Lesson 3: Ecosystems and Resources

Key Idea

Each of California's regions offered different natural resources, which led to different kinds of jobs. Gold mining in the mountains was just the beginning. Later, settlers discovered the rich soil in the Central Valley and created huge farms to grow fruits and vegetables.

The long coastline was perfect for building ports and cities. This allowed for trade with ships from around the world. These coastal cities grew into centers for business and new industries, like technology.

Key Idea

As people expanded these industries, they began to change the environment to meet their needs. They did not just use the natural resources as they found them; they actively altered the land to help their businesses grow.

To make farming possible in dry areas, settlers developed systems of irrigation, building canals and dams to move water from rivers to their fields. In the mountains, miners rerouted streams to uncover gold, and forests were cleared to provide lumber for the growing cities. These actions reshaped California's landscape, allowing the state's economy and population to grow.

Key Idea

As Californians used resources like oil and gas, they learned that some materials are nonrenewable. This means that once they are used up, they are gone forever.

Other resources are renewable, like trees that can be replanted or energy from the sun and wind that never runs out. This discovery showed the importance of saving resources for the future.

Key Idea

We can learn about the past from things people created long ago. These clues are called primary sources. The song "I Love You, California" shows that people felt proud of the state's natural beauty, from its mountains to its sunny skies.

The stories of historical figures also teach us about the past. In 1913, Hallie M. Daggett became the first woman to work as a fire lookout. Her job was to watch over the forests and help protect them from fires.