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

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

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  • Update on Park Closures

    All NPS trails are open, w/the exception of part of the Satwiwa Loop Trail. Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is only open sunrise to sunset. Point Mugu State Park re-opens 5/24. 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 5/31/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Plants

Pond at Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa

The Santa Monica Mountains are home to 12 vegetation communities, which are derived from 26 vegetation associations identified by the California Natural Diversity Database classification system (Holland 1986). These include coastal salt marsh, coastal strand, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, coast live oak woodland, riparian woodland, valley grassland, valley oak savanna, freshwater ponds/lakes, rock outcrops, and suburban development.

Vegeatation communities are determined by the following factors: presence of water, elevation, aspect, soil, proximity to the ocean, and presence or frequency of fire.

Click here to download a checklist of the plants of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

 
Euphorbia teracina or Terracina Spurge grows rapidly and is a prolific seed producer, easily invading coastal scrub lands and out-competing native species for space.

Terracina Spurge (Euphorbia terracina)

Photo: NPS

However a battle to protect this ecosystem from invasive plants is being waged in the mountains. Noxious invasives commonly called weeds are still spreading through out the Santa Monica Mountains. Early dectection is key in preventing large ecosystem impact.

Download our free invasive weed field guide.
Click here (2MB)

 

Did You Know?

The adult female of this cub died in 2005.

A study that began in 2002 reveals a lion and his offspring are surviving in the Santa Monica Mountains. Radio collars track them crossing roads and navigating through open spaces. Their future is uncertain, but with conservation efforts, they may continue to make these mountains their home.