Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a 31,000 acres (130 km²) native plants habitat and wildlife preserve located in the Little San Bernardino Mountains of the Transverse Ranges, in the transition zone between the higher Mojave Desert and lower elevation Colorado Desert section of the Sonoran Desert.[1]
The Preserve is in San Bernardino County, California between State Route 62—Morongo Valley to the east and Joshua Tree National Park to the west. Admission is free.[2] The natural spring fed desert oasis here is one of the 10 largest Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and Willow (Salix lasiolepis) riparian habitats in California.[3]
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[edit] Education
The United States Bureau of Land Management created the preserve in 1982. Its stated aims are to educate the public about its purpose in protecting vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems. Volunteers host educational opportunities including bird walks and group hikes. Public outreach programs and field trips are available.[4]
While the preserve is known amongst bird watchers, many other organisms make their home within the preserve.
[edit] Hiking
The preserve has several short trails that are under a mile long, and one longer trail that is approximately five miles long.[5] An information kiosk is located at the trail head just off the parking lot. Facilities include a nature education center, restrooms, and a wheelchair-accessible trail of half a mile.[6]
[edit] See also
- Joshua Tree National Park wiki-index
- North American desert flora
- Colorado Desert index
- Mojave Desert index
[edit] References
- ^ Friends of Big Morongo accessed 6/20/2010
- ^ Friends of Big Morongo -- Visitors accessed 6/20/2010
- ^ Friends of Big Morongo -- Flora accessed 6/20/2010
- ^ Friends of Big Morongo -- Education accessed 6/20/2010
- ^ Hiking in Palm Springs accessed 6/20/2010
- ^ Friends of Big Morongo -- Hiking accessed 6/20/2010
[edit] External links
- Joshua Tree region Bird Checklist; with seasonal info.
- Big Morongo Preserve hiking
- Friends of the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Coordinates: 34°00′05″N 116°33′31″W / 34.00139°N 116.55861°W
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- Protected areas of the Colorado Desert
- Protected areas of the Mojave Desert
- Nature reserves in California
- Marshes of California
- Protected areas of Riverside County, California
- Protected areas of San Bernardino County, California
- Coachella Valley
- Bureau of Land Management areas in California
- California geography stubs
