Less than five inches of rain and snow fall annually in this area. Summer cloudbursts occur, but the dryness causes rapid evaporation. Some of the water manages to seep underground, replenishing the Butterbredt Spring in a process that provides water and plenty of space for natural habitats. The spring is privately owned, and vehicular travel and hunting is restricted. The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society, in cooperation with the landowner, have established Butterbredt Spring as a wildlife sanctuary. The American Bird Conservancy has designated the spring as an Important Bird Area.