Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Preserve
Map SatelliteHere is the sole remaining fragment of the once extensive Mission Bay salt marshes.
All but a small portion of the marsh is below the high-tide level and virtually all is exposed at low tide. In the low marsh the dominant plant is cord grass, Spartina foliosa, while pickleweed, Salicornia virginica, dominates the upper marsh above the mean high-water mark. Other species include saltwort, Batis maritima, and sea blite, Suaeda californica.
A variety of birds is observed here, particularly during migration. Two endangered birds, the light-footed clapper rail, Rallus longirostris levipes, and Belding's savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi, are found in the area.
The numerous invertebrate species present in the marsh, many of which are quite abundant, constitute an assemblage that may be considered endangered due to habitat destruction along the coast.
Alluvial deposits of mud and sand, primarily from Rose Creek, formed the marsh. Adjacent to the Preserve is the San Diego Mission Bay Wildlife Area which embraces some mudflats and a small portion of the marsh.
Integrity: A part of the University of California's Natural Land and Water Reserves System, the Preserve is fenced and fully protected; however, the continued development and possible pollution of Mission Bay constitute a threat. The Wildlife Area, so designated by the City of San Diego, serves as a partial buffer. There are on-site laboratory facilities planned but not yet constructed.
Use: Research, educational.
Ref: MacDonald, K. B. 1969. Quantitative Studies of Salt Marsh Mollusc Faunas from the North American Pacific Coast. Ecol. Monogr., No. 38, pp. 33-60.
Phleger, F. B. 1970. Foraminiferal Populations and Marine Marsh Processes. Limnology and Oceanography Vol. 15, pp. 522-534.
October 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman