Sweet Springs Marsh
Map SatelliteSweet Springs Marsh is an unusual combination of a tidal salt marsh and a freshwater spring, which flows into a small pond and thence to Morro Bay. The topography is basically flat with only a few small hummocks, with some introduced trees and miscellaneous shrubs, including Baccharis sp., covering the upland area.
The lowland, which is flooded by salt water during high tides, is covered with Salicornia virginica, Triglochin maritima, and Distichlis sp. In the freshwater marsh such species as Cicuta douglasii, Potentilla sp., Lemna minima, and Juncus spp. are found.
The lowland area is a feeding and resting area for many species of shorebirds and waterfowl. Over 155 species of birds have been sighted here. The rare California black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus, may occur in the area.
Integrity: Fairly undisturbed, though frequented by local residents and used for nature study programs.
Use: Private
January 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman