Little Holland Tract facts for kids
Geography | |
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Location | Northern California |
Coordinates | 38°19′27″N 121°39′20″W / 38.32417°N 121.65556°W |
Adjacent bodies of water | Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta |
Highest elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
Administration | |
United States
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State | ![]() |
County | Yolo |
The Little Holland Tract is a special kind of island located in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. This area is in Yolo County, which is part of California. It's a unique place because it's surrounded by water channels and rivers.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured its height in 1981. They found that Little Holland Tract is about 13 ft (4.0 m) above sea level. Its exact spot on a map is 38°19′27″N 121°39′20″W / 38.32417°N 121.65556°W.
Contents
What is a Delta Tract?
A "tract" in this area is like an island. It's a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water. These tracts are often very flat. They were created by draining wetlands over many years.
People built levees around them. Levees are like walls of earth. They keep the water out. This makes the land inside the tract dry enough to use.
How Delta Islands Formed
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta was once a huge wetland. It had marshes and swamps. Over time, people wanted to use this rich land for farming. So, they built levees.
They also used pumps to remove water. This process turned the wet marshlands into dry islands. These islands are now called "tracts" or "islands."
Little Holland Tract's Location
Little Holland Tract is found in the northern part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This delta is a very important area in California. It's where two big rivers meet.
The Sacramento River and the San Joaquin River flow into the delta. From there, their waters eventually reach San Francisco Bay. The delta is a network of waterways. It includes rivers, sloughs, and canals.
Importance of the Delta
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is vital for California. It provides drinking water for millions of people. It also supplies water for farms across the state.
Many different kinds of plants and animals live here. It's a rich habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. The delta is also a popular spot for boating and fishing.
Life on Little Holland Tract
Like many delta tracts, Little Holland Tract is likely used for farming. The soil in the delta is very fertile. This means it's great for growing crops. Farmers often grow corn, alfalfa, and other plants here.
The tracts are protected by levees. These levees need to be maintained. They prevent the land from flooding. Flooding can happen during heavy rains or high tides.
Wildlife in the Delta
Even with farming, the delta is home to lots of wildlife. You might see many types of birds. These include ducks, geese, and herons. Fish like salmon and striped bass live in the waterways.
Small mammals also make their homes here. The delta is an important stop for migrating birds. They use it as a place to rest and find food.