There are many reasons to preserve Banning Ranch and keep it as a nature park. There would be nice ocean breezes providing fresh air, no large beach crowds to enjoy some quiet and quality time with nature, and lots of natural trails to go hiking on (the kind your feet like, not the concrete ones at an urban park).
However, one of the best reasons to save it is the incredible amount of wildlife. Much more wildlife would be expected if it is turned into a nature preserve because of the way the land is currently being handled. Just some of the wildlife that is currently found in and around the Banning Ranch area is listed below:
Birds
In 1995, according to The Coastal Conservancy, 93 species of birds were identified around the Banning Ranch area. 56 of these were water associated. 12 special status species were observed. Previously in 1988, over a period of 12 years, an additional five birds of special status were spotted.
Banning Ranch is also known to be home of two endangered species, the California Gnatcatcher and the Cactus Wren. Not long ago a Bald Eagle was photographed in the area. Because the property is private and the owners do their best to keep people out, it's hard to keep track of all the wildlife that's there. Most of the special status and endangered species from the area are listed below:
Red Tailed Hawk
California Least Tern
Western Snowy Plover
White-Faced Ibis
Willow Flycatcher
Wilson's Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Burrowing Owl
California Gnatcatcher
Cactus Wren
Bell's Vireo
Anna's Hummingbird
Savannah Sparrow
Black Skimmer
California Gull
Cooper's Hawk
Double-Crested Cormorant
Elegant Tern
Loggerhead Shrike
Long-Billed Curlew
Peregrine Falcon
Osprey
Allen's Hummingbird
Clapper Rail
Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians & Aquatic Creatures
Lowland Western Toad
Pacific Tree Frog
Southern Alligator Lizard
Western Fence Lizard
Side-Blotched Lizard
Common Kingsnake
Audubon Cottontail
Gopher Snake
Opossum
Ornate Shrew
Coyote
Long-Tailed Weasel
California Ground Squirrel
San Diego Fairy Shrimp
Vegetation
Mule Fat
Cattail
Cockelbur
California Bulrush
Saltbush
Horseweed
Curley Dock
Alkali Heath
Morning Glory
Marsh Fleabane
California Everlasting
Narrow Leaved Milkweed
Jimsonweed and Buckwheat
Pickelweed
Cordgrass
Jaumea
Sea Lavender
Salt Grass
Alkali Mallow
Red Willows
Macroalgae
Salt Heliotrope
Pricky Pear
Mugwort
Arroyo Willow
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