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Map Satellite In this area there is a cross section of communities, ranging from riparian along the creeks to ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, forest in the higher elevations. The riparian vegetation includes a luxuriant growth of white alder, Alnus rhombifolia, big-leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum, and wild grape, \/itis californica. At the confluence of Big Canyon and Mill Creeks there is an abundance of chain fern, Woodwardia fimbriata, with Trillium chloropetalum and the rare Fritillaria purdyi.
On the lower slopes there are oak woodlands with blue oak, Quercus douglasii, the dominant, which blend into a mixed evergreen forest with California black oak, Quercus kelloggii, madrone, Arbutus menziesii, and Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, on the higher slopes. At the upper levels there are ponderosa pine flats. On the bluffs Pedicularis densiflora is found in abundance.
Animal populations are varied; among the more conspicuous are water ouzels, Cinclus mexicanus, and pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus.
There are several warm and cold springs in the area.
Integrity: There is limited residential development along the Big Canyon Creek, with a road, and there has been some logging in the Boggs State Forest, but the steeper slopes are virtually undisturbed.
Use: Research, educational, observational. A portion is being given sanctuary status; remainder private.
January 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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