The Elfin Forest

The El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area is about 90 acres in size, and is located in Los Osos on the southeastern shore of Morro Bay. The name "Elfin Forest" comes from the short stature of the Coast Live Oaks, which grow as tall as 50 feet elsewhere in Los Osos. Here they are stunted by the local environment. Despite being centuries old, these oaks range from a high of 20 feet in sheltered areas to a low of 4 feet near the tallest ridge line.

Boardwalk in Elfin Forest

The Elfin Forest is an area where many of the natural habitats of the greater Morro Bay area exist in one location with easy access. Many of the area's terrestrial plants and animals can be seen here.

In this compact preserve you can see 6 distinct environment types, each with its own cast of flora and fauna:

Coastal Dune Scrub
Maritime Chaparral
Coastal Live Oak Woodland
Riparian Woodland
Brackish Water Marsh
Coastal Salt Marsh

	Ecology A map showing the location of each environmental area, with an explanation of why the areas differ in flora and fauna.
	History How the area came to be what it is today in terms of natural and cultural history.
	Saving Why you see a nature preserve at the Elfin Forest rather than a bunch of expensive houses with a great view.