Albion River (including Mendocino Biological Station)

This area includes the Albion River approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) upstream, to the limit of the tidal influence, and portions of the shoreline. From Albion Cove at the mouth of the river, which includes both protected and non-protected rocky coast, there is a variety of habitats along the river. They include a salt marsh, with pickleweed, Salicornia sp., salt grass, Distichlis spicata, and Jaumea carnosa, the dominants. In the brackish area cattail, Typha sp., takes over, and in the freshwater marshes Typha sp. and tule, Scirpus sp., are prominent. Portions of the tidal area are mudflats at low tide.

The banks above the river support stands of redwood, Sequoia sempervirens, and Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii.

There is an abundance of animal life in the area, ranging from the rich marine vertebrate and invertebrate fauna of the cove and lower river to a blue heron, Ardea herodias, rookery upstream, bordering a lagoon. The river otter, Lutra canadensis, is relatively abundant here.

Integrity: Near the mouth of the river there are numerous wharves and buildings. The Field Station is 2 kilometers or so inland, along the river. The area has been logged since the early 1900's.

Use: Educational, research, observational. Most of the land area is private.

July 1976