Plants of the Preserve

The lush vegetation of Big Morongo Canyon stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert slopes. A high water table in the canyon has made the growth of tall trees possible, despite the desert climate. The desert springs ecosystem and Mojave Riparian Forest here are considered to be some of the best in California. In addition, the area is of botanical interest because it includes two desert vegetation zones: the Mojave and the Sonoran. Dry slopes are characterized by low creosote bush scrub. The Preserve offers food, cover and water to many resident birds, and shelters many migrant and vagrant species.