Fairfield Osborne Preserve
Map SatelliteSeveral different plant communities are found on this Preserve, including an oak woodland, some grassland, a freshwater marsh, two ponds and a riparian association. The oak woodland includes both coast live and white oak, Quercus agrifolia and Quercus lobata. Scirpus sp. and Typha sp. are dominants in the marsh and bordering the pond. Bay, Umbellularia californica, is found in the riparian areas.
Well over 70 species of birds have been sighted on the reserve. Among the more unusual are the sora, Porzana carolina, and Virginia rail, Rallus limicola. There are a number of reptiles, including a notable population of the Western pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata.
Gentle, rolling hills characterize much of the area, with some steeper slopes. There are several springs, and a permanent stream, rich in aquatic fauna, crosses the Preserve. The underlying rock is of the Sonoma volcanic group dating to the middle or late Pliocene.
Integrity: There are several buildings and the ponds are man-made. The area is fully protected.
Use: Educational, research.
February 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman