Redwood National and State Parks An Introduction to Familiars Plants and Animals

OC Ocean cold ocean water, offshore seastacks, rocky shores and sand beaches provide a wide-range of habitats for marine-associated plants and animals. CS Coastal Strand desiccating ocean winds, salt spray, rocky shores, sand beaches and coastal bluffs influence and shape the diversity of trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses that hug the 35-miles of park coastline. RW Redwood Forest almost pure stands of coast redwood are found on alluvial flats and benches along major streams, with occasional fir, spruce, hemlock, tan oak or bay intermingling. The moist, shady, acidic conditions found on the forest floor often restricts the diversity of plants that can grow there. ME Mixed Evergreen found on drier upland slopes adjacent to redwood forests. Many species of plants grow within these more open, sunnier forests. RP Riparian three major river systems and numerous coastal streams traverse the parks. The constant water supply supports a lush growth of trees, shrubs and herbs along the banks. OW Oak Woodland found along the dry, inland ridges of the Bald Hills, the woodlands include large sunny patches of grasses and flowers scattered among the trees. PR Prairie scattered grasslands along ridge crests, usually a few miles inland from the coast. SG Second Growth Forest timber harvesting has impacted more than 1/3 of the lands within the parks. Second-growth refers to the resulting young, even-aged forests. DA Disturbed Area Redwood Park Association (RPA) is a non-profit organization which supports and promotes the educational goals of Redwood National and State Parks and the Smith River National Recreation Area. Working in partnership with the National Park Service since 1985, RPA publishes educational materials about the park and related environments, offers field seminar programs, and operates park bookstores. Funds generated by the Association directly support the interpretive and research programs and other educational activities for the benefit of the parks programs and visitors.Kavanagh, James is the author of 'Redwood National and State Parks An Introduction to Familiars Plants and Animals' with ISBN 9781583551417 and ISBN 1583551417.