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>Map >Satellite Lying between the Sacramento River and its east levee, this site supports a large, relatively undisturbed forest of riparian woodland in an old, nearly filled oxbow lake bed. It clearly demonstrates the complex nature of uncleared riparian woodland with its many tree and shrub layers. Cottonwood, Populus fremontii, is the dominant tree here, with some individuals reaching 1.5 meters (5 feet) in diameter at breast height. Sycamore, Platanus racemosa, and valley oak, Quercus lobata, are subdominants in the slightly dryer locations.
Thick and nearly impenetrable, the understory is composed of coyote brush, Baccharis pilularis, buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis, dogwood, Cornus occidentalis, several willows, Salix spp., Western raspberry, Rubus leucodermis, and wild grape, Vitis californica, among others.
Animal life is rich and includes nesting raptors and possibly the rare yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus occidentalis.
The area is flooded annually by the river.
Integrity: Virtually undisturbed; however, an irrigation canal and small power line traverse the area.
Use: Research, educational, observational on portion; remainder private.
September 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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