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Map Satellite Surrounded by sagebrush scrub, primarily basin sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata, a large spring and several smaller ones form a series of shallow ponds here. Marsh vegetation, dominated by tules, Scirpus sp., covers approximately 80 of the ponds.
Numerous animal species utilize the area as a source of water. Several species of ducks may breed here, including mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, cinnamon teal, Anas cyangptera, gadwall, Anas strepera, and shoveler, Spatula clypeata. Other waterfowl are frequent transients. Western terrestrial garter snakes, Thamnophis elegans, are abundant.
The uncommon Salt Creek pupfish, Cyprinodon salinus, whose native habitat is a short stretch of stream in Death Valley, has been successfully introduced to these ponds.
Integrity: There is a dirt road in the area. Cattle graze the adjacent area and water here, and there is also a summer cattle camp.
Use: Private
December 1979
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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