Ryan Island
Map SatelliteA small island formed by the Sacramento River and a slough, this area is an excellent and well-preserved example of the riparian association found along the river. The dominant trees include cottonwood, Populus fremontii, sycamore, Platanus racemosa, valley oak, Quercus lobata, and box elder, Acer negundo. The thick understory includes willow, Salix sp., and wild grape, Vitis californica, among others.
Animal life is abundant and among the more noteworthy are the beaver, Castor canadensis, and a variety of birds. The rare yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus occidentalis, is a probable visitor to the area though it has not been observed nesting here.
The island is dissected by several streams.
Integrity: The area is virtually pristine.
Use: Private
July 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman