Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Welcome!

Maritime Chaparral

The Old Oaks' Home

Jannu's nose going into overdrive

Calif. Indian Pink (aka Calif. Scarlet Campion)

Our guide

Elfin Forest, a local nature preserve, is located in Los Osos in the southeastern shore of Morro Bay. Elfin Forest is primarily maintaind by a local non-profit, Small Wilderness Area Preservation (SWAP). The name "Elfin Forest" comes from the short stature of the California Live Oaks. Their size is stunted by the local environment and, despite being centuries old, range from a high of 20 feet in sheltered areas to a low of 4 feet near the tallest ridge line.

Elfin Forest is pretty special because it houses several different habitats for plant communities in a fairly concentrated area (90 acres). These include the coastal marsh, brackish water marsh, riparian woodland, coastal dune scrub, coastal live oak, maritime chaparral, and oak/manzanita complex.

At times, we like to switch up our daily walks with Jannu and take her there. RT usually takes his Ecology class out there to show the different habitats and plants. I think that at one time, one of the SWAP members saw RT leading his class on a field trip and asked him to lead one of their weekend strolls. So, I think he's booked to do that in the fall. You're welcome to join in the fun!