Arana Marsh
Map SatelliteArana Marsh lies to the north and east of Woods Lagoon. Both freshwater and salt marsh communities are present, with the former constituting the larger portion. Cattails, Typha sp., tules, Scirpus sp., and Juncus spp. are dominant in the freshwater portion. Pickleweed, Salicornia virginica, is dominant in the saltwater marsh. Atriplex sp. is found on the higher ground. The rare Santa Cruz tarplant, Holocarpha macradenia, occurs in the area.
A variety of animal life is found in the area, the most conspicuous being the shorebirds and waterfowl that frequent the area. The Western pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata, and the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, are resident in the area.
Integrity: There is development on three sides and a harbor is located on the fourth; however, the marsh area is still in above-average condition.
Use: Research, educational, observational; portions private.
March 1978
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman