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Map Satellite Much of the basin is farmed; however, there are several large permanent lakes and sloughs.
Along the watercourse and parts of the lakesides there is a riparian association, with willows, Salix spp., and cottonwood, Populus fremontii, the dominant species in the overstory. In the sloughs and shallower portions of the lakes, freshwater marshes occur, with tules, Scirpus sp., and cattails, Typha sp., predominant.
A large number of animals are found in the basin, particularly migratory birds. Among the migrants observed here are sandhill cranes, Grus canadensis, Canada geese, Branta canadensis, whistling swan, Olor columbianus, white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons, pintail, Anas acuta, widgeon, Anas americana, and wood duck, Aix sponsa. Great blue heron, Ardea herodias breed here. River otter, Lutra canadensis, are present.
Integrity: The area is bounded by a freeway, railroad embankment and several roads. There also are roads within the area. Though the basin is farmed, the riparian and marsh vegetation is relatively undisturbed.
Use: Research, educational, observational. Most private.
July 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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