Bearpaw Reserve is a nature preserve on the north-facing slopes of the Yucaipa Ridge in the San Bernardino Mountains. Conifer and oak woodlands support wildlife such as flying squirrels and the southern spotted owl. Columbine Falls is a seasonal waterfall about 110 feet (34 m) high. The property is owned and managed by The Wildlands Conservancy as part of its system of preserves.
Geography The site ranges from to in elevation on the north slope of the Yucaipa Ridge. It is largely surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest and lies near Allen Peak and Birch Mountain. Columbine Falls is located within the tract. The San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society’s Bearpaw Sanctuary adjoins the property.
Flora and fauna Habitats include mixed conifer forests of incense cedar, ponderosa pine, and coulter pine, along with chaparral and oak woodlands. A rare hybrid of black oak and interior live oak, sometimes called the oracle oak, occurs in the area. Wildlife recorded on the land include black bears, flying squirrels, and the southern spotted owl.
History The property was donated to The Wildlands Conservancy in 1996.
In September 2020 the El Dorado Fire burned through parts of Bearpaw, damaging understory vegetation. Studies analyzed fire impacts in the Mill Creek watershed, including UAV surveys, multispectral imagery, and ecological succession research.
Conservation In 2022, a tree-planting and restoration project at Bearpaw was filed through the California Environmental Quality Act process.
Recreation Public access is limited. The Columbine Falls Group Campground offers group camping for community organizations, schools, and universities. Individual or family camping is not available.
See also List of The Wildlands Conservancy preserves Oak Glen Preserve
References
Further reading Kett, Katherine (2020). Assessing the Threat: A Survey of Goldspotted Oak Borer Infestation in Bearpaw Reserve. Senior thesis, Scripps College. Full text Thomas, Lucy S. (2021). Protecting California’s Oak Forests: An Evaluation of the Prevalence of the Gold Spotted Oak Borer in Bearpaw Reserve. Senior thesis, Scripps College. Full text
External links Bearpaw Reserve – official site