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>Map >Satellite In this area the dominant vegetation is valley grassland with scattered alkali sink communities. Exotics are common in the former; Atriplex spinifera, Atriplex triangularis and Atriplex lentiformis are found in the latter.
This is one of the better spring wildflower areas on the west side of the County. Of note are Caulanthus inflatus and the Eriodictyon tomentosum; the latter has a limited distribution.
The springs in the area permit a relatively abundant animal population which includes the giant kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ingens, and the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard, Crotaphytus silus. The uncommon black-headed snake, Tantilla planiceps, has been found near this area and may occur here.
Rocks in the area are of Pliocene origin and consist of both marine and nonmarine sedimentaries of the Etchegoin-Jacalitos formation.
A variety of marine invertebrate fossils occurs here, as well as some fossilized wood.
Integrity: The area has suffered from off-road vehicles, various roads, and sheep-grazing.
Use: Private
September 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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