Tesla is also rich in its biological resources. Located in the Northern Diablo Range, Tesla’s 3,100 acres are primarily Blue oak and pine woodlands, mountain savannah grassland, scrub sage and riparian woodlands with scenic ridge tops and dramatic canyons feeding into Corral Hollow Creek which drains into the San Joaquin River system. 

Tesla West Ridge looking to Mount Diablo

A naturally scenic area, Tesla supports a wide range of sensitive wildlife, plant species and habitats, many of which are endangered, threatened, or have other special statuses, such as California red legged frog (CRLF), Foothill yellow-legged frog, California tiger salamander (CTS), Western spadefoot toad, Golden eagle and tule elk. The level of biological diversity is unique with over 50 Listed Wildlife Species, 32 Rare Plants, not counting Locally Rare Plants, and 7 Sensitive Vegetation Communities.

Tesla ridge top in summer looking north to Mt. Diablo

There are many factors that promote Tesla’s biodiversity. It is located at the transition between biotic zones where many species exist at the outmost extent of their range. It has the large Corral Hollow Creek watershed which feeds its biodiversity. It is an east-west and north-south habitat corridor along the Northern Diablo Range. The area, considered to support one of the most diverse vertebrate populations in the region, has been a field study area for UC Berkeley and other universities since the 1940s.

Tesla is also: 

  • Botanical Priority Protection Area by the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society
  • Important Bird Area by the California Audubon
  • Federally Designated Critical Habitat for California red-legged frog and Alameda whip snake
  • Critical Linkage Habitat Corridor along Northern Diablo Range