Flora

The plant community of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is comprised essentially of three habitats. These include Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, and Riparian Oak Woodland. Within these three habitats, there are approximately 150 different native plants. Native species are essential to a healthy environment, and are under constant threat by non-natives.

The rangers at the Reserve wage an ever-constant battle to remove all non-native species. Some of the most common plants of the Chaparral community at the Reserve are: Coast Live Oak, Arroyo Willow, Sycamore, Lemonade berry, Holly Leaf Cherry, Laurel Sumac, Black Sage, Sagebrush, Monkey Flower, Sagewort, Chaparral Broom, Wild Cucumber, Chamise, Bushrue, Yucca, Ceanothus, and Mountain Mahogany.

Fauna

The Reserve is home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The biggest danger that most species face is that of habitat loss. In a sense, the Reserve is becoming an island of natural habitat essential for a lot of wildlife, surrounded by development.

Mammals

Some of the more common mammals that inhabit the Reserve are: Coyote, Bobcat, Squirrel, Mule Deer, Brush Rabbit, Gray Fox, Raccoon, Opossum, Striped Skunk, and, oh yes, occasionally a Mountain Lion, though sightings are rare. Most of these animals are nocturnal, and shy, so though certainly prevalent, they are seldom seen. There is ample evidence of their presence by way of tracks and scat.

Reptiles

Common reptiles at the Reserve are the San Diego Horned Lizard, Southern Alligator Lizard, Western Fence lizard, Rattle Snakes (Red Diamondback and Southern Pacific), Coastal Rosy Boa, San Diego Gopher Snake, Garter snake, and Striped Racers.

Amphibians

Amphibians found at the Reserve would include: Bullfrog, Western Toad, Pacific Tree Frog, and Garden Slender Salamanders.

Birds

The list of all the different species of birds that call the Reserve home is quite extensive. The following list highlights the more common species, which include: Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red Shouldered Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, California Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Anna's Hummingbird, Scrub Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, California Towhee, Lesser Goldfinches, and Golden Eagle.