San Joaquin - Stanislaus Rivers Confluence
Map SatelliteScattered throughout this area, in patches of varying sizes, are good examples of the Central Valley riparian and freshwater marsh communities. Among the trees that occur in the riparian forests are willows, Salix spp., cottonwood, Populus fremontii, Oregon ash, Fraxinus latifolia, box elder, Acer negundo, and some sycamore, Platanus racemosa. Present in the understory are elderberry, Sambucus mexicana, California grape, Vitis californica, rose, Rosa californica, and poison oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum.
On the higher ground, valley oak, Quercus lobata, is found frequently amongst the woodlands, together with grassland.
The marsh areas include cattails, Typha spp., tules, Scirpus spp., sedge, Carex spp., and Juncus spp. Two uncommon plants have been reported in the vicinity of the area and may occur here, Eryngium racemosum and Cirsium crassicaule.
Animal life-is relatively abundant, with muskrat, Ondatra zibethica, river otter, Luitra canadensis, and red-shouldered hawks, Buteo lineatus, present.
Integrity: Much of the area is agricultural and some of-the wetlands and forests have been impacted, but most are in good condition.
Use: Private. Research, educational, observational on State lands.
February 1960
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman