Plants and Wildlife
World's largest Nutmeg
A study undertaken by Catherine Coe in 1990 identified the rare and endangered plant species in existence on the property and their locations where this was known. These listings were taken from the California Natural Diversity Database (NDDB), and the listing produced by the Native Plant Society (NPS). Further botanical research by area resident and botanist, Jim West, has recently identified two new species of manzanita that are endemic to the Ranch, one of which is soon to be federally listed, and two species of clovers also endemic to the watershed (personal communication, Jim West, 2003). A listing of the rare and endangered plant species that do or might exist on the property are included.
Of the listed species, the majority of plants are in the northwest corner, the area northeast of the schoolhouse and on the northern boundary to the west of Swanton Road. Many species show limited occurrence based on Coe's maps, the largest distribution of any species is the Monterey pine (Pinus radiata). The northernmost stand of this species is located east of point Año Neuvo and it has a range of only about 130 miles south and usually within 7 miles of the ocean. While these trees are not currently listed as endangered, many have been infected by the pitch canker disease and the removal of infected trees has been undertaken recently.
The most diverse communities of native plant species exist within the grasslands and careful livestock management and rotation promotes their healthy regeneration. Unfortunately, exotic species such as periwinkle and pampas grass are often more invasive and adaptable than the native species and for this reason must be actively controlled and eradicated.