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Map Satellite In this area of low relief surrounded by higher mountains, lying to the east of Eden Valley, are some of the most extensive stands of Sargent cypress, Cupressus sargentii, in its entire range, including some unusually large specimens. The northernmost limit is only some 20 kilometers (12 miles) distant.
The plant communities include chaparral and mixed evergreen forests with leather oak, Quercus durata, and several pines, knobcone, Jeffrey and digger, Pinus attenuata, Pinus jeffreyi and Pinus sabiniana. Various species of Arctostaphylos are present.
Black bear, Ursus americanus, are common, and various ducks nest in the area. The valley is probably the northern limit of the roadrunner, Geococcyx californianus.
Much of the area is dry serpentine soil with large serpentine intrusions. Several creeks and a lake are within the area. Cretaceous fossil beds are present.
Integrity: Several jeep trails cross the area but it is virtually undisturbed.
Use: Research, educational, observational.
January 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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