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Map Satellite Roughly "L" shaped, the marsh is a series of ponds with a maximum depth of 1.2 meters (4 feet). It is bounded on the north by 15-meter (50-foot) bluffs and on the remainder by a series of dikes. The marsh has a diversified flora of emergent and terrestrial vegetation providing the dense growth, marginal cover and food requirements which support an abundant fauna. This flora includes over 90 species, both native and naturalized, the latter comprising 59% of the total species. At the northeastern end there is a mosaic of black willow groves, Salix gooddingii, interspersed with thickets of non-native giant reed, Arundo donax, and mulefat, Baccharis viminea. Below the bluffs the margin supports willow thickets interrupted by areas of smart-weed, Polygonum coccineum. Shallow pond areas contain species of rush, Scirpus spp., and cattail, Typha spp., thickets which in some places form circular islands in the larger ponds. Among the vertebrates, though there are some mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, on the Reserve, the most conspicuous are the birds, which include virtually all species found in Southern California marshes. Over 155 species have been sighted here. Many migrant waterfowl and shorebirds utilize the area. Of note is the white-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus; up to 50 individuals have been observed here at one time. Several amphibians and reptiles occur here, as does one introduced species of fish, the mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis. The major groups of terrestrial as well as aquatic insects and related arthropods are well represented. Various substrates such as loose sand and unconsolidated banks provide nesting sites for arenicolous bees and wasps along with their associated predators and parasites. Planktonic algae and aquatic invertebrates are extremely abundant. The marsh was formed on recent alluvial sediments by the San Diego Creek and was once part of upper Newport Bay. Integrity: The marsh was used as a duck hunting preserve until acquisition by the University in 1970 when it became a unit of its Natural Land and Water Reserves System. It has been considerably altered by the construction of dikes and weirs and the planting of forage foods. Since the channelization of the Creek in 1968, water has been supplied by wells. Use: Research, educational. November 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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