Habitats and Plants Archives | Natural Communities Coalition

Annual and Perennial Grasslands

Grasslands are a vital part of the region’s ecosystems, providing habitat for multitudes of different plant and animal species. This assessment looked at non-native annual and native perennial grasslands separately to better understand differences in their ecological health. The overall extent of grasslands across the EHA Study Area is in relatively good condition; however, the quality of native perennial grasslands is concerning.

Chaparral

Chaparral, a fire-adapted shrubland rich in endemic species, is resilient yet threatened by frequent wildfires, invasive plants, drought, and development. Chaparral in the Coastal Study Area is healthier than in the Central, though confidence in data from the coastal area is low.

Coastal Sage Scrub

Mature coastal sage scrub, a key indicator of ecosystem health, faces threats from development, invasive species, altered fire regimes, and climate change. Long-term monitoring shows the Central Study Area is in a cautionary state, primarily because of invasive species and too-frequent fires, while the Coastal Study Area is good.

Oak Woodlands

Oak woodlands provide critical habitat for many species but face increasing threats from fire, pests, and drought. The current condition of caution with a declining trend across the EHA Study Area is largely based upon the presence of saplings (indicating stand regeneration), and the percentage of living vs dead trees.

Salt Marsh Bird’s Beak

Chloropyron maritimum maritimum

Once more widespread, the annual salt marsh bird’s beak is known to still live in nine coastal marshes and marsh complexes including one within the EHA Study Area.

Tecate Cypress

Hesperocyparis forbesii

The Tecate cypress is a rare, fire-dependent tree found only in a few chaparral refuges of southern California and northern Baja California. Threatened by increasingly frequent wildfires and climate change, it serves as an important indicator of ecosystem health and resilience. Indeed, its condition of caution here is largely due to fire frequency and recovery.