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Aerial view of the marsh.

Introduction

The Arcata Marsh is the wastewater treatment plant, and a tourist destination, for the city of Arcata, Humboldt County, California.

Much of the written information is taken from the California Environmental Resources Evaluation System and needs to be updated and formatted better - please feel free to edit by clicking the edit tab above.

Wastewater Treatment

Primary Treatment

Tertiary Treatment

Effluent

History

History of the Land

Arcata's Wastewater Plant

Overview

Map

The following map is interactive, you can move around and zoom by clicking on the map and buttons. You can add pointer information by clicking edit and adding a location (see Help:Maps for help on editing the map).

The Arcata Marsh as provided by USGS data.


<googlemap lat="40.853959" lon="-124.090319" zoom="16" width="450" height="450" overview="yes"> 40.85602, -124.090249, Primary anerobic digestor 40.855679, -124.089793, Sludge drying beds 40.855878, -124.090598, Archimedes screw pumps - Raw sewage enters the treatment plant at this point. 40.855768, -124.090624, Headworks - Primary filtration 40.85548, -124.090415, Clarification 40.851581, -124.08519, Arcata Salt Marsh - In 1981, these marshes were re-opened to tidal action. These marshes are characteristic of the salt water habitat around Humboldt Bay. 40.852879, -124.091424, Wastewater Aquaculture Project - Fish hatchery and ponds where salmon, trout, and other fish are raised in and return to a mixture of wastewater and sea water. 40.850891, -124.089117, Oxidation Ponds - These 49 acres of ponds, built in the late 1950's, treat Arcata's wastewater with time, water, plants, bacteria, and fungi to secondary standards. 40.853179, -124.089503, Treatment Marshes - These three, two-acre marshes were completed between 1987-1990 40.855127, -124.09519, Franklin Klopp Lake - This brackish lake is now popular for shorebird observation and sports fishing. Originally it was a leachate (drainage) basin for the landfill. 40.858568, -124.093323, George Allen Marsh - Completed in 1981, this marsh was built on an abandoned log deck. 40.860077, -124.095318, Robert Gearheart Marsh - Completed in 1981, this marsh was pasture land. 40.858113, -124.090544, Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center - 600 S G St Arcata, CA 95521 - (707) 826-2359 40.858941, -124.089847, Parking 40.85589, -124.098258, Parking and Boat Ramp 40.857448, -124.097292, Dan Hauser Marsh - This is the final marsh irrigated with treated wastewater. From here the water is returned to the treatment plant. 40.856279, -124.097872, Final point of wastewater marshes, notice the high concentration of cattail and bulrush. 40.857058, -124.094589, Mount Trashmore - This grassy hill is a sealed sanitary landfill (garbage dump) that operated during the 1960's and 1970's. 40.862381, -124.090834, Butcher's Slough (lower end of Jolly Giant Creek) - This area was restored in 1985-6. The pilings once supported a plywood mill. 40.854904, -124.09056, Discharge to the bay - At low tides, the 24" bay discharge pipe is visible in the inlet west of the chlorination facility. 40.852709, -124.093151, Humboldt Bay - Produces more than half of the oysters grown in California and is home to a variety of other aquatic plants and animals. 40.854908, -124.090351, Chlorinating Facility - Chlorination and dechlorination (with sulfur dioxide) before discharge to public access and again to Humboldt Bay. 40.85395, -124.088184, Marsh Pilot Project - These ten 20' x 200' marshes were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of wetlands for treating wastewater. 40.854466, -124.088554, Composting </googlemap>

Headworks

Clarifier

Digesters

Compost

Oxidation Ponds

The oxidation ponds in the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Marsh span about 55 acres. They are the secondary treatment phase in the treatment marsh system. The ponds are about five feet deep and their slow-moving current makes them excellent for settling out solids.
One of the main purposes of the oxidation ponds is to lower the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) of the wastewater. The ponds are large and open allowing for large amounts of algae growth. This algae produces oxygen, allowing the bacteria in the water to break down the organic matter within the wastewater. The bacteria in upper parts of the oxidation ponds have access to readily available oxygen so the majority of the bacteria there are aerobic bacteria and use the oxygen produced by the algae. Yet near the bottom of the ponds, the oxygen levels taper off and it becomes an anaerobic environment so the bacteria growing on the bottom reflect this. Aerobic bacteria are more efficent at metabolizing BOD than anaerobic bacteria. The algae also removes large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. Although this method is much less efficient then 'modern' methods of wastewater treatment, the oxidation ponds (along with the rest of the Wastewater Marsh system) allow Arcata to treat its own wastewater. These ponds have other benefits, including as being havens for wild birds such as Canada Geese and other migratory birds.

