• Afternoon clouds cover the distance peaks of the iconic Boney Mountain

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

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  • Partial Park Closure Due to Hazardous Conditions

    Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa re-opens 5/14/13, with restrictions (sunrise to sunset, not all trails). Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa trails will also open, as will Backbone Trail east of Point Mugu State Park boundary. Point Mugu backcountry remains closed. More »

  • Trucks on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail

    Occasional truck traffic (approx 6 trips per day) will take place on Cheeseboro Cyn Trail weekdays between 8am & 4pm for demolition and removal of Cheeseboro Tank. Should be completed by 5/24/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Non-native Species

Non-native plants comprise over 25% of the Santa Monica Mountains flora, a figure higher than the overall average of California. The problem is exacerbated by urbanization and the increasing recreational use of the mountains, which contributes to disturbances, including fire. These disturbances facilitate the introduction and spread of non-native plants. Many of these "alien" plants originate in the Mediterranean basin and northern Europe and have demonstrated superior competitive abilities in human-influenced environments. Non-native plants present a profound threat to the integrity of native communities. Invasive non-native plants can displace native species, degrade wildlife habitat, and alter ecosystem functioning.

Did You Know?

The need for plants used in restoration projects loomed large for many years, but volunteers made it happen.

A core group of dedicated National Park volunteers, often laboring in the hot sun, built a native plant nursery from the ground up in 2002. Native plants, from the common Ceanothus to the endangered Lyons pygmy daisy germinated in this volunteer-run nursery will help restore disturbed habitat.