San Dieguito River Valley ConservancySan Dieguito
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Habitats of the San Dieguito Lagoon

Chaparral

Chaparral is California’s most common plant community, found in every county  in the state. It is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers (called  a Mediterranean climate and found in only a few places on Earth). The average  

annual rainfall can vary between 9 and 30 inches, usually increasing with  elevation. Most plants are dense, woody, evergreen shrubs with thick, leathery  leaves to hold in moisture. Plants in this community are also adapted to dry season fires, and the ability to regenerate from a stump after fire is a  characteristic of chaparral plants. A noteworthy species that makes this habitat  its home is the endangered Quino Checkerspot Butterfly.

Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat 

Coastal sage scrub is a dry habitat found on south and west facing slopes and  flatlands, receiving an average of about 10 to 20 inches of rainfall per year.  Most plants found in this habitat are drought-resistant, deciduous shrubs. They  tend to be low-growing (3-4 feet tall), aromatic and generally soft-leaved  shrubs. A noteworthy species that makes this habitat its home is the threatened  California Gnatcatcher. 

Riparian Habitat 

Riparian habitat is a streamside freshwater wetland found along the banks of the creeks throughout the watershed. The fairly consistent water source (above and below ground) supports a dense thicket of vegetation that’s typically taller and lusher than those in the drier chaparral or coastal sage scrub habitats. Flowing streams (sometimes seasonal) and drainages create washes that support trees and smaller herb-like plants. Cool, shaded, and wet riparian habitat attracts many species. Noteworthy endangered species that make this habitat their home are Least Bell’s Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and Arroyo Southwestern Toad.

Salt Marsh Habitat 

A salt marsh is a low-lying coastal area periodically flooded by salt water from  ocean tides. At low tide mudflats are exposed on the upper edges of the salt  marsh. Salt water, along with consistently mild temperatures, sustains low growing, succulent, salt-tolerant plants (called halophytes). The dominant plant  here is Pickleweed. Within the salt marsh are tidal creeks and mudflats that are  submerged and exposed twice a day as the tide rises and falls. Noteworthy endangered species that make the salt marsh their home are the Belding’s  Savannah Sparrow and Ridgway’s Rail.