UCSB is located in a geologically diverse region along California’s south coast. A unique array of topographic and hydrologic features including fault scarps, coastal mesas, coastal dunes, springs, creeks, and estuaries provides a wide range of natural conditions that support a variety of upland and wetland habitats. Many native plants and animals, including rare and endangered species, depend on these specific environments for survival. Some of the habitats most commonly associated with CCBER management areas are woodland, grassland, coastal sage scrub, coastal strand, coastal salt marsh, freshwater marsh, and vernal pools.