Citizen Science
The Tejon Ranch Conservancy’s citizen science program accomplishes two important objectives. First and foremost citizen science allows the Conservancy to utilize the knowledge and passion of interested experts to document and better understand the natural resources of Tejon Ranch. Citizen science activities also provide a directed form of pubic access to the Ranch.
North American Field Herping Association field trips.
The North American Field Herping Association (NAFHA) has participated in a number of field trips to the conserved areas of Tejon Ranch. They have provided the Conservancy valuable expertise in the ecology of reptiles and amphibians, and have assisted with inventories and deploying sampling arrays. This is a great example of how partnerships with citizen scientists, such as NAFHA, can benefit everyone by providing citizens access to an otherwise closed area and providing the Conservancy with valuable expertise.
For more information on NAFHA and their work at Tejon Ranch go to: http://www.nafha.org/southern-california-chapter/tejon-ranch-conservancy
Christmas Bird Count
In December 2008, the Tejon Ranch Conservancy Initiated the first ever Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Tejon Ranch (CBC location code = CATJ). Despite cold and windy conditions, approximately 30 participants tallied 99 bird species. Notable findings included:
- Highest count of golden eagles in the U.S. (44)
- Highest count of lark sparrows in the U.S. (655)
- Second highest count of California Condors in the U.S. (4)
- Sixth highest count of rock wrens in the U.S. (51)
- Fourth highest count of ferruginous hawks in California (16)
- Ninth highest count of prairie falcons in California (7)
- Twentieth highest count of horned larks in California (1,207)
- Unusual wintering species such as rose-breasted grosbeak, Western tanager, and rough-legged hawk
California Native Plant Society field trips
The Kern Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) have participated in two field trips: one to Comanche Point in the San Joaquin Valley; and one to the Antelope Valley side of the Ranch. The field trips were led by Dr. Ellen Cypher, who worked with the participants to develop species lists of the areas.
Comanche Point plant list
Breeding Bird Blitz
In May 2009, the Tejon Ranch Conservancy and Audubon California hosted the first annual Breeding Bird Blitz of Tejon Ranch. Three teams tallied 110 bird species, and witnessed an amazing flight of migratory birds into canyons on the Antelope Valley side of the Ranch.
Breed Bird Blitz 2008 Results
