Last updated April 2008
Hiking in the Puente Hills, California
Urgent! - Please sign my petition to save Tonner Canyon! Click Here!
Nature Photos!
Unique Plants!
bobcat
american kestrel
Hi! I'm Shawn. I like to hike, bike, and otherwise explore the many trails in L.A./Orange Counties in Southern California.  I am a naturalist and biologist and want to encourage you to enjoy our beautiful God-given natural areas and learn more about the plants and animals who call them home!   I hope that you come to appreciate and cherish these remarkable hills as I do.  Enjoy!
Read my report on Tonner Canyon and its importance to the Wildlife Corridor!
click for detail and locations to see communities below
Nature Study Suggestion:
For important info regarding the Coyote Hills in Fullerton please click here!!
          NATURE IN THE PUENTE HILLS
The Puente Hills contains many distinct ecosystems, or collections of distinct plants and animals interacting together.  The riparian community is found in canyon bottoms and contains large trees (sycamores, oaks, willows).  The coastal sage scrub community is found on the slopes and is home to many aromatic and drought tolerant shrubs such as California sagebrush and several mint family members.  Annual grassland communities also occur on the slopes and are either natural or the result of past overgrazing by domestic cattle.  Southern Oak Woodland occurs in the canyon bottoms or on the north facing slopes.  Many old and large spectacular Coast Live Oaks grow here as they have for thousands of years.  Walnut woodlands occur in the same habitats as oak woodland but have Southern California Black Walnuts as their indicator trees.  These communities are plentiful in the Puente Hills in the reserves listed under favorite areas.  Please visit these beautiful natural areas and enjoy the peace and adventure they have to offer!  See ya on the trails!
When hiking or biking, take the time to stop and look and listen frequently and you will be rewarded with seeing and hearing many interesting species!  Study the plants up close and learn their names and places in the ecosystem!
Seasonal falls in Tonner Canyon
Favorite areas:
Click below for descriptions
Powder Canyon
Hellman Park
Hacienda Hills Open Space
Skyline Trail
Sycamore Canyon
Boy Scout Camporee in Tonner Canyon
Have a favorite trail or area to share or a question about a plant or animal you saw?
Email me!
shawn_350@yahoo.com
God has blessed us with many beautiful and facinating plants and animals and as a Christian I believe we are to protect and enjoy His creations.  He took the time to create such complex creatures and intricate detail in nature and we can learn much from His handiwork!
California sycamores and coast live oaks
*Conservation News*
Click for important info
mountain lion
mule deer
western treefrog
Southern California black walnut
Common Native Plants and Animals
click for general list
Thistle
Indian Pink