The Motte Rimrock Reserve lies on a broad, rocky plateau at the western edge of Perris Valley. It contains rich archaeological resources, including some of the best-preserved pictographs in Southern California. Coastal and desert infl uences intermingle at the site, creating an unusual mix of habitats. An inland type of coastal sage scrub covers most of the reserve, with other areas supporting chaparral, coastal-desert transitional grassland, and riparian thickets. Six seasonal springs add to the diversity of the landscape. The reserve protects critical habitat for a variety of animals, including two federally listed species: the endangered Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) and the threatened California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), plus ten more rare animal species.