References

http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/FUNDAMNT/streem/methods.htm http://www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/sustainable-resource-use/resource-management/dairy-shed-wastewater/dairyef4.htm\ http://ceres.ca.gov/wetlands/projects/arcata_map.html

Treatment Wetlands

Appropriateness

With a population of 17,294[1], funding for Wastewater treatment is limited. A cost restriction made Treatment Wetlands an appealing solution to Arcata's Wastewater problems.

Cattails in Arcata's Treatment Wetlands

The costs of Treatment Wetlands are largely based on the price and availability of land[2]. Otherwise, treatment wetlands are a low-cost alternative to activated sludge systems because constructed wetlands utilize natural processes as opposed to buying chemicals (especially oxygen) to treat wastewater[3].

Treatment Wetlands are unable to function in freezing climates[4]. Also, high levels of rainfall in the area can increase the amount of effluent created by the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This effect is exaggerated by the surface area of the oxidation ponds. An increase in effluent can increase the need for a larger capacity in further treatment during disinfection[5].


In order to utilize natural processes, plants were chosen carefully in order to account for large changes in flow rate. The changes in flow rate in Arcata, CA are caused by a seasonal change in population that nearly doubles between August and May (due to Humboldt State University's school sessions) as well as an aging sewer system built in the 1880s which is victim to heavy rainfall that leaks into the sewers. These drastic changes limited the selection of plants availible for use in the Treatment Marsh. There were three groups of plants that were used: Submergent, Emergent, and Floating Plants. Preference was given to native plants; Hardstem Bulrush is an example of a native plant to the Arcata area. The most prominent plants in use are listed in Figure 17.1


Figure 17.1
Plants used in the Treatment Wetlands
Common Name Latin name Picture
Submergent Sago Pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus
Emergent Hardstem Bullrush

(native)

scirpus acutus
Water Dropwort Oenanthe
Arcata-7133 Water Dropwort reduced.jpg
Cattail

(native)

typha
Arcata-7120 reduced.jpg
Floating Duckweed Lemna
Hydrocotyle Hydrocotyle
Arcata-7021 Hydrocotyle reduced.jpg

[6]

References

  1. California State Statistical Abstract
  2. Homer, Denise. Interview. 27 Mar. 2008. - Interpretive Naturalist.
  3. Poppendieck, Dustin. Interview. 28 Mar. 2008.
  4. Poppendieck, Dustin.Interview. 28 Mar. 2008.
  5. Couch, David. Interview. 7 March 2008.
  6. Shrader, Jesse. 2008.

Enhanced Marsh

Appropriateness

Chlorination

Dechlorination

Ancillary Benefits

Salt Water Marshes

Aquaculture

What is the Arcata Marsh Marsh Image:greywater.jpg TheArcata Marshis a fusion between waste water treatment and an outdoor [http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/rec.html recreational location Why would you want to hang out at a Waste Treatment Plant The abundance of birds, the view of the bay, or to watch the fish. What is Aquaculture Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants, esp. fish, shellfish, and seaweed, in natural or controlled marine or freshwater environments; underwater agriculture. File:Marshimages/RearingPondsCopy.jpg

The Arcata Marsh Aquaculture project was proposed in 1963 by Dr. George Allen, and started later in 1971 to increase the local salmon runs. 1 img src= File:Marshimages/birdeatingfishsmall.jpg Why put the fish in poop water? At this point you may have read enough to notice that the fish are indeed swimming in our (the city of Arcata) toilette water (not to mention other run off from the streets). This may bother you; however the dirty water has benefits for both the treatment plant and the fish. o Because the water is dirty the waste water treatment plant actually saves on having to feed the fish as much, plus the bacteria and the fish help clean the water.

What fish are in the Arcata Marsh o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o The Aquaculture program is rearing mostly anadromous salmonids including: o Chinook Salmon File:Chinook salmon File:Http://wildernessclassroom.com/superior/Chinook Salmon.gif http://wildernessclassroom.com/superior/Chinook_Salmon.gif" width="500" height="333"

o File:Http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/fish/cohosalmon.htm Coho Salmon src="http://wildernessclassroom.com/superior/coho%20salmon.jpg" width="500" height="333"

o http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutthroat_trout Cutthroat Trout http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8f/Weber_river_cutt.jpg src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8f/Weber_river_cutt.jpg" width="500" height="333"

o http://home.centurytel.net/sha/smithlake/images/rainbow-trout.jpg Rainbow Trout

<img src="http://home.centurytel.net/sha/smithlake/images/rainbow-trout.jpg" width="500" height="333"

Fish Facts

  • The fish usually weigh 2.1 lbs, and are on average 22cm long
  • The survival rates of the rainbow trout averages out to 85%
  • The ponds are composed of 80 % wastewater to 20 % saltwater because it is the highest levels of waste water that are tolerable without causing any fish mortalities.

1

  • The trout then go into pond 2, where they are fed roughly 1.5% of their body weight a day
  • Why isn't every town doing this?

???Knowledge o Not everyone knows about constructed wetlands dual purpose. You can't change you mind if you do not know there are other options. Location: Not every town can

o Wetland experts estimate a minimum of two acres per 1,000 people are required. So it's not feasible for big cities where land is hard to come by and expensive

o You also need direct access to a bay nearby

$$$ Engineers are partly to blame

o Construction cost for constructed wetlands is relatively low. This means engineers get paid less, so they are less likely to suggest it. o They also tend to avoid natural systems because they have less control over them.

Marshimages:arcata-danger.jpg

It may be O.K. for the fish but it will take a little longer before people can use it.

Awsome Walks File:Arcata-marshsideview.jpg

So now that you know a little about aquaculture, here is something else you may want to know Birds

The birds at the Arcata Marsh are awesome. People come from all over to see our Marsh just for the birds!

class=images><img src=marshimages/eagretononeleg.jpg

Cool Links:

Want to learn about a Salmons Life cycle?Salmon Life Cycle

File:Http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere dept/marsh/ Arcata Marsh Website

class=images><img src=marshimages/pinkreeds.jpg width="450" height="250"

Sources: 1. The predominant source of my information came from the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary Webpage 2. Marsh Photos Courtesy of Dustin Poppendieck 3. Fish photos

Birds

Other Animals

The Arcata Wastewater treatment marshes create habitat for many animals. The goal of this webpage is to familiarize people with the wildlife that may live in the Arcata Marsh area. Many animals live in the marsh area.

This webpage will show some Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles, that live in the marsh area.

Amphibians
American Toad
California Newt
California Red Legged Frog
Pacific Tree Frog
Rough Skinned Newt
Western Pond Turtle

Mammals
Black Rat
Black-tailed Deer
Bobcat
Gray Fox
House Mouse
Mole
North American Porcupine
Northern River Otter
Vole
Raccoon
Striped Skunk

