CA Native Habitats

What type of climate does most of coastal California have?

Mediterranean – hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

How does soil type influence plant adaptations?

Poor, dry, or sandy soils force plants to develop shallow roots, water storage, waxy leaves, or drought-deciduous habi

How much annual rainfall does Coastal Sage Scrub receive?

10-15 inch

What kind of soil is found in Coastal Sage Scrub?

Well-draining sandy or loamy soils

What kind of soil is found in Coastal Sage Scrub?

Well-draining sandy or loamy soils

What challenges do native plants and wildlife face in Coastal Sage Scrub

Drought, urban development, invasive species, and fire

What’s it like living in Coastal Sage Scrub?

Mild winters, hot summers, fragrant shrubs, mostly urbanized now

How much rainfall does chaparral receive

15-25 inch annually

What kind of soil does chaparral have

Rocky, shallow, low-nutrient soil

What are major challenges in chaparral ecosystems?

Drought, erosion, and especially fire

What’s it like living there? (Chaparral)

: Dry, rugged, fire-prone terrain with dense shrubs and seasonal shifts

What is the rainfall like in redwood forests?

40–100+ inches annually, mostly from fog

What soil type do redwood forests grow in?

Moist, rich, well-draining loam

What are major threats to redwood forests?

Logging, climate change, and habitat fragmentation

What’s it like living there? (Redwood forests)

Cool, foggy, shady, and lush; towering trees and dense undergrowth

How much rainfall do oak woodlands receive?

: 15–30 inches annually

What type of soil is found under oak canopies?

Clay or loamy soils

What threatens oak woodlands

Urbanization, invasive grasses, and drought

What’s it like living there? (Oak woodlands)

Scattered trees with open, grassy areas—peaceful and mild

What is the average rainfall in desert scrub habitats?

Less than 10 inches per year

What kind of soil is typical in desert regions

Sandy, rocky, fast-draining soil

What are key survival challenges here? (Desert region)

Extreme heat, water scarcity, and flash flooding

What’s it like living there? (Desert Scrub)

Hot days, cold nights, wide views, and sparse vegetation

How much rainfall do California grasslands get?

10– 30 inches annually

What kind of soils do grasslands have?

Deep, fertile loams or cla

What are the main threats to grasslands?

Agriculture, grazing, and invasive species

What’s it like living there? (Grasslands)

Open spaces, strong seasonal bloom, windy and dry in summer

How much rainfall do wetlands receive?

It varies, often over 40 inches with additional water from rivers

What type of soil is found in wetlands?

Water-saturated, organic-rich soil

What threatens wetlands?

Pollution, water diversion, and land development

What’s it like living there? (Wetlands)

Soggy, mosquito-prone, and full of wildlife

How much rainfall does the Douglas Fir Forest get

30–80 inches

What soil is common here? (Douglas Fir Forest)

Cool, deep, well-draining forest soil

Major challenges in Douglas Fir Forests?

Logging, pests, and climate-related snowpack changes

What’s it like living there? (Douglas Fir Forest)

Cool, misty, shaded with tall conifers and quiet understor