Cobb Mountain

Cobb Mountain supports a variety of habitats, ranging from chaparral to a ponderosa parkland. In the lower regions chaparral is the dominant, giving way to a mixed conifer forest in the higher elevations. Among the species present are ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, sugar pine, Pinus lambertiana, Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and incense cedar, Calocedrus decurrens. Various oak, Quercus spp., are found. Atop the mountain there is a ponderosa parkland, and somewhat to the west there are unique stands of sugar pine which here are near the southern limit of their distribution in the northern Coast Range.

Native bunch grasses are present in various portions of the mountain. Several noteworthy plants occur in the area, including Pedicularis semibarbata, Cynoglossum occidentale, Cycladenia humilis and Penstemon newberryi var. sonomensis. At least two rare plants are found here, Fritillaria purdyi and Lupinus sericatus.

Present in the Alder Creek area is the water ouzel, Cinclus mexicanus, which is not common in the inner Coast Ranges. A portion of the area is being considered as a critical habitat for the endangered peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus anatum.

The mountain is of Pleistocene volcanic origin.

Integrity: Portions of the area have been high-graded, others more extensively logged, while other sections are virgin. Traces of mining occur within the area and there are roads.

Use: Research, educational, observational, present.

January 1977