Inglenook Fen

Southernmost of a series of coastal fens running from Alaska south, this is the only one in California. This fen--an ecological intermediate between a bog and marsh--contains a unique assemblage of plants and insects of northern or high montane affinities; though the fen is probably only 3,000 to 4,000 years of age, the community is probably a relict of Pleistocene times.

The fen has been formed by the advancing shell-rich sand dunes blocking the acid drainage waters from the upland coniferous forest, primarily Bishop pine, Pinus muricata, and redwood, Sequoia sempervirens.

There are four distinct areas, aside from the dunes: they are the open water of the small pond, the fringing emergent vegetation, the fen proper, and the fen carr, a wet forest-type.

In the fen proper there are almost pure Carex ssp. and Eleocharis acicularis tussocks in the western end near the open water; the central and eastern portions are richer floristically, due to the diverse topography created by the tussocks of Cyperaceae and particularly Calamagrostis and by the buildup around the bases of the Ledum and Myrica bushes.

This site is the only known locality for the bog bean Menyanthes trifoliata below 915 meters (3,000 feet) in the State. The rare Horkelia marinensis is present. Other noteworthy plants include Brodiaea terrestris var. terrestris, Platanthera leucostachys, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, Collinsia corymbosa and the bryophyte Calliergonella cuspidatum.

There is a remarkable Arthropod population with approximately 30 species being rare and/or endemic. They are primarily insects and spiders.

The soils range from sand on the dune side to nearly peat inland, though sand and mineral material is everywhere present.

Archaelogically the site is of importance as the fen was once inhabited by the Coast Yuki Indians.

Integrity: Though the dunes have been somewhat damaged by dune buggies, the remainder of the site is in excellent condition.

Use: Research. When the basic studies have been completed, educational and scientific use may be permitted on a limited basis.

Ref: Baker, H. G., 1972. A Fen on the Northern California Coast. Madrono 21, p. 405-416.

February 1975