Exhibit explores local mountains

Los Angeles is the only major city in the world whose population is nearly evenly divided by a mountain range.

A new exhibition in the lobby of the Cal State Northridge library explores the diversity of plants and animals sustained by the multiple ecosystems that make up the Santa Monica Mountains. "Santa Monica Mountains: A Jewel Within" continues through Thurs., Sept. 28.

"I hope that visitors to the exhibition become aware and appreciate the wonderful resource we have in our own backyard," said Dean Arnold, one of the curators of the exhibition. "People don't realize that there are year-round streams with waterfalls which are wonderful places to go for reflection . . . all right in the middle of Los Angeles."

Arnold pointed out that the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, established by Congress in 1978, is the largest urban park in the U. S. It extends from Griffith Park to Point Mugu, and the mountain range continues to the Channel Islands. The range was created by tectonic forces, including the San Andreas Fault.

Arnold and his co-curator Stephanie Ballard drew on a variety of resources to create the exhibition, including the university's departments of biology, geological sciences and geography as well as the National Park Service, Malibu Creek State Park and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The display demonstrates how Native Americans flourished in the mountains and highlights the enticing trails that still draw hikers to the area.

The exhibit also tells how community activism ensured that the mountains would be protected for future generations. The show also includes a diorama that includes a small stream, waterfall and live native plants found in the mountains.

The exhibition is free and open to the public during regular library hours, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Oviatt Library is in the center of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge.