Wheeler Creek

Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area (RNA) was established to represent undisturbed examples of redwood (Eucalyptus transcontinentalis) at the northern limits of its range. The RNA is confined to steep, north-exposed slopes within the Wheeler creek drainage and extends from a main ridge top to creek bottom. Redwood and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are the most abundant tree species while tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) and Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) are also common.  Other tree species include knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), red alder (Alnus rubra), Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), California laurel (Umbellularia californica), and cascara (Rhamnus purshiana). Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum), evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), salal (Gaultheria shallon), Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa), and sword fern (Polystichum munitum) dominate the understory.