By PhotoByVivian.com

Donated by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Parlor 290 of San Luis Obispo, this shaded area for horses is near the entrance of the Lake Lopez Recreational Area. The Native Sons of the Golden West was formed in July 1875 by a group of California born men (women now join the ranks) who wanted to preserve the state’s history. Before state parks or historical societies protecting landmarks were formed, the Native Sons started fundraising to save icons that marked the state’s history. They began placing historical markers and worked with the state encouraging them to do the same.