Rain Arrives, Brings Beneficial Changes to Local Trail

By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

The December and first few days of January rains were glorious! Rain certainly helped the depleting reservoirs, as well as generating a significant difference in the hills and wooded areas of San Luis Obispo County. Grasses have produced a vivid green show within Avila’s woodlands. Winter rainfall creates an enjoyable time to stroll the Bob Jones Pathway. The trees are nicely rinsed by the raindrops. Dust and dirt coating the leaves and branches has been showered off, revealing a more defined color. Sure, there can be debris, piles of twigs, and acorns materialize on the normally clear asphalt pathway after rain, but this is nature’s way of shedding — it is comparable to getting a haircut. Areas are trimmed to provide a fresh well-groomed look, providing ample room for new growth. The moisture on the trees and shrubs glistens in the sunlight, giving the appearance of crystals adorning the coastal live oak trees. Ahh, there is nothing like rain to brighten up the scenery. Everything gets deep watered and cleaned off, including signs and rocks. Multiple years of drought are finally receiving thirst-quenching water. The rain initiates beneficial changes along the trail. Glancing left and right while trekking brings mushrooms into view. The fungi can be spotted in a variety of sizes, earthy colors, and shapes. It is fascinating to look at their formation. A real haven for a nearby troll. Mushrooms provide a tasty treat for deer, small mammals such as squirrels, and numerous insects. But as for humans, caution should always be used. Foraging for mushrooms is best left to the experts. Many mushrooms are poisonous; it is best to stick with ones found in grocery stores or farmers markets. A warning goes out for dogs as well.

Mushrooms are vital to the ecosystem as recyclers and are helpful decomposers by breaking organic matter down into usable nutrients, which get cycled back into the soil. The creative spongey-looking fungi are small, but a mighty cleanup crew for the environment. Another mushroom benefit is the partnership formed with tree roots. The fungus root weaves itself around a tree root and absorbs water and minerals for the tree. Rain can bring out other surprises as well. On occasion, a miniature red-looking lobster can be stirred from the water and seen on the Bob Jones Pathway after rainfall. Those are crayfish, also referred to as crawdads. No need to go all the way to Louisiana to locate one. Simply scan around while walking on the trail. Related to the lobster, crayfish are freshwater crustaceans. The little creature can be between 2 to 6 inches long. Crayfish do not sing. The popular novel “Where the Crawdad Sings” was referring to going to an area where people would rarely be encountered.

Unlike humans who seek comfort and avoid getting wet as much as possible, most wildlife living in Avila Valley continue regular routines despite rainfall. Wind alters animal behavior more than rain. Wind makes it challenging to hear sounds, which are crucial for survival. Deer possess waterproof fur coats and are accustomed to outdoor life 24/7. The abundant bird population seeks shelter in dense shrubs during heavy rain.

An additional water observation after a rainstorm is the foamy substance transpiring at various locations along the San Luis

Obispo Creek. The foam resembles dish soap suds, or the froth formed on top of a root beer float.

One place where mountains of foam are evident is by the creek weir, the dam across the San Luis Obispo Creek. The puzzling foam can materialize when the physical characteristics of the water are changed by the presence of organic elements in the water. This natural process can occur from the decomposition of plants and animals and releases organic surfactants into the water. The phenomenon is more prevalent after rainfall.

Another remarkable sight is the waterfall look of the weir. Abundant rain amounts create a short, yet enjoyable water cascade to see and hear. Often during a storm large debris from fallen tree branches take a swift ride down the creek, flowing into the estuary and eventually out to sea. During copious rainfall, interesting items can make their way down the creek and into the ocean. Natural type debris, like gourds and apples from nearby orchards, is understandable, but concerningly other objects are clearly from pollution.

Then came Jan. 9, a day that will be long remembered in Avila. An atmospheric river dumped more rain than the creek or any of its tributaries could handle, and it became a roaring river. Nearly every foot of the 2.5-mile Bob Jones Trail was underwater, some places over 10 feet deep, with swift currents. Trees fell and the vibrant green grasses turned to a muddy brown. We needed rain, but not all at once. The resulting evacuations, devastation, property damage, and loss of life was heartbreaking. A not-so-subtle reminder that nature has many facets. The San Luis Obispo Creek and its estuary are a flood plain that should never be taken for granted.