Delta Meadows

This area includes the last remaining remnant of consequence of the original Delta wilderness. Much of the area is undisturbed freshwater marsh with a number of plant species present, including cattail, Typha latifolia, tule, Scirpus acutus, Potentilla palustris, and yellow pond-lily, Nuphar luteumssp.polysepalum. There are willow thickets with Salix gooddingii, Salix lasiolepis, Ludwigia repens, and dogwood, Cornus sericeassp.occidentalis. Many of these plants were once common throughout the Delta.

Along the levees and on the higher land there are stands of riparian woodland including the cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and valley oak, Quercus lobata, as well as an understory with yerba mansa, Anemopsis californica, rye grass, Leymus triticoides, squaw bush, Rhus trilobata, and wild rose, Rosa californica, among others.

The area abounds with small animal life, including over 100 species of birds. A number of waterfowl utilize the area during the migratory season and some, particularly the wood duck, Aix sponsa, nest here.

There is an Indian burial site within the area.

Integrity: Fire burned a portion of the area in 1972, and there has been some cultivation in the southern portion. Levees bound it and a rail line bisects it. Snodgrass Slough is frequented by small craft, and the higher lands have been used for picnics and campsites.

Use: Educational, research, observational, light recreational.

September 1975