The Wailaki were a peacefu people who lived here  in the mountains of Northern California, for centuries..  They lived in harmony with the land; observing the seasons, weather and timing.  The forest, rivers and ocean provided for all their needs.  The area is rugged with few roads, and the people lived in small villages.   The villages were sparcely populated, and the resources were plentiful, but, required effort and cooperation to forage and collect at the proper time. They travelled to the ocean to gather salt supplies for the season.  The Wailaki tribe donated the land that would become the King Range Conservation Area,  This land was to be designated as a natural preserve is located on the "Lost Coast" of Northern California, still  beautiful and remote.    Many of our neighbors can trace their ancestry to the native people who lived here.  It is a natural environment for many species of wild animals, inluding bears, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, small mammals, birds and reptiles.  The inland land is forested with Douglas Fir, several varieties of Oak, and Madrone in a blended mixed  forest.  It is now called the "Lost Coast', and the western edge is the rocky coastline along the  Pacific Ocean.  The sealife is abundant, from abalone, crabs, shellfish, red snapper, ling cod, salmon and halibut.  Seals can be seen sunbathing on the rocks, otters bouncing in the waves, and wales can be seen on their yearly migrations. going south to birth in warmer waters, and returning north with the babies.

     Council Madrone Tree

The "Council Madrone"  tree was an important tree to the Native Americans who lived here.  For years, it was the meeting place for the indiginous people of Northern California. They would walk for miles to gather together with people from other tribes who came here from many directions.  When we moved here, we could see it in the distance, a testament to the history of this land.  During our time here, this tree served as an inspiration, and place for special events like weddings and celebrations.  The view from here was spectacular in all directions. Sadly, this giant tree has fallen down and is returning to the earth.  Tom did this painting, above, of the Council Madrone tree so that we can all remember it's strength, beauty, and significanace for people of many generations and cultures. Through the limbs of the tree, you can see the mountains in the far distance.  These mountains are in the King Range Conservation Area, and on the other side of the mountains is the rugged "Lost Coast" of California, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

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