Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The ubiquitous banana slug
Riparian Woodland
By definition, riparian (riverside) woodlands follow clear water in Big Sur country.
Characterized by moisture-loving trees, this community nestles alongside creeks,
streams, and rivers in the heart of the wilderness. The most common trees are the de-
ciduous western sycamore (
Platanus racemosa
), bigleaf maple (
Acer macrophyllum
),
red alder (
Alnus rubra
), white alder (
Alnus rhombifolia
), and several species of wil-
low (
Salix spp.
). In fall the major drainages of the Santa Lucia Range, notably the
Carmel and Big Sur Rivers and Arroyo Seco, boast vibrant hues as autumn leaves
catch the slightest canyon breezes. In spring the forest flaunts such delicate moisture-
loving flowers as leopard lily (
Lilium pardalinum
), giant stream orchid (
Epipactus gi-
gantean
), scarlet monkeyflower (
Mimulus cardinalis
), red columbine (
Aquilegia for-
mosa
), and thimbleberry (
Rubus parviflorus
).
During spring tiger lilies adorn the banks of riparian corridors.
This is one of the best areas to view wildlife. Butterflies, dragonflies, amphibi-
ans, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals all gather here to drink, hunt, forage, and mate.
Resident species include:
