Though called a lake, this is actually a rather large freshwater marsh with the typical marsh vegetation, Scirpus spp., Typha spp., etc. The undisturbed margins have thick stands of willow, Salix spp., mixed with some coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia. This particular habitat is becoming increasingly rare, particularly in the central and southern portions of the State.

A number of migratory waterfowl utilize the marsh as a resting or feeding stop during the season.

During the wet season the marsh will flood to a depth of 75 centimeters (30 inches) and during the summer drop to 30 centimeters (12 inches) or so.

Research, educational, observational.

The area lies to the north of the Nipomo Dunes on sandy soil.