California coastal prairie, also known as northern coastal grassland, is a grassland plant community of California and Oregon in the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome. This ecosystem is found along the Pacific Coast, from as far south as Los Angeles in Southern California to southern Oregon. It typically stretches as far inland as 100 km, and occurs at altitudes of 350 m or lower.
California's coastal prairies are the most species-rich grassland types in North America, with up to 26 species present per square meter. [1] They have been described in literature as "previously unrecognized biodiversity hotspots," and are also known to provide an array of essential services—for instance, carbon storage, water filtration, agriculture, and livestock farming. [2] In spite of the numerous benefits associated with maintaining this ecosystem, it is considered to be one of the most threatened ecosystems in the state of California, [3] with less than one percent of undisturbed coastal prairie remaining today (mainly in or around Point Reyes National Seashore). It is also the single most urbanized major vegetation type in the US; 24% of coastal prairie habitat in California has been lost to urban sprawl. [4]
Among the most defining attributes of the California coastal prairie is its Mediterranean climate. This climate type entails hot and dry summers, cold and wet winters, and mild year-round temperatures as a result of close proximity with the Pacific Ocean.The growing season for these prairies takes place during the winter, and is followed by a dormant, low-rainfall period during the summer. [5] These seasonal changes to water availability have thus spurred a variety of adaptations favoring drought resistance across the many species endemic to these areas. Some perennial grasses utilize humid air as a source of up to 66% of their total water intake, making fog another indispensable abiotic factor in this ecosystem. [6] Other drought-resistant strategies include deep root systems, summer dormancy, and enhanced water storage (e.g. bulbs, tubers, taproots, etc.).
The California coastal prairie is commonly defined by its predominant grass species, of which there are two: Deschampsia coastal prairie (located in Point Reyes peninsula) and Danthonia coastal prairie (located in Bolinas Ridge). [7] This ecosystem can also be characterized by topographic features including sea bluffs, uplifted grassy bald hills, hillside slopes, lowland grasslands, and coastal marine terraces. [8] The centuries-long accumulation of organic matter within these coastal regions has culminated in the production of a rich and dark prairie soil that is commonly referred to as mollisol. As a result, the aforementioned coastal terraces are often used for agricultural purposes, [9] and can be seen in areas such as Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo.
As a disturbance-dependent ecosystem, these coastal prairies are not only adapted to change, but cannot properly thrive without it. [10] Disruptive factors such as wind, fire, salt spray, digging, and grazing help to maintain more open (as well as healthy) grasslands; for example, they are crucial to facilitating the release of nutrients, stimulating microbial activity, and regulating competition between woody and herbaceous plants. [11] The profile of grazing species inhabiting these prairies has evolved over time in the following manner:
Conservation projects within the past couple of decades have involved the conversion of private pastures on coastal prairies into protected land. While these efforts are well-intended, the removal of grazers from this ecosystem rids it of the disturbance it requires, and is therefore thought to be responsible for such metrics as worsening soil quality and declining annual wildflower blooms in these areas. [13] In the absence of frequent fires—especially controlled burns—and many once-prominent grazing and burrowing species that evolved within this ecosystem, much of what is left of the California coastal prairie is being lost to shrub and tree encroachment. [14]
Before the Spaniards' arrival in California, Native American groups relied on grasslands' ecosystem for resources such as chia seeds, acorns, grass seeds, [15] and game like deer, quail and hares. [16] In order to expand their resource base, they managed the land through fire techniques, which flowered geophytes and boosted the growth of perennial grasses. Burning the existing chaparral and shrublands into grasslands was advantageous for such groups in generating the germination of chaparral annuals and therefore food supply for both humans and the mammals in the area. In general, it created open spaces which were favored by animals and opening up land for gathering fruits and seeds. [17]
In addition, indigenous groups effectively harvested the annual grasses through digging sticks, which dug for underground bulbs and seeds, and the seed basket, which collected seeds, like camas bulbs, and scattered those who weren't ripe in the process. [17]
