Tuolomne - San Joaquin Rivers Confluence Vicinity
Map SatelliteFrom the confluence of the Tuolumne and the San Joaquin Rivers, upstream 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) on the former and 6 kilometers (4 miles) upstream on the latter, the area is primarily wetlands with sloughs, marshes and ponds as well as the rivers. Here the San Joaquin sluggishly meanders through its flood plain.
Much of the land area supports a riparian association which includes willows, Salix spp., cottonwood, Populus fremontii, wild grape, Vitis californica, valley oak, Quercus lobata, and sycamore, Platanus racemosa, among others. Scattered along the edges of the slow-moving rivers and in some of the sloughs and low area are freshwater marshes with cattail, Typha sp., tule, Scirpus sp., and Carex lanuginosa, as well as Ludwigia repens in the more open waters. The rare Eryngium racemosum occurs within the area.
A rich variety of animal life is found here including, during migratory season, a number of shore-birds and waterfowl. The river otter, Lutra canadensis, frequents the area.
The area lies wholly on Quaternary stream channel deposits.
Integrity: The area has been diked to protect the surrounding farmlands, and there are some buildings as well as farming within the area.
Use: Research, educational, observational, fishing in public area. Portions private.
January 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman