Campus Lagoon

The Campus Lagoon currently maintains stable water levels with weirs. The Lagoon receives water inputs from 8 storm drains, surface flows and seawater from the marine science laboratories and aquaria. A combination of mitigation funding for the UCEN expansion and funding from Housing and Residential Services have contributed to several large restoration projects in and around the lagoon including the creation of salt marsh islands and shallow areas for shorebirds as well as the freshwater habitats adjacent to Manzanita Village. The Coastal Fund has supported the restoration of more than 6 acres of coastal sage scrub, coast live oak woodland and two acres of sand dune habitat. Current activities include the enhancement of water quality by creating freshwater wetlands and continued restoration of sand dunes, coastal sage scrub and coast live oak woodland.

    Left: East Depression in 2000, dominated by non-native iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis). Right: restored in 2004 to native-dominated dune habitat.