Carmel Mountain Preserve, a 400 acre mesa, is one of the few areas where the Coastal Maritime Shrub plant community can still be found in southern California. The area was saved from development through the efforts of a broad coalition of activist organizations spearheaded by the Carmel Mountain Conservancy. The interpretive panels are part of a strategic plan to define a trail system and limit trampling of the area's sensitive species. Through a combination of image and text, the panels are designed to create a sense of wonder, encourage visitors to think more deeply and look more carefully at what they are experiencing. Each panel is 20”x30,”made of high pressure laminate and mounted on a steel post. 

Directions to Carmel Mountain Trailhead: Interstate 5 to Carmel Valley exit east.
Turn south, or right on El Camino Real. This turns into Carmel Mountain Road. Follow Carmel Mountain Road up the hill.
Turn left at the stop light (you'll see a Vons ahead to the right) on East OceanAir Drive.
Continue a short way until the street dead ends at Fairport Way. Turn left and park.
The trailhead is at the edge of the large flat area bulldozed for a future park. Walk straight ahead. Some signs are off a small trail to your right.

Info and pictures from the dedication ceremony

The World in a Puddle--the life of the vernal pools in the rainy season

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