Cheeseman ESA Home

The Cheeseman ESA, located next to the Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies on the southeast corner of campus, is a lush natural garden containing some 400 species of plants representing 12 California natural communities. In addition to the native plant communities, there is a xeric native plant display at the entrance.

California's Biological Richness

California is a naturalist's paradise.  Our state has hundreds of habitat types and plant communities, with more than 5,000 species of native plants. You can experience many of these special wonders with a walk through our 1.5 acre garden.

At least a third of California's native species are found naturally nowhere else on Earth. California's plants support nearly 1,000 vertebrate animals-fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.  Among animals as a whole, including insects and other invertebrates, at least 50% of the species and subspecies are found only within our state.  In short, we are very fortunate to live in such a biologically vibrant place!

Cheeseman ESA Facts:

• 1.5 acres
• Over 400 species of native plants
• Visited by several thousand students and community members per year
• Free tours for school and community groups led by our skilled docents
• Xeric plant display

12 Native Plant Communities:

• Freshwater Marsh and Pond
• Coastal Sand Dunes
• Coastal Redwoods
• Foothill Woodland
• Grassland
• Conifers
• Channel Islands
• California Desert
• Coastal Sage Scrub
• Chaparral
• Riparian
• Xeric Display

Experience the ESA!

• Visit our ESA photo gallery to see what lives in these California plant communities
• Request a tour for your community or school group
• Read the story of the ESA.