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Map Satellite Formerly far more extensive, the Mill Valley Marsh is still an important resting and feeding area for waterfowl. The southern portion of the area is open water, much of it shallow, exposing mudflats at low tide.
In the salt marsh, pickleweed, Salicornia virginica, is the dominant. During certain seasons the parasitic Cuscuta salina is particularly abundant. Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris, a rare plant, has been recorded from the marsh.
During the migratory season numerous ducks and shore-birds frequent the area. Among the more common visitors are shovelers, Spatula clypeata, pintail, Anas acuta, and widgeons, Mareca americana. The endangered California clapper rail, Rallus longirostris obsoletus, formerly bred here.
Integrity: The marsh has been partially filled and otherwise impacted on the margins. There are power lines, a wooden access path, some levees, a channeled creek and a railway crossing in the marsh.
Use: Research, educational, observational.
February 1978
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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