Natural History Wanderings

Chaparral

Chaparral dominates parks such as Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, providing shelter for coyotes, bobcats, quails, and more. While chaparral is fire-adapted, frequent, intense fires can prevent full recovery, leading to erosion and habitat loss for these species.

Coastal Sage Scrub

Coastal sage scrub, found in parks like Topanga State Park, is one of the rarest and most endangered habitats in California. Fires can devastate this ecosystem, destroying native plants like California sagebrush and buckwheat, which take years to regenerate. Without these plants, the habitat loses its ability to support specialized species.

Wetlands

Wetlands, like those at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, serve as vital habitats for amphibians, fish, and migratory birds. Fires can dry out these water-rich areas, destroy vegetation that provides cover and nesting grounds, and disrupt the delicate balance that keeps these ecosystems thriving.

Oak Woodlands

Oak woodlands, like those at Malibu Creek State Park, are critical for biodiversity, offering food and shelter to countless species. Wildfires can weaken or kill mature oaks, making it difficult for new trees to grow. This long recovery process impacts the entire ecosystem, from pollinators to larger mammals that rely on these trees.

Grasslands

Grasslands, like those at Chino Hills State Park, are highly flammable and burn quickly during wildfires. While these ecosystems can recover, repeated fires deplete native grasses and open the door for invasive species like mustard plants, which further increase fire risks.

For updates on parks impacted by the fires, please visit parks.ca.gov/Incidents

Learn how you can support relief and recovery efforts: calparks.org/climaterelief2025