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Map Satellite Angel Island offers an interesting example of the effects of human influence on the landscape. Prior to human use, the north and east facing slopes were abundantly covered with an oak woodland, Quercus agrifolia, and with native grasses and coastal scrub on the west and south slopes. Fire and woodcutters reduced the woodland, and aggressive exotic grasses replaced the native grasses. Additionally, a host of exotic trees and other plants were introduced. Recently the area has been reseeded with wildflowers, some native to the Island, others not. Under the present Park status, the natives appear to be making a comeback, with the oak and California bay, Umbellularia californica, and madrone, Arbutus menziesii, in evidence.
Deer, Odocoileus hemionus, were introduced to the Island in 1910 and are commonly sighted, but animal life, save the birds, is not particularly diverse.
Geologically, the Island is composed of Franciscan formation rocks with a large serpentinized dike cutting across the western end and outcropping elsewhere. Other rock types include igneous sills, radiolarian cherts and crystalline schists.
Integrity: Numerous buildings, trails, introduced species, have radically altered the original communities.
Use: Recreation, observation.
December 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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