Plant Communities

  • Redwood/bay riparian forest
  • Large fern population
  • Poison Oak

Caves

The caves are a result of disintegration within the marble base of this area. A variety of cave fauna live in the caves including Townsend's big-eared bat, an endangered species.

Website still under construction

Photo coming soon!

The streams in this area are home to the larvae of the largest land salamander in the world: the Pacific Giant Salamander.

Geology

The steep terrain, streams, aquatic life, and caves in this area are all a result of the base geology combined with erosion. The ravines, which now border Empire Grade Road, were mined for gold and limestone for a brief time.

Much of this area is covered with dense Poison Oak. Explore with caution!
Seven Springs East Slope Seep Zone Cave Gulch
Last Updated September 20, 2002
Administrative Director: ucscnrs@ucsc.edu
Steward: Elizabeth Howard eahoward@ucsc.edu

Copyright: UCSC Natural Reserves

Designed by Allison Duffy,

Enhanced by Anna Moreland & Dawit Alemayehu

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