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Map Satellite In this section of the park, to the north and northwest of Riverside, the Santa Ana River flood plain broadens and is representative of a Southern California river flood-plain and riparian association. In the overstory, cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and sycamore, Platanus racemosa, are the dominants, with some ash, Fraxinus velutina, present. Various species are found in the understory or in the more open areas, including Baccharis spp., Vitis girdiana, Artemisia californica, Haplopappus sp., among numerous others. There are some marshy areas or ponds with Typha sp. and Scirpus sp. The animal life is abundant and includes both water-oriented species such as the black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, and green heron, Butorides virescens, as well as more terrestrial species. Migratory waterfowl are occasionally noted here. The Western pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata, is present. Integrity: There are various non-recreational developments abutting the park and recreational facilities within the park. Though the area has suffered some impact, it remains a good example of the habitat. Use: Research, educational, observational, present. October 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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