If you move carefully through coastal dunes of California, you may notice small grey-brown shore birds scurrying on the sand. Snowy Plovers (Charadrius nivosus) use coastal dunes for nesting habitat, food, and shelter. A healthy dune ecosystem may also include plants such as Yellow Sand Verbena (Abronia latifolia), Tidestrom's Lupine (Lupinus tidestromii), and Coast Buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium). Coastal Buckwheat provides food and shelter for the caterpillars of the endangered Smith's Blue butterfly (Euphilotes enoptes smithi). Other species such as California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra negra) and Globose Dune Beetle (Coelus globosus) are also part of the rich diversity of the dune ecosystem.
These California Ecosystem illustrations feature threatened, endangered, or endemic species that highlight some unique aspect of California's incredibly diverse habitats. Each card has a short description of the creatures and relationships printed on the back.
Cards are blank inside and locally printed on 100% cotton paper. They measure 6" x 6" square. Envelopes included. Can be mailed with a single USPS First Class stamp.