Physical Description: The Seascape Uplands Preserve is located in coastal Santa Cruz County in the town of Aptos. The site is bordered by Bonita Drive on the east and by San Andreas Drive on the south. Elevations range between 180 and 360 feet above sea level.

Conservation Purpose: The Seascape Uplands Preserve was set aside under the terms of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for a 107-home residential development. A Preserve of approximately 150 acres was set aside to provide habitat for the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum), a state- and federally-endangered amphibian.

Habitat Types: The Seascape Upland Preserve supports a mosaic of native habitats, including coast live-oak woodland, coastal scrub, mixed evergreen forest, coastal prairie, seasonal wetlands and willow riparian. The Preserve contains a freshwater pond which is one of the few protected breeding sites for the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander.

Management: A vegetation management program is underway at the Seascape Uplands Preserve to improve habitat conditions for the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. Non-native plants such as French broom, contoneaster and pampas grass are being removed, while a variety of native trees and shrubs are being planted. Two ponds have been built on the Preserve to provide additional breeding sites for the long-toed salamander. To reduce the potential for road-kill, salamander tunnels have been installed under the roadways. Annual population monitoring of the long -toed salamander population is underway to determine the success of these mitigation measures.

Access: Use of the Seascape Uplands Preserve is restricted to hiking on designated trails. No motorized vehicles or mountain bikes are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash. The ponds and restoration areas are closed to public access to reduce disturbance to these sensitive habitats.

For information and inquiries please contact:

David Laabs
Consulting Biologist
e-mail: laabs@calcentral.com
(831) 345-9675 Voice