WETLANDS HABITAT

Snowy Egret	Red-wing Blackbird	Mallard	Least Bell's Vireo

Wetlands are a vital part of the ecology of Southern California. Although many San Diego rivers appear dry in the summer, water-loving plants find the water just below the surface and flourish along the riverbeds and banks. These plants serve a vital function in cleaning the water that runs through them and in supporting a large community of animals.

There are several kinds of wetlands. Among types managed by the San Diego Habitat Conservancy are:

• Freshwater Marsh: These are the wettest of the wetlands, remaining saturated for most of the year. Plants are normally aquatic, such as reeds and bulrushes.
• Floodplain Riparian: Found along the river banks as the rivers meander through flatter areas. These areas are subject to flooding during high water events.
• Riparian Forest: Generally found at higher elevations than the floodplain riparian habitat, the riparian forest is characterized by larger plants, especially coast live oak, and is generally not as dense as the willow scrub habitat.
• Willow Scrub: This habitat is characterized by a dense growth of trees, especially cottonwood and willow, and shrubs, which provide cover for birds, tree frogs, fish, and small animals.

Wetlands in San Diego general share similar plant and animal communities.

Characteristic plants: Willow, Mulefat, Cottonwood, Wild Rose, California Fuchsia

Characteristic animals: Red-wing Blackbird, White-crowned Sparrow, Snowy Egret, Red-tailed hawk

Animals of special interest: Least Bell's Vireo