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Map Satellite Most of the Refuge lies within the Sutter Bypass, though there are some cultivated lands east of the levee in the central and southern portion. Over half of the Refuge is planted to rice and other food for waterfowl. Approximately twenty percent of the area is in natural or enhanced marshes, with cattails, Typha sp., and tules, Scirpus sp., as the dominants.
Along the slough there is a dense riparian growth with cottonwood, Populus fremontii, willows, Salix spp., box elder, Acer negundo, and wild grape, Vitis californica, conspicuous elements. The rare Hibiscus californicus occurs here.
During the migratory season, large numbers of waterfowl congregate on the Refuge. Among the more common migrants are lesser snow geese, Chen caerulescens, pintail, Anas acuta, mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, widgeon, Anas americana, green-winged teal, Anas crecca, and cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera.
Among the numerous mammals inhabiting the Refuge are beaver, Castor canadensis, muskrat, Ondatra zibethica, and red fox, Vulpes fulva. The latter two species are introduced.
Integrity: The area has been managed for waterfowl since 1953.
Use: Present. Research, educational, observational.
July 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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