|
Map Satellite Dark Canyon is the site of one of the few permanent streams in the Santa Monica Mountains. Three main plant communities are present. The greatest in extent is the chaparral, which here includes chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia, and coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica, among others. Near the canyon bottom there is a coastal oak woodland with coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, and California bay, Umbellularia californica. Along the creek, the riparian association of white alder, Alnus rhombifolia, and big-leaf maple, Acer macrophyllum, is found in only a few places in the Mountains. The grape, Vitis girdiana, also occurs here. Animal life is typical of the southern coastal ranges and, due to the permanent water, is relatively abundant. Mountain lions, Felis concolor, have been reported in the area. In the steep-walled central portion of the canyon, mid-Miocene marine sedimentary rocks are exposed; Miocene Conejo volcanic rocks occur at the lower end. Integrity: There are roads bordering portions of the Canyon and a residential development abuts the lower end; however, most of the area is virtually undisturbed. Use: Private December 1979
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
|
