The California Chaparral Institute

Quick Site Index to Pages

-Membership to join the California Chaparral Field Institute, support our work, AND to see a MOVIE CLIP of "Secrets of the Chaparral"

-Chaparral Facts for details about what chaparral really is including five sub-menu pages: Where to find it, Old-growth chaparral, Plants and Animals, Chaparral Geology, and Tiny Things.

-Chaparral Myths for a detailed explanation concerning the many myths people have about the chaparral.

-Fire & Nature explains the "natural" relationship chaparral has with fire. Also includes separate pages on Desert Fires, Grass Fires, and Forest Fires.

-Fire & Science explains why the Baja-Southern California fire model is not an adequate explanation for the differences between fires in California and south of the border.

-Fire & People with a memorial to firefighters and the truth about how wildfires impact our communities with several sub-menu pages including how to protect your home from wildfire and the impact of Native American fire use. Also includes how fire can change the human habitat.

-Fire Politics details some of the misinformation about chaparral and wildfire promoted by economics interests, timber industry advocate Tom Bonnicksen, and AM radio talk show host Roger Hedgecock in an attempt to confuse public policy debate.

-Threats to Chaparral explains how the chaparral is being threatened by increased fire frequency, invasive weeds and type conversion. Also photos of how chaparral is being eliminated near San Marcos, California in California Ugly, plus a focused examination of Rancho Guejito, a priceless natural resource threatened with development.

-Vernal Pools discusses the amazing seasonal ponds found in chaparral.

-Wildness Within is dedicated to those who have journeyed into the wilderness to reveal the true meaning of nature including Californians Everett Ruess and Marshal South.

-Book Excerpts provides samples within "Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California."

-Chaparral Education for details about Chaparral Kids!, recommended books, plus an extensive bibliography.