The Tecate Cypress is a native cypress tree only found in two places: Mexico and Southern California. It is considered a relic tree because it was found here during cooler, wetter times and only about 20 stands remain worldwide. The northern most stand is just south of the 91 Freeway in Coal Canyon. The trees are protected as part of Chino Hills State Park and the Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve. Tecate cypress are fire obligate, meaning its dependent on intermittent fires to help its seeds sprout. Fires occurring too frequently can obliterate the populations. If fires burn the trees before seedlings reach maturity, the tree is lost. This tree species is part of what makes the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor so special.