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Map Satellite Here, in the Chuckwalla Valley, there is a unique confluence of a wash and a small dune system. This has resulted in a series of small pockets, 0.10 -0.25 hectares (0.25 - 0.6 acres) in extent, of a desert wash woodland. Palo verde, Cercidium floridum, is the dominant species, with desert ironwood, Olneya tesota, scattered throughout. Prominent elements of the understory are Brandegea bigelovii and Sarcostemma cynanchoides ssp. hartwegii. In the areas adjacent to the woodlands there are creosote bushes, Larrea tridentata, some of which are 3 meters (10 feet) or more high. Desert lily, Hesperocallis undulata, is abundant. A variety of animal life is present. Of note are the brown-crested (Wied's) flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus, and the prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus. The Mojave fringe-toed lizard, Lima scoparia, is found here, near the southern limit of its range. Integrity: There has been some off-road-vehicle damage and portions of the area have been grazed. Use: Research, educational, observational. March 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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