Mowry Slough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mowry Slough |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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The Mowry Slough (lower center) where it meanders between salt ponds in the south San Francisco Bay, including the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Dumbarton Bridge, with Peninsula cities in the background
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 Mowry Slough
Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Mowry Slough
Location in California
Mowry Slough
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fremont, California |
| Designated | 1972 |
| Governing body | Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge |
Mowry Slough is a 5.8 mile (9.3 km) long wetlands area. It is located in the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This special place is the main breeding ground for harbor seals in San Francisco Bay. You can find it among the salt marshes and salt evaporation ponds in Fremont, California.
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What is Mowry Slough?
A slough (pronounced "slew") is a type of wetland. It is often a slow-moving channel of water. Mowry Slough is like a small river that winds through the land. It connects to the larger San Francisco Bay.
Sloughs are very important natural areas. They are often found near bays or oceans. They help filter water and provide homes for many animals.
Home to Harbor Seals
Mowry Slough is famous for its harbor seals. These amazing marine mammals love to rest and raise their young here. Harbor seals are common along the coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. They have spotted coats and can grow quite large.
You might see them resting on mudflats or small islands. They often gather in groups. They spend time both in the water and on land.
A Safe Place for Seal Pups
Mowry Slough is especially important for harbor seal reproduction. It is the primary breeding ground in the San Francisco Bay. This means many seal pups are born here each year.
Female seals choose this area because it is safe. The calm waters and protected mudflats are perfect for giving birth. Young seal pups can learn to swim and hunt in this sheltered environment.
The Don Edwards Refuge
Mowry Slough is part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge was created in 1972. It was the first urban national wildlife refuge in the United States.
A national wildlife refuge is a protected area. It is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Their main goal is to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Protecting Bay Wildlife
The Don Edwards Refuge works hard to keep the Bay healthy. They protect many different animals and plants. This includes birds, fish, and other marine life.
The refuge also offers educational programs. People can visit to learn about nature. It helps everyone understand why these habitats are so important.
Salt Ponds and Marshes
Mowry Slough is surrounded by salt marshes and salt evaporation ponds. These are unique habitats found in coastal areas. Salt marshes are wetlands that are flooded by tides. They are full of special plants that can live in salty water.
Salt evaporation ponds are shallow pools. They are used to produce salt from seawater. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving the salt behind.
Important Bay Habitats
Both salt marshes and salt ponds are vital for wildlife. Salt marshes act as nurseries for young fish. They also provide food and shelter for many birds.
Even the salt ponds, once used for industry, now provide homes for birds. Many migratory birds stop here to rest and feed. They are an important part of the Bay's ecosystem.
