Havens Neck

At Havens Neck many of the Mendocino-Sonoma coast endemic plants are found in a virtually pristine setting. During the blooming season there is an exceptional floral display.

Of particular botanical interest are the manzanitas, of which four forms are found here, Arctostaphylos nummularia, Arctostaphylos columbiana, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, and the hybrid of the latter two species, Arctostaphylos X media, which is known from only this area and Point Arena. The concentration of species in this small area has given rise to hybridization and intergradation among the several species and offers one of the most varied hybrid manzanita swarms to be found along the coast.

The Bishop pine, Pinus muricata, is the dominant tree on the point and inland. Silk-tassel, Garrya elliptica, Ceanothus gloriosus (with exceptionally large leaves), and the rare lily, Lilium maritimum, the orchid, Calypso bulbosa, Allotropa virgata, and Hemitomes congestum are other plants of note.

The rocky coast supports a number of marine algae, with the sea palm, Postelsia palmaeformis, being particularly conspicuous.

A number of sea birds and several sea mammals are common here, including both the California and Steller sea lions, Zalophus californianus and Eumetopias jubata. A male elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris, was observed in the area for several months in 1975, one of the most northerly recent sightings of the animal. During migratory season the California gray whale, Eschrichtius glaucus, is seen in abundance close to the point and the rocks a kilometer (1.6 miles) to the south.

The rocky shores and sandy beaches cut by reefs offer habitats for many marine fish and invertebrates. Abalones, Haliotis spp., and sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus spp., are especially abundant.

Much of the area is on a Pleistocene marine terrace; however, the point is composed of marine sandstone, mudstones, and conglomerates dating from the late Eocene. Many of the rocks on the land have undergone wind and chemical erosion, giving them a sculptured effect. The point is connected to the marine terrace by a narrow land bridge, which is being eroded.

The San Andreas Fault Zone passes through the area.

Integrity: Aside from an indistinct dirt road crossing the area and a small amount of asphalt placed on the neck in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the erosion, the area is untouched.

Use: Private

Ref: Roof, James, 1971. Haven's Neck--a Unique Botanical Area. Calif. Nat. Plant Soc. Newsltr. Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 14-15.

July 1976