Big Meadow
Map SatelliteBig Meadow is a large montane meadow traversed by a small tributary of Salmon Creek. It is rimmed by mountains which support red fir, Abies magnifica, and Sierran subalpine forests. On the ridge to the south, separating Big Meadow from Long Meadow, the Western white pine, Pinus monticola, reaches its southern range limit.
Within the meadow and the immediately adjacent areas some 277 species of plants have been recorded, an unusually rich flora. Some of the species here include Veratrum californicum, Heracleum lanatum, Dodecatheon alpinum, Dodecatheon jeffreyi, Castilleja lemmonii, Epilobium oreganum, Epilobium angustifolium, and Carex spp.
A variety of animal life is found here, including the montane meadow mouse, Microtus montanus, which is nearing its southern range limit in this area.
Integrity: The area is grazed, but not overly so; the vegetation appears to be in good condition.
Use: Private. On the public portion, research, educational, observational.
March 1978
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
