The Grand Valley

The Grand Valley is the most important area for agricultural production in Samlad. The Grand Valley's rich soil, plentiful water, and mild climate make it the perfect place to grow a wide variety of crops.

Geography

A very large valley surrounded on three sides by mountains. The mountain ranges trap moisture coming off the warm sea to the north. Numerous small streams leading into a larger river provide plenty of water. The soil is highly productive, in part due to enrichment from ash emitted in the past from nearby dormant volcanos.

Fauna & Flora

The region is naturally temperate broadleaf forest, but much of it has been disturbed for agriculture. There are still patches of forest in the valley, but many of the trees have been cleared to make way for fields and pastures. Oaks, hickories, and chestnuts once dominated the valley, providing homes for multiple species of deer, bears, cats, wolves, and numerous smaller animals.

Natural Resources

The most important natural resource in the Grand Valley is its arable land. Most of the southern portion of the valley is dedicated to livestock. Cattle abound in the lower portions of the valley, while sheep become more common in the mountain foothills. Other animals such as horses, goats, swine, and deer are raised in smaller numbers. Several somewhat experimental fish hatcheries exist along the larger waterways.
The rest of the valley grows a vast array of plant crops. The middle reach of the valley is largely devoted to grains and cerials. Orchards become more frequent the further north one goes, and other crops can be found scattered across the valley wherever they are likely to grow best. A few small areas in the northernmost sections of the valley, near the warm sea, are even suitable for citrus and more cold-tolerant varieties of tropical fruits.

Alternative Name(s)

The Valley

Type

Valley