What's Up in Bear Valley Springs?

Spring is close. Daffodils are blooming, and even some poppies. Leaves will soon be bursting out on the trees.

Before those leaves start showing their colors, check your oaks for mistletoe.

Sometimes it’s subtle, with just a hint of a clump here and there. Some oak trees in our community are horrifically infested. A bad mistletoe infection will kill your trees and spread to your neighbors’ trees.

Some varieties are more subject to mistletoe. We have blue oaks on our own property and some valley oaks. For some reason, the valley oaks are less subject to the disease. We have found blue oaks are vulnerable and over the years we have had mistletoe removed more than once.

Up Deertrail Drive, black oaks are more prevalent and they could be subject to mistletoe, as well.

Our oaks are a precious resource. For the sake of our community, for the sake of your neighbors, and for the sake of other trees on your own property not yet infested, please remove the mistletoe. Actually, if you leave it beneath the trees after cutting it down, deer will munch off the leaves for you and lighten the load.

The Lake Quality Advisory Committee and accompanying volunteers, have been doing an admirable job in keeping our lake waters clear of algae blooms. The lakes somehow get runoffs from fertilizer, effluent and other sources of nitrogen and phosphorus. These encourage the algae bloom and make it unsafe for the fish. Catfish and bullhead have been multiplying exponentially, destroying both plants and young fish. Fishing derbies have helped curb the population, and provided fishing opportunities for kids and adults.

With our water issues in the community and the state, it is worth checking this month’s Bear Tracks newsletter to determine if you have a leak on your property.

Bear Valley Springs is a private gated community in which the residents pay an annual association amenities fee. To visit, a non-member or non-resident must arrange with a friend or family member in the community for a guest pass that would permit them to engage in the activities. Guest passes will be checked.