Another modern alteration is the construction of an east-west earthen causeway that effectively bisects the lake, impeding thorough water circulation and fragmenting plant and animal colonies of the lake.ĭrystone bridge circa 1900 over Cardoza Creek in the Tolay Lake watershed.ĭating to at least 4,000 years, habitation of the original Tolay Lake perimeter occurred on a seasonal basis by the Coast Miwok, Pomo and other native Californians. Tolay Lake was initially altered about 1850 by European settlers who dynamited a natural earth dam on the lake's south side, in order to enable more intensive agricultural cultivation and grazing of the basin at times thereafter, the lake typically became almost dry in the summer months, when rainfall in this region is at its seasonal nadir. Tolay Lake and its immediate drainage area is home to several nesting pairs of golden eagles, Aquila chrysaetos, and a number of rare, threatened or endangered species including the California red-legged frog, Rana draytonii Western pond turtle, Actinemys marmorata and Western burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia. In 2005, Sonoma County acquired the entirety of the lake and virtually its whole drainage basin from the Cardoza family for the sum of $18 million the County's intention is to utilize the property as Tolay Lake Regional Park for ecological and archaeological preservation, as well as public use and enjoyment. The lake, nestled within the southern vestiges of the Sonoma Mountains, is the site of significant Native American prehistoric seasonal settlement. Tolay Lake is a shallow freshwater lake in southern Sonoma County, California, United States. It is customary to give gifts bearing this mystical symbol to pass on good luck wishes to friends and loved ones and is very popular within western culture amongst people who seek a more ecological, ethical and holistic lifestyle.38☁2′33″N 122☃0′50″W / 38.20917°N 122.51389°W / 38.20917 -122.51389 Coordinates: 38☁2′33″N 122☃0′50″W / 38.20917°N 122.51389°W / 38.20917 -122.51389ġ Shore length is not a well-defined measure. This charm stone gift comes in a beautiful presentation box including an information card about the Indalo, and there is room to add a personal message.

It is painted onto the stone with a mixture of pearlized watercolour and metallic acrylic which is then sealed to protect the image. This Indalo or Rainbow Warrior shape from Spain is an ancient neolithic symbol found in caves near Mojacar, Almeria, and is well-recognised as a good luck charm. The Hopi, Cree and Sioux tribes often incorporated the Indalo-shaped Rainbow Man or Rainbow Warrior figure into their stones and rituals. In native American ceremonies, they were used for spiritual purposes to ensure, for example, a productive harvest. Charm stones are also particularly common in Hindu and Buddhist traditions and amongst the indigenous Australian cultures. The Miwok and Pomo tribes of California, for example, left thousands of charm stones on the beds of Tolay Lake.

The stones or pebbles themselves occur naturally but are hand-crafted to inject charm and esoteric value. Charmstones like this JOY good luck gift, are believed to have mystical or healing powers.

Pomo charmstone