HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems
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HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems |
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Morro Rock Ecological Reserve A familiar landmark along this portion of the California coast, Morro Rock was declared an Ecological Reserve in 1969, both to halt the occasional quarrying of rock and to protect the rare peregrine falcon , Falco peregrinus anatum, which nests on the rock. The falcons, which have been the subject of considerable publicity, have nested on the rock for years and in 1974 fledged four young. The marine community on the base of the rock contrasts with that of the sandy beaches to north and south. In the intertidal zone the California mussel, Mytilus californianus, and the sea palm, Postelsia palmaeformis, are the most conspicuous elements, though a variety of limpets, sea anemones and gooseneck barnacles are also present. Morro Rock is a volcanic plug (see Los Osos Valley Volcanic Peaks) dating from the Miocene. The rock type is dacite. Integrity: Portions of the rock have been quarried for a breakwater and other uses. The falcon nests were periodically plundered by falconers in the past. A fence and an elaborate electronic surveillance system have been established, and guards are on duty during the nesting season to protect the falcons. Use: No admittance to the Reserve, which lies above the 3-meter (10-foot) above-mean-high-tide line. Diving on the seaward side is often hazardous. July 1975 San
Luis Obispo
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