Shell Ridge
Map SatelliteShell Ridge is a northwest-southwest trending ridge to the south and east of Walnut Creek. Two plant communities are found here, grassland and a blue oak woodland.
The grassland is composed primarily of exotics. The woodland includes, besides the blue oak, Quercus douglasii, some coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, and valley oak, Quercus lobata.
Animal life is typical of the region.
Geologically, the ridge is composed of upturned monoclinal strata of Oligocene and mid and upper Miocene marine sedimentary formations, including the San Ramon formation of the Oligocene. The area is particularly rich in fossil gastropods and pelecypods.
Integrity: The grasslands are highly disturbed. The Ridge is included in the Walnut Creek Open Space Area. There are trails here.
Use: Scientific, educational, observational, present
March 1980
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman