No. 12 - Mudflat Ecology

As the tide goes out, the lagoon’s mudflats are exposed. These mudflats may look barren, but below the surface, this is habitat for wide assortment of invertebrates (animals without backbones). These animals can tolerate the physiological stress caused by changes in water level, temperature, and salinity within the lagoon system. The most abundant species are worms and clams. Also here are small snails and shrimp. All can be food for birds and other animals and are part of an intricate food web.

Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
www.batiquitoslagoon.org

Preserve, Protect, and Enhance Batiquitos Lagoon

Phone: (442) 320-7009

Address: P.O. Box 131741, Carlsbad, CA 92013
PLEASE—NO COLLECTING!

ABOUT THE LAGOON

Batiquitos Lagoon is located on the coast about 30 miles north of San Diego. It is in the city of Carlsbad and just north of the city of Encinitas.

The lagoon can be seen and experienced from a nature trail on the north side. The public walking and hiking trail is about two miles long.

It starts just east of Interstate 5 at the end of Gabbiano Lane and goes most of the way to El Camino Real on the east end of the lagoon.

There are five public parking lots providing access to the trail, one by the Nature Center and four on Batiquitos Drive.