|
|
|
|
Whitaker Forest Research Station
Located on Redwood Mountain, Whitaker's Forest is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. It lies on gentle to steep slopes in the giant sequoia/mixed conifer forest. Over 215 large giant sequoia trees occur on the property, along with fine stands of second-growth redwood. Mixed conifer forests of both mature and second-growth trees predominate on the west side of the forest and are interspersed with giant sequoia elsewhere.
The soils are of granitic origin with the Shaver soil series supporting the mesic giant sequoia and mixed conifer types, while the xeric areas of ponderosa pine and brushland are underlaid by soils of the Holland series. Numerous granitic outcrops can be found on the property.
Climatic data was taken on Whitaker's Forest from 1966 until 1980. Average annual precipitation is about 1092 mm (43") of rain and about 410 mm (16") falling in the form of snow. Year-to-year fluctuation can be great, with variations in precipitation from 381 mm (15")/yr to 1524 mm (60")/yr recorded. Snowfalls have exceeded six feet in a single storm. Temperatures are moderate, with summer highs in the 80's ( °F) and lows in the 50's, while winter temperatures are often in the 20's, never rising above freezing for weeks at a time.
|
|
