Kearney Mesa Vernal Pools (Carroll Canyon)
Map SatelliteThe northwestern corner of the Kearny Mesa is dissected by a number of canyons forming a series of plateaus. Many of these support vernal pools.
The dominant vegetation in the area is chaparral, with chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, predominating and toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia, and mission manzanita, Xylococcus bicolor, present in some abundance.
In the vernal pool portions, several rare or uncommon plants are found including Brodiaea orcuttii, Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii, Ophioglossum californicum, and Pogogyne abramsii.
Among the other rare or uncommon plants occurring on the plateaus or canyon sides are Monardella linoides ssp. viminea, Muilla clevelandii, and Cneoridium dumosum.
Animal life is relatively abundant and typical of the region.
Sandstones and other marine sedimentary rocks of the Pleistocene Linda Vista Formation underlie the area. Mima mounds occur here.
Integrity: Developments are encroaching on the area but some of the pools are virtually undisturbed.
Use: Private
Ref: Purer, E. D. 1939. Ecological Study of Vernal Pools in San Diego County, California. Ecology 20: pp. 217-229.
April 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman