HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems
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HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems |
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San Elijo Lagoon Two plant communities are represented in this lagoon, a
salt marsh and a freshwater marsh, with a transition zone between.
The salt marsh is dominated by pickleweed, Salicornia sp., and the
freshwater marsh by cattail, Typha sp., and bulrush, Scirpus sp.
The freshwater portion covers slightly more area than the salt marsh. During the winter up to 3,000 shorebirds, plus numerous
ducks, have been observed in the lagoon at one time.
Over 50 water-oriented species have been recorded.
The endangered light-footed clapper rail, Rallus longirostris levipes,
breeds here as do the endangered California least tern, Sterna albifrons
browni,
and Belding's savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi. Integrity: While
there has been no direct dumping of sewage into the lagoon since 1966, there is
a considerable flow of secondary effluent via Escondido Creek.
The result is probably beneficial, as it augments the disturbed natural
stream flow to maintain the upper reaches of the lagoon, which is managed as a
wildlife refuge.
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