Walnut Canyon National Monument is at the junction of the Pine with the
Pinyon and Juniper belt. Ponderosa Pine trees grow on both sides of the
canyon and have golden brown bark. The shorter trees are Pinyon and
Juniper, four species of which are known to occur on the Monument. There
are scattered clumps of Gambel Oak, and several perennial shrubs of
smaller size. One hundred and sixty plant species have been collected,
identified, and filed in the herbarium. Several varieties of Penstemon
are seen in summer and the Evening Primrose is common.
In addition to the animals mentioned elsewhere, visitors in the warm
months may see two kinds of Squirrels and numerous birds including the
Raven, Turkey Vulture, Stellar Jay, Nuthatch, and others. In summer,
lizards are common and are often found on the outside walls or benches
of the museum where they study visitors with considerable interest.