|
Map Satellite Two plant communities, coastal strand and coastal sage scrub, intermingle and dominate Soberanes Point. Such plants as Artemisia californica and Clarkia bottae are found in the scrub, Ericameria ericoides and Marah fabaceus in the strand.
Other typical plants include Cirsium occidentale, Eriophyllum staechadifolium, Eschscholzia californica var. maritima, Horkelia californica ssp. frondosa and Castilleja latifolia. During the spring there is a very colorful display of wildflowers.
Along the shore the Pleistocene marine terrace deposits have eroded and provide many tide pools and tidal channels which support a rich, rocky-coast fauna.
Offshore, there is a kelp bed with Macrocystis pyrifera. Here the sea otter, Enhydra lutris, is frequently sighted. Approximately 135 meters (450 feet) offshore are Lobos Rocks which are used as a hauling ground by the California sea lion, Zalophus californianus, and other marine mammals.
Integrity: The occasional use as a motion-picture site has impacted the area; however, much of it is relatively undisturbed.
Use: Private
January 1978
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
|
