Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

It’s been a challenging two years since the Woolsey Fire swept through the Santa Monica Mountains where we have been trying to re-introduce the California red-legged frog. The species is listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act and has not been found in the Santa Monica Mountains since the 1970s. The goal of the project is to reintroduce the beleaguered amphibian back into the Santa Monica Mountains by translocating egg masses from a nearby source po...pulation of California red-legged frogs. Our biologists report that in one of the four translocation sites, breeding activity is back to pre-fire numbers. That's great news! Sadly, the other three reintroduction sites remain heavily silted from mudslides that occurred when it rained post-fire and there is no suitable breeding habitat for the frogs. Last fall, we found adult frogs at all sites that had survived the fire and silt. These frogs are more resilient than we expected! In 2020, however, the frogs were much harder to find. The vegetation is thick and there are few good pools for the frogs to hang out in. We will try to find them again when we conduct more night surveys in a couple of months. Also, unlike in past years, the decision was made to not transfer egg masses or release any tadpoles into any of the reintroduction streams this year because the streams were in such a sad state. So, all frog lovers out there, cross your fingers and send positive thoughts that we will get a few good storms this winter to scour out some pools and help the habitat recover. If that happens, then we hope to move eggs from our source population in March. #2021GoodVibes -Ranger Ana Beatriz

Did you know we have our own native plant nursery here at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area? And have you ever wondered what it takes to create a perfect garden? Join Antonio Sanchez as he breaks it down during his reading of "Badger's Perfect Garden" during Reading with a Ranger. Antonio knows his stuff! He works for our friend’s group, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, and he has over 15 years of experience growing native plants in nurseries and landscapes. You won’t want to miss this reading!

Our trails are open and speaking of, did you hear the joke about the owl, coyote (yeah, we know that image is of a wolf, but just pretend it's a coyote, mkay?) and raccoon hanging around a trailhead in the Santa Monica Mountains? These critters were wearing masks, standing at least six feet apart and nicely telling the visitors wearing masks to go take a hike! Can you believe these silly animals? You gotta love California! ... -Ranger Ana Beatriz

What comes to mind when you think of the term pack rat? For many, that might be an individual who collects and stores a lot of stuff. However, that term comes from a distinctive rodent known as a woodrat, who not only has a tendency to collect random items but is also a very talented architect with an interesting home life. Join Ranger Aaron as he takes you inside the home and life of one of Santa Monica Mountains’ unique animals.

November is Native American Heritage Month. Join us for a special Reading with a Ranger on Sunday, November 29th at 10 a.m. Our special guest Tate, a member of the Lakota and Tongva tribes, will be reading "We Are Water Protectors." We will learn how water affects and connects us all!