Todd Island
Map SatelliteAn outstanding example of the valley riparian community, this island supports a variety of wildlife.
Several species of willow, Salix hindsiana, Salix lasiolepis and Salix gooddingii ssp., cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and Oregon ash, Fraxinus latifolia, are among the trees found here. There is a dense understory which is virtually impassable. Sandbars, which support a variety of wildflowers, are found on portions of the island.
There is a rich fauna including river otter, Lutra canadensis. The rare California yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus occidentalis, breeds here.
Integrity: Good; though the island is flooded during the higher waters, little damage occurs.
Use: Research, educational, light recreational (except during cuckoo breeding period).
Ref: Gaines, David, 1974. Distribution, Density and Habitat Requirements of the California Yellow-Billed Cuckoo in the Sacramento Valley: 1972-73. California Department of Fish and Game, Mimeo. 20 pp.
April 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman