Mugu Lagoon facts for kids
Mugu Lagoon is a special place called a salt marsh. It's found inside the Naval Base Ventura County in Ventura County, California. This lagoon stretches for about 4.3 miles next to a thin strip of sand. The local Chumash people called it Muwu, which means "beach" or "seashore."
The first European to visit this area was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo on October 10, 1542. He was the first European to explore what is now California. When Europeans first arrived, Mugu Lagoon was an important village for the Chumash people.
Understanding Mugu Lagoon's Location
Mugu Lagoon is located at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a unique natural area where fresh water mixes with ocean water. This creates a special environment for many plants and animals.
How Water Flows into Mugu Lagoon
The Calleguas Creek is a main river that flows into Mugu Lagoon. Other smaller streams, like Arroyo Conejo and Arroyo Simi, also join Calleguas Creek. All these waterways eventually empty into the Pacific Ocean at Mugu Lagoon.
The Impact of Farming on the Lagoon
Historically, when Calleguas Creek flooded, it spread rich soil across the Oxnard Plain. This made the land great for farming. Over time, people built concrete channels and dirt walls to control the water flow for farming.
These changes have caused more dirt and sand to wash into Mugu Lagoon. This can lead to flooding during very heavy rains.
