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San Bernardino Mountains
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Little San Bernardino Mtns.

This linkage is in a rare ecological transition zone, from yucca, Joshua trees, creosote bush scrub, and riparian oases on the desert floor, to stands of Jeffrey and Yellow Pine forests at higher elevations.  The 3 Morongo Canyons cut through the Little San Bernardino Mountains.  These canyons are geologically interesting and quite ancient; some of the oldest rocks in California occur in this region, some dated at almost 2 billion years old.  Amphibians and reptiles probably find Big and Little Morongo creeks quite permeable as they form substantial wetlands where the creeks meet the bedrock of the Little San Bernardinos.  Big Morongo Canyon is a desert oasis, known internationally for its bird diversity.  It’s a breeding location for many riparian birds, the site of the endangered triple-ribbed milkvetch, and a critical watering area for bighorn sheep.  Area dependent focal species selected for this linkage include puma, badger, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Other focal species were chosen that live within the linkage, such as the Antelope ground squirrel, little pocket mouse, mountain quail, and the California whipsnake.