ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND SENSITIVE SPECIES
In 1980, the United States government designated Whitewater Canyon as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), in recognition of its important scientific, biological, geological, and Cultural Resources – with a river running through it!
With kind permission from the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences With special thanks to Keegan Sawyer, Director
Whitewater Canyon is a unique transitional eco-zone where three habitats converge – Mojave, Sonoran and Coastal – specifically the old Indian village [Wanapiapa/Bonnie Bell]. Her rich riparian habitat is home to more endangered, threatened, and sensitive species of flora and fauna than any other site known in Southern California.
The proposed programs and activities will be primarily field studies focusing on the biodiversity and geology surrounding the San Andreas Fault and the Whitewater River. The field/scientific studies will also encompass the study of birds, mammals, fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians and vegetation within adjacent areas to the tectonic plates – North American & Pacific
Each field study will be conducted and led by experts within each scientific discipline.
Students will study: