The Mendocino Coast Ecological Staircase

Here on the Mendocino Coast, nature created a unique Pygmy Forest of stunted trees and bushes, singular in all the world. These unusual areas are found on five wave cut terraces formed over the last 500,000 years, the Ecological Staircase. The ancient soils found at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve are 1000 times more acidic than in the neighboring Redwood Forest. In 1969, our Pygmy Forest at Jug Handle was named a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service. Mario Abreu, a retired Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens MCBG staff member for 21 years has joined California State Parks and the Mendocino Area Parks Association as part of the volunteer docent team at the Ford House Museum to coordinate an exhibit of Mendocino Coast Ecological Staircase and Pygmy Forest for public viewing. The Mendocino Coast Ecological Staircase exhibit will run throughout September and October. This new and exciting display along with several other permanent displays are available for viewing 11 am – 4 pm daily at the Ford House Visitor Center and Museum located at 45035 Main Street, Mendocino CA.