LANDSCAPE
The geologic history of California has produced a complex landscape with variations in topography and climate. Rocky or shallow soils have evergreen shrublands called chaparral. Oak woodlands occur where soils are deeper or moisture more available. Drier areas along the coastal and inland at the transition to deserts support coastal sage scrub.

HUMAN HISTORY
Native Americans entered California 10-12,000 years ago. Although population densities were never high, these peoples nevertheless had signficant impacts on their environment, most notably through the use of fire. Rapid population growth in California began with the discovery of gold in 1848, and continues today with associated agricultural expansion, land clearance, and urbanization. Invasive plant species from the Mediterranean Basin have dramatically altered many plant communities.