Mokelumne River Riparian
Map SatelliteIntermittent stands of riparian woodland line the Mokelumne River between Lodi and the branching of the river downstream near New Hope, a distance of some 30 kilometers (19 miles). Lying between the water and the levees or high-water banks, these stands vary in width from 6 to 90 meters (20 to 300 feet). In many places this woodland is interrupted by farmland which comes to the water's edge.
The riparian association includes cottonwood, Populus fremontii, white alder, Alnus rhombifolia, wild rose, Rosa californica, willows, Salix sp., wild grape, Vitis californica, elderberry, Sambucus mexicana, and, in the higher ground, valley oak, Quercus lobata.
A variety of animal life is present, including red-shouldered hawks, Buteo lineatus, kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon, and ringtails, Bassariscus astutus.
Integrity: Some of the stands are in excellent condition, while others have been impacted by agricultural or other human activity.
Use: Private; public portions research, educational, observational.
February 1980
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman