La Grange Ecological Reserve Area
Map SatelliteA variety of habitats is found in this area, including a freshwater marsh, man-made ponds, riparian, and grassland. The latter is grazed.
The riparian, which is found in the bottomland, includes valley oak, Quercus lobata, cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and willow, Salix sp. At least four species of rare plants are found in the area, Plagiobothrys reticulatus var. rossianorum, Plagiobothrys distantiflorus, Pseudobahia bahiifolia, and the possibly extinct Monardella leucocephala. Mimulus ringens, possibly an escapee, is present here, the only known site in California for this more eastern species.
The area is rich in animal life. Beaver, Castor canadensis, are found here, and the endangered bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus, frequents the area. It is also a spawning ground for king salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha.
The Tuolumne River cuts through the area and has formed bluffs up to 30 meters (100 feet) high in the Pleistocene nonmarine sedimentary deposits bordering the river.
Integrity: Much of the river-bottom area is covered by dredge tailings which support some vegetation. The grasslands are overgrazed and there are buildings in the area.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present. Some private.
January 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman