Younger Lagoon (Terrace Point)
Map SatelliteUnique in the coastal region north of Santa Cruz is this small coastal lagoon which is surrounded by steep cliffs cut into the surrounding marine terrace near the mouth of the lagoon. Some pigeon guillemots, Cepphus columba, may breed here. Inland, the slopes are gentler.
Vegetation includes Scirpus sp., Salicornia sp., etc., typical of a predominantly freshwater marsh with saltwater intrusions. The lagoon is blocked by a broad, sandy beach which is only occasionally breached by the ocean.
At least 75 species of migratory birds have been observed here, and thousands of individuals use the lagoon as a feeding or resting stop in this area that is rapidly becoming urbanized.
Integrity: The lagoon is relatively undisturbed and is used by the University of California for marine studies.
Use: Research, educational, observational.
January 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman