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Map Satellite This isolated region provides excellent examples of several communities in the area where the Sierra meets the Tehachapi Mountains. Along the several creeks the riparian community is well developed, with sycamore, Platanus racemosa, red willow, Salix laevigata, cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and hedge-nettle, Stachys albens, among the more conspicuous elements. In the lower, drier regions are elements of the desert including Yucca whipplei ssp. caespitosa and jimson weed, Datura . Most of the area is in oak woodland, with blue oak, Quercus douglasii, and gray pine, Pinus sabiniana, the dominants. Horse chestnut, Aesculus californica, is also present. Gooseberry, Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme, is prominent in the understory. Animal life is abundant. Of particular note are the kangaroo rat, Dipodomys nitratoides, and the California legless lizard, Anniella pulchra. The latter is becoming uncommon as its habitat is being gradually usurped. Integrity: There is a road along Caliente Creek, as well as a few structures. The area has been used for cattle and mining in the past but now there is the possibility of subdivisions. Use: Private July 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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