Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve

Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve, which includes Waddell Marsh, is located at the mouth of Waddell Creek, a coastal freshwater marsh that is one of the rarest habitats on the Central Coast of California. This marsh is one of the few relatively undisturbed bodies of fresh water left along the West coast. The land is 23 acres of wetland habitat. It is part of the Rancho del Oso Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located approximately 65 miles south of San Francisco. The elevation in the park ranges from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The area was named after William W. Waddell, who established the last of his four sawmills there in 1868. The sawmill ran down after his death in 1875. All the boilers were left in the area; they are now completely surrounded by second-growth redwoods. Other trees found in the park are conifers, and oaks. Within the park there are different vegetation types to be seen, such as chaparral, redwood forests, and riparian habitats.

This habitat shelters many rare and endangered species such as the California red-legged frog, western pond turtle, tidewater goby, black rail, San Francisco garter snake, coho salmon (endangered) and steelhead (threatened). Hikers can also look out for feral pigs and red foxes around the park. The park is also home to more than 200 species of native and migratory birds such as ducks, sparrows, wrens, kingfishers, Swainson’s thrush, and warblers. In the park there are also many species of water birds, such as avocets, stilts, herons, and egrets. The most common mammals to be seen are black-tailed deer, chipmunks, squirrels and raccoons. Also, although not as regularly seen, the park is also home to skunks, bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions. While there are not many fish in the streams, there are multiple species of reptiles and amphibians living in the streams and in the marsh. Park-goers are able to see the California newt, the Pacific tree frog, the western skink, the western toad and the alligator lizard. There is also a harbor seal rookery just south of the beach. Working with experts from other areas, the Waddell Creek Association hopes to educate the public about wetlands, their value and necessity.

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Wikipedia