Sycamore Canyon is an excellent showcase of the diversity of southern California plant communities. Upon arriving at the preserve, visitors are greeted by a stream bed that emerges from a section of riparian and coast live oak woodland habitat, which sits along the northeast edge of the preserve. Further into the preserve and up the hill, chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities dominate.

Thanks to the efforts of AFC volunteers at BioBlitz events that have been held at Sycamore Canyon, we have observed a variety of animal species living on the preserve. Bird species spotted on the preserve include the red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, California towhee, hooded oriole, oak titmouse, Anna’s hummingbird, and Western screech-owl, among many others. Reptiles such as the ring-necked snake, Southern alligator lizard, and the San Diego alligator lizard have been observed at Sycamore Canyon. Mammals such as desert cottontail rabbits, bobcats, mule deer, California ground squirrels, and coyotes call the preserve home. AFC staff and volunteers have even observed coyotes exhibiting denning behavior at Sycamore Canyon, with young coyotes captured on the remote wildlife cameras set up on the preserve!