Serpentinite Habitats in California Serpentinite rock forms the landscapes and soils that support some of California’s most rare and endemic species and habitats. A product of our young and rugged tectonic landscape, serpentinite defines and punctuates the accreted wilderness of the Klamath Mountains, the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada, and the emergent transform slopes and valleys … More Serpentinite Habitats in California

Biogeography of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands For the purpose of this research, and to get a better understanding of this overwhelming and ecologically vital topic, I have grouped California’s seasonal (vernal, ephemeral) freshwater wetlands into three categories, or associations, based on broad geomorphological distinctions, and differing hydrologic characteristics: coastal seasonal freshwater meadows; valley hardpan vernal … More Biogeography of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands

Non-Native Tree Storm Hazards in Coastal Communities The native coastal habitats of California have evolved to withstand winter storms. Within the ecological and geomorphological zones of the Coast Ranges, marine terraces, dune systems, estuaries, riparian zones, coastal ravines and valleys, and nearshore environments, plant species and communities such as Coastal Scrub types, Coastal Prairie, wetland, … More Non-Native Tree Storm Hazards in Coastal Communities

The Chaparral Mosaic in California If one ecosystem typifies California, it is chaparral. Enduring, somber, vast – often mythologized – chaparral is emblematic of our wild west. The quintessence of a rugged and calamitous geography; a resilient and seemingly impenetrable mosaic of diversity and endemism; chaparral is California.  Yes, it’s that important. The chaparral community … More The Chaparral Mosaic in California

The Coastal Scrub Mosaic in California (Don’t Call It Soft Chaparral) Coastal Scrub Mosaic A mosaic of Coastal Scrub vegetation assemblages and habitat types once inhabited most of the coastal regions of the California floristic provinces, from northern Baja to southern Oregon. Often mistakenly identified as “soft chaparral” communities, this scrub mosaic flows in a … More The Coastal Scrub Mosaic in California (Don’t Call It Soft Chaparral)