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| Copyright Bob Meyer(SWAP) |
Elfin Forest Natural Preserve
The “El Moro Elfin Forest” located on the southeastern shore of Morro Bay in Los Osos, has 90 acres of pygmy oaks and sand dunes. The non-profit organization, Small Wilderness Area Preservation or SWAP
and San Luis Obispo County Parks have been working since 1985 to preserve the Elfin Forest. Of the 90 acres, fifty-one acres were purchased and added to Morro Bay State Park in 1988. The other 39 acres remain under private ownership in Morro Bay.
Coleman and Nugget the dog remind visitors that-- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times--on the boardwalk or designated trails in the Elfin Forest. Mutt Mitts are provided for your convenience at each entrance to clean up after your dog.
S.W.A.P. leads walks through the Elfin Forest the 3rd Saturday of the month. Call (805) 528-0392 for specific walk information. Walks in the Elfin Forest usually begin at 9:30 a.m. at the north end of 15th Street off of Santa Ysabel in Los Osos. This unique hike features a mile of wooden walkways that form an oval loop around the forest. Viewing platforms provide many opportunities to stop so don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera. For wheelchair access, please park at the end of 16th St. and proceed to 15th St. along the boardwalk. Wear comfortable shoes and long pants to avoid contact with poison oak.
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Coast Horned Lizard
Copyright Bob Meyer(SWAP)
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Coast Horned Lizard a.k.a. Horny Toad
The little fellow in the photo was only about three inches long including his tail only two or three months old. When they are fully grown, they will probably grow to be six inches. They dine exclusively on ants. They are becoming quite rare in California because of pesticides and domestic cats. The Coastal Horned Lizard is a signature reptile of the Elfin Forest.
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Blue dick or wild hyacinth
Copyright Bob Meyer(SWAP)
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Blue dick or wild hyacinth
Because of snickering when we often hear when we call it that we normally use its other common name which is Wild hyacinth. Wild hyacinth is a brodiaea and grows from a bulb. It looks like a very skinny, floppy green onion before it blooms.
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A coastal dudleya flower stalk about ready to bloom
Copyright Bob Meyer(SWAP)
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Dudleya
Dudleya is a succulent that grows to be about three feet high. It can be seen through out the Elfin Forest but is limited to just a few areas in California.
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From San Luis Obispo take Highway 1 north to the Los Osos - Baywood Park offramp. Turn left, go about 1 mile and turn right into the state park. |
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