When the Spanish arrived in the 1800s, cattle was introduced for grazing, effectively replacing the native populations of deer and elk. [16] In the process were introduced non-native species which, along with agriculture and the end of indigenous fire management practices, greatly decreasing the biodiversity of these ecosystems. [18]
Characteristic species of this community include: [19]
The entire coastal prairie biome can be completely restored, even after the plants seem to have disappeared for decades after grazing end, by unearthing their dormant native seeds in the soil, that are still viable underneath the weeds. Between 1992 and 2000, at 300 Byers Lane, La Selva Beach in Santa Cruz County, 70 acres of habitat went from 99% weed-covered to 95% native covered in only eight years, without sowing any seeds. [21]
Rare and endangered species found in the coastal prairie include:
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The coastal prairies remains a unique ecosystem in that it is disturbance-dependent, meaning it relies on disturbances such as fires and grazing to survive. Years of overgrazing as well as the introduction of non-native species have had long-term impacts on Californian coastal prairies, with only 1% of native grassland remaining today. [18] These non-native species are either not suited as feed for the native mammals, or more woody plants have overrun the habitats of native herbs. [22]
Most recently, invasive perennial grasses are the greatest threat. These include velvet grass ( Holcus lanatus ), tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ), and Harding grass ( Phalaris aquatica ); [23] the impact of these species can be somewhat ameliorated by well-planned livestock grazing, which can reduce these species' cover and allow native species to persist. [24]
California's coastal prairies are protected by the California Coastal Act, which considers these habitat types to be Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA). Akin to the endangered species act for habitat types on California's coast, ESHA protections disallow any harm to so designated habitats, except where such harm is necessary to otherwise restore the habitat as a whole (e.g., prescribed fire, grazing). [25]
Coastal Prairies of California are classified as critically endangered with the following stressors causing the most impacts: invasive species, low nutrient soils, urbanization, and unregulated recreational activities. [26] Debates remain on how to apply conservancy efforts to Californian coastal prairies, in balancing disturbances to allow for the flourishing of the native plants as well as quality pasture for grazers. [22] One such organisation focusing on this work is the California Native Grasslands Association, which has led diverse efforts to protect parks and areas with coastal prairies, such as in efforts to protect Point Molate and Tesla Park from construction projects. [27]
Prairies are ecosystems considered part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome by ecologists, based on similar temperate climates, moderate rainfall, and a composition of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, rather than trees, as the dominant vegetation type. Temperate grassland regions include the Pampas of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, and the steppe of Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan. Lands typically referred to as "prairie" tend to be in North America. The term encompasses the area referred to as the Interior Lowlands of Canada, the United States, and Mexico, which includes all of the Great Plains as well as the wetter, hillier land to the east.
A grassland is an area where the vegetation is dominated by grasses (Poaceae). However, sedge (Cyperaceae) and rush (Juncaceae) can also be found along with variable proportions of legumes, like clover, and other herbs. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica and are found in most ecoregions of the Earth. Furthermore, grasslands are one of the largest biomes on earth and dominate the landscape worldwide. There are different types of grasslands: natural grasslands, semi-natural grasslands, and agricultural grasslands. They cover 31–69% of the Earth's land area.
A meadow is an open habitat or field, vegetated by grasses, herbs, and other non-woody plants. Trees or shrubs may sparsely populate meadows, as long as these areas maintain an open character. Meadows can occur naturally under favourable conditions, but are often artificially created from cleared shrub or woodland for the production of hay, fodder, or livestock. Meadow habitats, as a group, are characterized as "semi-natural grasslands", meaning that they are largely composed of species native to the region, with only limited human intervention.
Rangelands are grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, wetlands, and deserts that are grazed by domestic livestock or wild animals. Types of rangelands include tallgrass and shortgrass prairies, desert grasslands and shrublands, woodlands, savannas, chaparrals, steppes, and tundras. Rangelands do not include forests lacking grazable understory vegetation, barren desert, farmland, or land covered by solid rock, concrete and/or glaciers.
Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are seasonal pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. They are considered to be a distinctive type of wetland usually devoid of fish, and thus allow the safe development of natal amphibian and insect species unable to withstand competition or predation by fish. Certain tropical fish lineages have however adapted to this habitat specifically.
Fire ecology is a scientific discipline concerned with the effects of fire on natural ecosystems. Many ecosystems, particularly prairie, savanna, chaparral and coniferous forests, have evolved with fire as an essential contributor to habitat vitality and renewal. Many plant species in fire-affected environments use fire to germinate, establish, or to reproduce. Wildfire suppression not only endangers these species, but also the animals that depend upon them.
The Northern California coastal forests are a temperate coniferous forests ecoregion of coastal Northern California and southwestern Oregon.
Holocarpha macradenia, commonly known as the Santa Cruz tarplant, is an endangered plant endemic to Northern California. Alternative common names for this plant are Santa Cruz tarweed or Santa Cruz sunflower.
Prairie restoration is a conservation effort to restore prairie lands that were destroyed due to industrial, agricultural, commercial, or residential development. The primary aim is to return areas and ecosystems to their previous state before their depletion.
Grasses are one of the most abundant floras on all continents, except Antarctica. Their divergence is estimated to have taken place 200 million years ago. Humans have intentionally and unintentionally introduced these species to North America through travel and trade. On the North American plains, prairies, grasslands, and meadows at least 11% of grasses are non-native. North America is considered a hotspot for many invasive species of grasses, which threatens all of the endangered native grass species and potentially threatens other grass species. Conservation tactics and management policies can help prevent invasive species from taking over and driving native North American plants to extinction.
The shortgrass prairie is an ecosystem located in the Great Plains of North America. The two most dominant grasses in the shortgrass prairie are blue grama and buffalograss, the two less dominant grasses in the prairie are greasegrass and sideoats grama. The prairie was formerly maintained by grazing pressure of American bison, which is the keystone species. Due to its semiarid climate, the shortgrass prairie receives on average less precipitation than that of the tall and mixed grass prairies to the east.
Festuca arundinacea (syn., Schedonorus arundinaceus and Lolium arundinaceum) is a species of grass commonly known as tall fescue. It is a cool-season perennial C3 species of bunchgrass native to Europe. It is an important forage grass throughout Europe, and many cultivars have been used in agriculture. It is also an ornamental grass in gardens, and a phytoremediation plant.
Festuca idahoensis is a species of grass known by the common names Idaho fescue and blue bunchgrass. It is native to western North America, where it is widespread and common. It can be found in many ecosystems, from shady forests to open plains grasslands.
Tussock grasses or bunch grasses are a group of grass species in the family Poaceae. They usually grow as singular plants in clumps, tufts, hummocks, or bunches, rather than forming a sod or lawn, in meadows, grasslands, and prairies. As perennial plants, most species live more than one season. Tussock grasses are often found as forage in pastures and ornamental grasses in gardens.
Trifolium buckwestiorum is a rare species of clover known by the common name Santa Cruz clover.
Triphysaria pusilla is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae known by the common name dwarf owl's-clover.
Dalea purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known as purple prairie clover. Native to central North America, purple prairie clover is a relatively common member of the Great Plains and prairie ecosystems. It blooms in the summer with dense spikes of bright purple flowers that attract many species of insects.
Artemisia filifolia, known by common names including sand sagebrush, sand sage and sandhill sage, is a species of flowering plant in the aster family. It is native to North America, where it occurs from Nevada east to South Dakota and from there south to Arizona, Chihuahua, and Texas.
Leucopoa kingii is a species of grass known by the common names spike fescue and King's fescue. It is native to the western United States from Oregon and California east to Nebraska and Kansas.
Annual grasslands are a type of grassland ecosystem characterized by the dominance of annual grasses and forbs. They are most commonly found in regions with Mediterranean climates, such as California, and provide important habitats for a variety of wildlife species.