The Almaden property includes a number of distinct habitats, each with its own unique resident wildlife. When a grassland is not heavily grazed, it can support many animal species because it provides a food source for herbivores in the form of grasses, seeds, and weeds. During warmer months, insects, and other invertebrates are abundant and provide prey for amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Grasslands also provide shelter and nest sites for wildlife species.
Such soils are extremely high in exchangeable magnesium and low in exchangeable calcium. In addition, many of these areas have rock outcroppings and thin soil. Therefore, although these areas support most of the nonvascular plant species common in nonserpentine grasslands, many of these species perform poorly on serpentine soils. Reduced competition from invasive species have allowed bunchgrass and other native species to grow better in serpentine areas. Some plant species occur only in serpentine areas.