Most of the area recently covered by basalt still remains flat, and hence most shrubs and trees won't grow there. However, the Engelmann Oak is also called the Mesa Oak, because it has a better tolerance to its roots sitting in poorly-drained areas. Thus the Sylvan Meadows area is mostly an Engelmann Oak Woodland.
Oak woodland is mostly confined to the steeper slopes at the edge of the Mesas. In fact, you can clearly see the edge of the Mesa de Colorado in most places from the Vernal Pool Trail just by looking for the oaks.
http://tchester.org/srp/plants/communities/10f.html
Comments and feedback: Tom Chester
Last update: 6 November 2005.
