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Map Satellite This state-owned area lies entirely within the larger San Luis Grasslands and offers a small sampling of the riparian and grassland habitats of the larger area. Along the banks of the Merced River is an excellent example of the once common Central Valley riparian community. The main species are cottonwood, Populus frernontii, various willows, Salix spp., and the valley oak, Quercus lobata. In places there is a dense understory, with wild grape, Vitis californica, common.
Away from the river the main community is the grassland, with some natives, Stipa spp., but mostly exotics, and with some scattered oaks.
Animal life is typical of the Central Valley.
The area is on Quaternary alluvium and includes a meander of the river.
Integrity: Usage is confined to day use and there has been some disturbance of the vegetation. There is a road through the area.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
January 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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