- Author: Toni Greer
Part 1:
How many of you have recently toured our State Capitol? For me it had been many,many years!
While in Sacramento with my husband, (he had a conference and I had a free day), I decided it was time to revisit the Capitol. The interior of the Capitol is beautifully majestic. However for me the grounds are breathtaking! Standing on the top steps of the building gave me a view which I just got lost in. As I was standing staring at the landscape, various gardens and memorials I was lost in my thoughts. I was so lost in my thoughts that I must have had an unusual look on my face. A California highway patrol officer (they are in charge of security for the Capitol building and its grounds) walked over to me and made sure that I was ok. I thanked him and told him that I was just lost in the view from the steps. He agreed that it's a “pretty spectacular” view. I was trying to decide where to go first on the 40 acre Capitol Park.
*Trees from around the world * International World Peace Rose Garden *Civil War Memorial Grove * Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
The Redwood was planted in 1976 and is called the “Moon Tree”. In 1971 the tree began its life on NASA Apollo 14 as one of the hundreds of tree seeds. This was a joint NASA/USFS project. When it returned to earth, it was germinated by the Forest Service and then planted on the Capitol grounds. It stands as many of the germinated trees do, as a tribute to astronaut Roosa and the Apollo program.
The park loop trail is 1.1 mile long and an easy walk with benches throughout. All dogs must be kept on a leash. It's very wheelchair-friendly and has many paved walkways, shaded trails and pathways. The trees are marked for easy identification, and some with small round brass numbers. I was later to find out what these are for, and so will you. I loved the art and statues throughout.
The history of Capitol Park is interesting, even if one isn't really interested in history.
“An edifice should be constructed…satisfactory of the grandeur of the coming time…surrounded by grounds…with a beauty and luxuriousness that no other Capitol can boast.”
Governor Leland Stanford, 1863
It spans twelve city blocks and contains species of plant life from almost every part of the globe. This park began its life in 1860 and beautification began in 1869. Years later the land was graded and enriched with silt and soil from the bed of the Sacramento River. Eight hundred trees and flowering shrubs were planted, representing over 200 native and exotic varieties. It was laid out in “typical” Victorian style with long lanes between beds of annuals. What is now an area devoted to native California plants was once the Agricultural Pavilion which was constructed to house state fair exhibits from 1884 until 1905. During the early years of the park deer and cattle created such challenges with their wanderings that the park was fenced.
There was a circular pathway planted alternating between English Elm and California Fan Palms. They then used that pathway as a carriage path and walking path between the Capitol and Agriculture Pavilion. This was of interest to me as I was wondering about the few palm trees. The last major park renovation was between years 1948-51 which was during the building of the Capitol Annex. To my sadness, some of the “heritage” trees have been lost due to age and storm damage. Sixteen championship trees are listed on the Urban Forest Ecosystem Institute's California Register of Big Trees” I didn't know there was such a thing!
The memorials which are significant events in California are:
*Civil War Memorial Grove * Life-sized statue of Father Junipero Serra * California Vietnam Veterans Memorial * California Veterans Memorial * International World Peace Rose Garden *Firefighters Memorial *Peace Officers Memorial (several trees were planted to honor men who either served in the Justice System or in law enforcement -three bronzed 9' figures keep watch over the memorial- 1880's county sheriff, 1930's state trooper and 1980's city patrolman). A Deodar Cedar, Common Horse Chestnut, Coast Redwood are just three of many.
However, there are many more memorials and gardens that one must see, in my opinion. While on my journey through the park, I discovered the Camellia Grove, Cactus Garden, Memorial Grove, Grinding Rock, Capitol Kitty (yes, actually after a kitty that called it home this park), and the State seals, just to name a few.
There is more to follow with my next blog-Part 2!