Backcountry

Backcountry. . Center Panel , Shaped by People , Humans changed Angel Island in many ways. We cut trees, brought animals, and plants, dug into the mountain, paved roads, and erected buildings. Yet nature persists, creating habitat for countless plants and animals., Angel Island is a natural refuge in the middle of the bay. Coast live oak and chaparral habitats dominate the landscape, making homes for deer, racoons, moles, and voles. Countless birds migrate through, and many live here. Look and listen for turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks, and see if you can spot diving brown pelicans., The California state rock, serpentine, creates a unique plant habitat. Only specially adapted native plants are able to grow in this nutrient-poor, heavy-metal soil. Look for this green rock with black flecks in hillsides near Battery Ledyard., Did You Know? , .Angel Island is the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay. , . While many island deer are descended from black-tailed deer the army imported for hunting, it is possible some swam across the bay. Deer are fast, strong swimmers and take to water to birth fawns or avoid danger. , . Squirrels, rabbits, skunks, rattlesnakes, and large predators are missing from the island. , . Eighty acres of eucalyptus were removed from the south side of the island to restore chaparral habitat., Right Panel , Discover , Rest, Look, Listen , Close your eyes. What do you hear? What do you smell? Take a deep, slow breath and enjoy the peace offered by this sanctuary from hectic city life., While You Are Here , 1. Climb to the top of Mount Livermore, named for Caroline Livermore, who was instrumental in the campaign to preserve Angel Island as a state park. , 2. Bike around the island on the fire road to enjoy a pleasant ride not far from the city. , 3. Make plans to camp and see the city lights at night. , 4. Go birding! Many birds, especially raptors like hawks, owls, and turkey vultures, call Angel Island home. , 5. Look around. How is the island’s landscape different from where you landed at Ayala Cove?, Safety Starts Here , Staying on marked trails protects you and the island’s plants and animals. Many trails are for hiking only; cyclists, please stay on multi use roads., Left Panel , Angel Island State Park , (map)