Cunningham Marsh

Map     Satellite

This freshwater marsh is one of the few remaining in the County. The dominant species in the marsh are members of the Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. In the shrub thickets bordering the marsh are Salix lasiolepis, Cornus sericea ssp. sericea, Myrica californica, Rhododendron occidentale and Lonicera involucrata. Three rare plants are found in the marsh, Potentilla hickmanii, Rhynchospora californica and Calamagrostis bolanderi. Additionally, three more are found nearby, Lilium pardalinum ssp. pitkinense, Limnanthes vinculans and Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis.

There is an abundant animal population.

The marsh is located in a small basin which is surrounded by orchards and grasslands and drains to Blucher Creek.

Integrity: Part of the marsh has been destroyed by the development of two artificial ponds. Moderate grazing takes place.

Use: Private

Ref: Rubtzoff, Peter, 1953. A Phytogeographical Analysis of the Pitkin Marsh.  Wasmann Jour, of Biol. Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 129-219.

February 1976

Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman

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