The rare patches of alkali desert scrub habitat in southern California superficially look harsh and barren. In dry years they really seem empty, with only a few dead looking shrubs. However, when one looks closer it is clear that these habitats are full of life. While there are only two dominant shrub species (Atriplex), there are 24 species in the native biocrust community. These species are small in stature and difficult to see, but they still cover the soil surface. These biocrust communities are diverse and bind the soil together to prevent erosion and increase moisture infiltration and retention. We found 14 bryophyte and 10 lichen species making up the biocrust community. Most of these biocrust species are widespread and common with just a few regionally endemic species. These endemics include the screw moss, Stegonia hyalinotricha, and Pacific Scale lichen, Psora pacifica. Relict preserves like this intact habitat are a valuable historical reference for habitats that have been mostly degraded or converted for human use.