Native plant community monitoring

Researchers conduct a census of vegetation along a transect in Point Mugu State Park.

Plant communities are both constituents of and drivers of biodiversity. Loss of specific plant species or plant communities can impact insect, amphibian, reptile, avian, and mammalian species diversity. Several plant communities, such as chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and riparian habitats, within the parks in the Mediterranean Coast Network form the foundation of these ecosystems. Many of these communities face threats from urban development, invasive plant species, and changes in climate.

Long-term monitoring of these communities in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area began in 2014.