Prickly Sculpin

Fish > Sculpins

The Prickly Sculpin (Cottus asper) is a robust, well-camouflaged benthic freshwater fish ubiquitous across the diverse river systems and coastal lakes of the Pacific Northwest. Named for the dense covering of tiny, sharp prickles (modified scales) that coat its...

Tanoak

Plants > Trees

The Tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus), historically celebrated as the Tanbark Oak, is an ancient, magnificent broadleaf evergreen tree that forms the essential understory canopy of California and Oregon’s coastal redwood forests. Representing a unique...

Western Pond Turtle

Reptiles > Turtles

The Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata), also known as the Pacific Pond Turtle, is the only native freshwater turtle widely distributed along the Pacific Coast of North America. Renowned for its shy, wary nature and intricately marbled olive-brown carapace, this...

Common Sharp-tailed Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids

The Common Sharp-tailed Snake (Contia tenuis) is a diminutive, highly secretive woodland reptile native to the moist coastal forests and oak woodlands of the Pacific Northwest. Named for the conspicuous, sharp thorn-like spine at the very tip of its tail, this...

California Ground Squirrel

Mammals > Ground Squirrels

The California Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) is a ubiquitous, intelligent rodent native to the sun-drenched oak savannas and grassy coastal plains of western North America. Renowned for its complex subterranean burrow systems and charismatic social...