Caswell Memorial

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=557 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caswell_Memorial_State_Park Caswell Memorial State Park preserves a riparian forest along the Stanislaus River. It is located in southern San Joaquin County southwest of the town of Ripon. Riparian Oak Woodland, located in this park, is threatened and the park is trying to protect it. It once flourished through California's Central Valley. Caswell is also the home to several endangered species. This park has been named after the landowner, Thomas Caswell.

Caswell Memorial State Park Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. To enter this ancient forest is to step back in time and glimpse a riparian woodland of long ago. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (209) 599-3810. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Caswell Memorial State Park 28000 South Austin Road Ripon, CA 95366 (209) 599-3810 © 2006 California State Parks (Rev. 2018) A The Stanislaus River winds along the south side of the campground and day-use areas. The park offers activities such as camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, tubing from the campground to the day-use area, bird watching, and hiking. Fishing is popular, and fishing spots are plentiful along the sandy main channel of the Stanislaus River or the extremely slow-moving oxbows. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bullhead, bluegill and other sunfish, crappie, and pikeminnow thrive here year round. Striped bass and Chinook salmon annually migrate through the area. PARK HISTORY For millenia before recorded history, native people lived in the forests along the Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and San Joaquin Rivers. Now known as the Northern Valley Yokuts, they made use of the rivers’ stable food supply of fish, acorns, and large and small game. Spanish colonists began establishing a mission system along the coast of Thomas Caswell on his California in the midModesto ranch, ca. 1920 1700s. The influence of the missions on the native people triggered a rapid change in the Yokuts culture. The area of the Stanislaus River became historically significant in 1829, when Estanislao, a former convert from Mission San José, led an uprising against the Mexican army. After four attempts, the Mexican army defeated Estanislao and his followers, and the river came to be known as “Rio de Estanislao,” in honor of the brave chieftain whose name is Spanish for Stanislaus. The Yokuts way of life began its decline during the 1830s. Vast numbers of native people died from disease, the harsh life at the missions, and war. In 1833 a severe malaria outbreak killed one-third to one-half of the native people. Four years later, a smallpox epidemic swept through the California Indian population. Seven hundred acres of riparian forest along the river were purchased by Thomas Caswell, a farm equipment manufacturer and rancher, in 1915. In 1950 the Caswell family created a legacy for the people of California by donating 134 acres of forest to be preserved as a state park, so future generations might experience the valley in its original natural state. NATURAL HISTORY One of the rarest habitats in California is the riparian woodland. The term “riparian” refers to vegetation or habitat along rivers and streams. A vast forest once covered much of the Central Valley’s riverbanks and floodplains. What you see in the park today is just a remnant of this once much larger forest. Thanks to the forethought of the Caswell family in protecting what was left, the park now includes a large area of mature riparian forest. A variety of micro-climates can be found within the riparian zone; as a result, the vegetation is a mosaic of different species. Dense willow groves grow along the shore of the river. Willows also grow in the lower, wetter areas within the park, providing excellent feeding, nesting, and shelter for many species of small birds. Just inland from the willows, but still in the wetter and more frequently flooded areas, cottonwoods stand. As some of the tallest trees, they provide nesting Great horned owl habitat for the threatened Swainson’s hawk and other raptors and owls. Sycamore trees are also found in this area. Higher areas that historically were flooded for shorter periods of time are predominantly vegetated with a valley oak forest. The majestic valley oak is the largest species of oak in the United States. Some of these mature oaks are more than 60 feet tall, with a circumference of up to 17 feet. Valley oaks produce long, slender acorns. Many insects, birds, and mammals depend on these acorns as their main food source for part of the year. A rich understory of wild rose, blackberry, currant, and sedge flourishes. This tangle of undergrowth provides protection and food for a large variety of wildlife, such as rabbits, woodrats, raccoons, weasels, skunks, foxes, and opossums. In the evenings, listen for the great horned owls hooting in the surrounding trees.

Caswell Memorial State Park 28000 South Austin Road • Ripon, CA 95366 • (209) 599-3810 Welcome to Caswell Memorial State Park, a small, wild refuge in the midst of the great Central Valley of California. Located six miles southwest of Ripon, this unique state park protects one of the last remaining oak-riparian woodlands that once flourished throughout the valley. CAMPSITE OCCUPANCY: Each campsite is limited to (8) eight people and (2) two licensed vehicles, including trailers (CCR 4452(a)). One vehicle is included in your registration fee. Additional vehicle fees required. All vehicles must stay on paved roads and park in designated parking sites (CCR 4358). DAY USE: Picnic tables and barbecues are located in the day-use areas. Family and group picnic facilities are available. SWIMMING: Beaches and swimming areas are located near the park’s day-use and campground facilities (NO LIFEGUARD SERVICE). CHECK-OUT TIME is 12 noon (CCR 4456). Please vacate your site by that time. If you wish to remain in the park after you check out, you must move your vehicle to day-use parking. Check-in time is 2 p.m. GENERATORS may only be operated between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. (CCR 4320(c)). QUIET HOURS are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. (CCR 4320). Daytime radios, music, and other loud activities must not disturb other visitors. FIREARMS: Firearms, bows and arrows, weapons and fireworks are not permitted (CCR 4313). SPEED LIMIT: The maximum speed limit is 15 mph and is strictly enforced. Children and adults frequently cross roadways. Please drive carefully (CCR 4353(a)). DOGS must be on a six-foot leash and under your immediate control at all times, and they must be confined in a tent or vehicle at night. Please clean up after your pet (CCR 4312). FIREWOOD SALES (seasonal): When available, may be purchased from the camp host. All natural materials such as wood, twigs, bark or plant materials are protected and are important to the ecosystem. No gathering permitted (CCR 4306). BICYCLES are NOT ALLOWED on trails, but are permitted on paved roads and fire roads. Bicyclists under 18 years of age must wear approved helmets. At dark, bicycles must be equipped with a headlight and reflectors (CVC 21201). TRAILS: Explore the park by walking the trails that meander through the majestic oak forest and along the Stanislaus River. A trail map is available at the entrance station. Except for service dogs, NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON THE TRAILS (CCR 4312). FISHING is popular here, as many species thrive in the slow-moving, muddybottomed river. Summertime fishing yields largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass, bullhead, sturgeon, bluegill, catfish, shad, and buffalo carp. A valid CA fishing license required for everyone 16 years of age and over. THEFT: Campsites are vulnerable to theft at any time. Please secure your valuables and equipment, and report any suspicious activity. Discover the many states of California.TM CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov. ALTERNATE FORMAT: If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. LEGEND Accessible Campsite To Ripon and Hwy 99 Campfire Center Group Campground Parking Ranger Station Restrooms Showers # Tent Campsites 2800 0 Sout h Au stin R Hiking Trail oad Hand Launch River Access Caswell Memorial State Park 15 10 12 8 28 29 30 31 27 32 33 45 34 6 4 46 37 47 63 38 62 48 59 61 36 56 39 49 54 43 51 42 40 60 58 57 55 Stan islau 53 s 52 50 r 7 35 Rive 1 64 T ra il t an o day -us do e ak fore are st a 25 laus d Road Campgrou n 9 5 3 24 26 Stanis 13 11 2 Us eP ar kin g 21 16 Service Yard Telephone 23 18 14 Swimming To Day 17 22 20 19 41 44 River © 2006 California State Parks (Rev. 2015)