Mare Island Marsh
Map SatelliteLying at the southwest end of Mare Island and separated from the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge by an extensive fill is an extension of the marshlands and mudflats that rim the northerly portion of the Bay.
In the marsh the dominant vegetation is pickleweed, Salicornia europaea, with salt grass, Distichlis spicata, prominent in portions of the area. Various algae forms are found on the invertebrate-rich mudflats which constitute more than half the area.
During migratory season many waterfowl may be observed here, including scaups, Aythya spp., and numerous canvasbacks, Aythya valisineria. Two endangered species may be found here, the salt-marsh harvest mouse, Reithrodontomys raviventris, and the California clapper rail, Rallus longirostris obsoletus.
Integrity: A levee forms the eastern boundary of the marsh, and a breakwater the southern.
Portions of the area are used for various military purposes.
Use: Educational, research. Access is restricted.
February 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman