A Data-Driven Guide to Borrego Springs Plant Diversity
Environmental Data: The 96 Unique Habitats of Borrego Springs
The Colorado Desert ecosystem in Anza-Borrego is one of the most diverse in California, supporting a complex network of plant communities and habitats This guide takes nearly 1 million acres of raw environmental data from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and visualizes the layers of plant life that define this region.
By looking at 96 unique habitat types, we can see the balance between the famous landscapes we all know—like the vast Creosote fields—and the “hidden” habitats that are quietly disappearing. Using the NatureServe State Rank (S-Rank) system, we’ve mapped which areas are thriving and which are Critically Imperiled. For example, the rare Elephant Tree stands make up just 0.02% of the park, yet they are a vital part of its history.
We created this visualization to help the Borrego community and our visitors see the desert with fresh eyes. Whether you’re here for the spring blooms or staying at our BORREGO SPRINGS Tiny Homes & RV Park, use this tool to discover the ancient, fragile layers of life right beneath your feet.
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Understanding Conservation Ranks
We use NatureServe State Ranks (S-Ranks) to classify rarity in the California desert ecosystem:
- S1 Critically Imperiled Extreme risk
- S2 Imperiled High risk
- S3 Vulnerable Moderate risk
- S4 Apparently Secure Uncommon
- S5 Secure Common
About the Data
928,106 acres of vegetation data from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The “sediment” layers visualize the relative acreage of each habitat type, revealing hidden rarity.