The habitat at the 596-acre Panoche Hills Ecological Reserve is predominantly shrub grassland, typical of the interior coastal foothills. Characteristic trees and shrubs include juniper, Mormon tea, saltbush, and buckwheat. Common grasses are predominantly exotics of Mediterranean origin. Wildlife species which may occur at the reserve include quail, dove, hawks, coyote, foxes, deer, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, and lizards.
The primary purpose for acquisition was to protect wildlife habitat by placing into public ownership a section of privately owned land lying wholly within the boundaries of federal land. Another purpose of the acquisition was to provide public access through the property onto the federal land. The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1990.
For more information, call the Central Region Fresno office Conservation Building at (559) 243-4005.