Plants
The San Bernardino National Forest contains a wide range of ecosystems, from mixed conifer forests and oak woodlands, to, pinyon juniper stands, chaparral and semi-desert areas, which are home to a variety of plant and wildlife species. There are 71 threatened or endangered wildlife species on the forest.
The local mountains provide habitat for bald eagles, peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep and many endangered plants (there are more than 85 species of sensitive plants).
The San Bernardino National Forest encompasses an area of 676,666 acres of habitat ranging in elevation from 440 feet above sea level in Palm Springs to 11,499 feet atop Mt. San Gorgonio, the highest point within the forest. Most of the forest is composed of steep, rugged transverse mountains containing watersheds which supply several reservoirs. The major mountain ranges within the forest are the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto and Santa Rosa.
The climate varies from the high elevation cool summers and snowy winters, to the hot dry summers in the high and low deserts of southern California. The coastal facing ridges are often tempered by fog and marine air masses resulting in very moderate, year round temperatures.
The vast land area, and the elevation and climatic factors, play a major role in the diversity of habitat types found on the San Bernardino.
Related Links
- Plants of the San Bernardino Mountains (courtesy of Heaps Peak Arboretum)
- Fall Color on the San Bernardino National Forest
- Forest Service - Plants & Animals
iNaturalist
Get to know the flora and fauna of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains!
Wild Spotter
Engaging and empowering the public to help find, map, and prevent invasive species in America's wilderness areas, wild rivers, and other natural areas.
Plants and Wildlife
The San Bernardino National Forest contains a wide range of ecosystems, from mixed conifer forests and oak woodlands, to, pinyon juniper stands, chaparral and semi-desert areas, which are home to a variety of plant and wildlife species.
Pollinator of the Month
Pollinator of the Month highlights the interdependency of certain species of native North American wildflowers and their animal pollinators. Most plants have a flower morphology, color, blooming period, and/or scent that will attract a particular type of pollinator to reap its food rewards of nectar and pollen.
Nature Watch
This program is for people to experience wildlife, fish, and flowers in their natural settings; to promote recreational viewing opportunities; facilitate learning about the environment; and to promote conservation efforts and wise use of natural resources.
Celebrating Wildflowers
The Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service to promote the importance of conservation and management of native plants and plant habitats and emphasizing the aesthetic, recreational, biological, medicinal, and economic values of wildflowers.