On
San Marcos Foothills, connections to the Los Padres National
Forest to the north and the creeks to the south allow
immigration of insects, larvae, micro-organisms, plant seeds,
plants, and vertebrate animals. Dispersal movements along
these connecting corridors are aided by flood flows, wind,
or pollen- or seed-carrying insects, mammals, and birds.
When damaged by natural forces, the ecosystem reconstructs
itself as habitats recover.
Above:
One of the great surprises to emerge from our observations
was the discovery of a substantial population of Grasshopper
Sparrows. Population declines of Grasshopper Sparrow and
many grassland birds have been recognized as a national
and regional conservation priority (Knopf, 1994). Photo
by Morgan Ball.
