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Map Satellite The topography of this preserve, which lies near the base of Mount San Jacinto, varies from a small, narrow, steep-sided canyon to an alluvial fan that merges with the Snow Creek fan. Though it covers only a small percent of the area, the important feature of the preserve is the oasis. A small spring and generally perennial stream support several riparian associations. In the higher elevations there are cottonwoods, Populus fremontii, in association with red willow, Salix laevigata, desert wild grape, Vitis girdiana, and squaw waterweed, Baccharis sergiloides. Downstream the narrow-leaf willow, Salix exigua, water-wally, Baccharis salicifolia, and cattail, Typha domingensis, are the main elements of the association. Much of the area is in a mixed scrub with chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, sugar bush, Rhus ovata, deer-weed, Lotus scoparius, Brickellia desertorum, and crucillo, Zizyphus parryi var. parryi. Catclaw, Acacia greggii, is common on the alluvial fan. A total of 120 plant species have been found on the preserve. Animal life is abundant and varied due to the presence of the spring and stream. Noteworthy are the uncommon Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii, chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus, and California tree frog, Hyla californiae. Integrity: Parts of the area were grazed until the 1930's and there are remains of a ranch, house, watertank, access road, etc. However, for the past decade the area has been managed to promote the recovery of the original vegetation. Use: Research, educational. March 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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