Wildlife

There are many reasons to preserve Banning Ranch and keep it as a nature park. There would be nice ocean breezes providing fresh air, no large beach crowds to enjoy some quiet and quality time with nature, and lots of natural trails to go hiking on (the kind your feet like, not the concrete ones at an urban park). However, one of the best reasons to save it is the incredible amount of wildlife. Much more wildlife would be expected if it is turned into a nature preserve because of the way the land is currently being handled. Just some of the wildlife that is currently found in and around the Banning Ranch area is listed below:

Vegetation:

Mule Fat

Cattail

Cockelbur

California Bulrush

Saltbush

Horseweed

Curley Dock

Alkali Heath

Macroalgae

Yellow Willows

Red Willows

Sagebrush

Giant Reed

Pampas Grass

Castro Bean

Pickelweed

Cordgrass

Jaumea

Sea Lavender

Salt Grass

Saltbush

Alkali Mallow

Sweet Fennel

Milk Thistle

Birds:

In 1995, according to The Coastal Conservancy, 93 species of birds were identified around the Banning Ranch area. 56 of these were water associated. 12 special status species were observed. Previously in 1988, over a period of 12 years, an additional five birds of special status were spotted. Banning Ranch is also known to be home of two endangered species, the California Gnatcatcher and the Cactus Wren. Not long ago a Bald Eagle was photographed in the area (link). Because the property is private and the owners do their best to keep people out, it's hard to keep track of all the wildlife that's there. Most of the special status and endangered species from the area are listed below:

Savannah Sparrow

Black Skimmer

CA Gull

Cooper's Hawk

Double-Crested Cormorant

Elegant Tern

Loggerhead Shrike

Long-Billed Curlew

Northern Harrier

Osprey

Peregrine Falcon

Western Least Tern

Western Snowy Plover

White-Faced Ibis

Willow Flycatcher

Wilson's Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Burrowing Owl

California Gnatcatcher

Cactus Wren

Animals:

Lowland Western Toad

Pacific Tree Frog

Southern Alligator Lizard

Western Fence Lizard

Side-Blotched Lizard

Common Kingsnake

Gopher Snake

Oopossum

Ornate Shrew

Coyote

Long-Tailed Weasel

Squirrel

Rabbit

Most of the above is referenced from the Coastal Conservancy website (link).

Another good reference is from the Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks site (link).