Bodega Head Dunes
Map SatelliteBetween the Salmon Creek Estuary and the Bodega Marine Reserve is a series of sand dunes which can be divided into three sections.
In the foredune the only plant is the exotic beach grass Ammophila arenaria, which covers about 80% of the area. The central dunes, which have a much greater area of bare sand, also have a more diversified vegetation; the beach grass covers only 30% of the area and other perennials include evening primrose, Camissonia cheiranthifolia, Lotus heermannii and some Lupinus arboreus. In the more stable, high hind-dunes thirteen species are found; beach grass covers over 40% of the area but Lupinus arboreus, Ericameria ericoides and coyote bush, Baccharis pilularis, are common, as is the rush, Juncus lesueurii, in the moist depressions.
There is an abundant fauna, with invertebrates, particularly insects, throughout the area and the vertebrates, primarily mammals, in the more sheltered areas.
The dunes lie in the break in the topography caused by the San Andreas Fault.
Integrity: Beach grass has been planted to reduce erosion, particularly in the northern portion within the State Park system, which also has a trail system and other park facilities.
Use: Research, educational, observational.
Ref: Barbour, M. G., et al. 1973. Coastal Ecology, Bodega Head. Univ. of Calif. Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, 338. pp.
November 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
