|
Map Satellite Also known as the Blithedale Ridge, this area supports good examples of chaparral and mixed evergreen forests. The chaparral occurs on the ridge tops and on the south-facing slopes. In the canyon bottoms there are California bay, Umbellularia californica, and madrone, Arbutus menziesii, gallery forests.
On the north slopes the chaparral gives way to dense redwood, Sequoia sempervirens, and bay forests, particularly in the lower portions. Tan-oak, Lithocarpus densiflorus, is present. The chaparral here includes, among other species, chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, scrub oak, Quercus berberidifolia, Arctostaphylos sp., Ceanothus sp. and silk-tassel bush, Garrya elliptica.
Animal life is abundant and characteristic.
The ridge is formed of rocks of the Franciscan formation. At the southern end is a steep-sided canyon. Several intermittent streams occur in the area.
Integrity: There are fire roads and trails in the area and residential developments in the lower margins. Portions have been burned. Most of the area is in good condition.
Use: Research, educational, observational. Some private.
February 1978
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
|
