Viejas West

At the edge of the Cleveland Natural Forest lies seventy eight acres of land under threat of development.  This land, the lower western face of Viejas Mountain below Anderson Road, is home to diverse plant communities such as chamise chaparral, coastal sage scrub, southern oak riparian woodland, and native grassland.   A significant population of the endangered San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) exists on the property.  Several major rock outcroppings and ancient coast live oaks provide habitats for golden eagles, red tail hawk, red shoulder hawk, Cooper's hawk, black shoulder kite, American kestrel, and the great horned owl.  Notable mammals living on the land include mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and the gray fox.   It is also home to numerous reptilian species including the threatened San Diego horned lizard.