Reptiles
Common Garter Snake

Amphibians

gallery> Image:toad_hero.jpg|American Toad
Bufo americanus
</gallery>

Location:
The American Toad, Bufo Americanus, is native to the Nearctic region. They inhabit large portions of North America. The American Toad needs a semi permanent source of water to use in the breeding season. These toads have an ability to adapt to their environment. This has allowed them to colonize suburban and agricultural areas. And the arcata marsh area.
Habitat
American toad require a semi-permanent freshwater pond for early development. They can be found in temperate, terrestrial, and freshwater habitat. They prefer areas with dense patches of vegetation and feed on insects. American toads can be found in many different places from forests to backyards and even in a marsh. They are commonly found in gardens and fields. During the day the American toad will seek shade. When to cold weather comes around the American toad digs backwards into the ground to hibernate.
Physical Description
American toads are characterized by warty skin, stout bodies and short legs. The American toad has many glands in its skin that can produce a poisonous fluid, it provides protection from predators. This poison may be harmful if it is swallowed or gets in a persons eyes, but it can make other animals very sick. American toad are usually a shade of brown, somtimes with red and light patches , of olive or gray. The skin color may change depending on temperature , humidity, and stress. Color changes range from yellow to brown to black. Females are slightly larger than male American toad. The size of a typical American Toad ranges from 50 to 100 mm.
Reproduction:
Breeding occurs during March and April, sometimes it may extend until July. American Toad larvae hatch from eggs to become tadpoles. Larvae have produce chemicals in their skin for protection. A metamorphosed toadlet are usually 0.8 to 1.3 cm in length and have similiar coloration to adult American toad.
Behavior
American toad are generally nocturnal. They are more active in warm humid weather. American Toad are solitary, congregating for breeding. The average American toad lives 1 to 2 years; though it has been documented that an American toad lived to 36 years old.
Food Habits
Adult American toad are carnivores, but American toad tadpoles are herbivores. Tadpoles graze on aquatic vegetation (algae). Adult American toad eat a variety of insects and other invertebrates, including snails, beetles, slugs, and earthworms. An American toad can eat up to 1,000 insects per day. Interestingly, American toad do not drink water, rather they absorb moisture through their skin. Predators
The main predators of the American toad are snakes. Garter snakes are immune to American toad poison. In a situation like this an American toad may urinate to become less attractive and fill up with air to become hard to swallow.


Location:
The California Newt, Taricha torosa, along with four other variety of newt familty (Salamandridae)which inhabit California. It is generally located on the Coastal Range of California from Mexico to Humboldt County.
Habitat
The northern population of California Newt prefers mesic forests whereas the southern population of newts prefer a drier climate
Physical Description An adult California Newt is typically 12.5-20 cm in length. Males are slightly larger than females.
Reproduction
The mating season for the California Newt is from December to early May. The female California Newt will lay egss in ponds, lakes and slow moving strams in water typically not deeper than 15 cm. The incubation period is usually 14-21 days. Incubation may last longer depending on weather condidtions.
Behavior
The California Newt has a unique way of defending itself. The California Newt will show is bright underbelly and if attacked it excretes a neurotoxin through its skin which can cause paralysis to the attacker. It may make a clicking or yelping sound when it is disturbed. Amazingly the excretions on the California Newts skin allows them to walk through low smoldering flames. Food Habits
The California Newt uses its tongue to capture its prey; its tongue has an adhesive texture. An adult California Newt's diet contains earthworms, snails, slugs and sowbugs. Occasionally adult newts cannabalize and eat their own eggs and/or larvae.


Location:
Red Legged Frog inhabit California. Two subspecies occupy different ranges of the state.
Habitat
Adult frogs require emergent riparian vegetation near still or slow moving ponds, intermittent streams. The well vegetated areas provide protection; Red Legged Frog can escape from predators. Red Legged Frog cannot be exposed to water in excess of 29 degrees centigrade.
Physical Description:
Red Legged Frog are reddish brown to gray and have poorly defined dark specks and blothes. Red Legged Frog grow to about 2 to 5.25 inches in length. Northern Red Legged Frog do not have vocal sacs.
Reproduction:
Breeding season is from late November to early April. A female will a lay about 2000 to 5000 eggs into a permanent body of water that contains vegetation; cattails, tules, or bulrushes. It takes about 6 to 14 days for an egg to hatch into tadpoles that can grow to 3 inches long in 4 to 7 months. Males can begin reproducing at about 3 years and females about 4 years. Northern Red legged frogs live about 12 to 15 years.
Behavior:
Red legged frog are a solitary species. Breeding takes a few days. Juvenile Red legged Frog are more active than adult Red legged frog and are often eaten by birds.
Food Habits
Red legged frog have a diverse diet. Adults deed on invertebrates, small mammals, and other amphibians. Larvae feed on aquatic vegetation (algage).


Location:
Pacific Tree frog are found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. extending from California to British Columbia. And from the Pacific Coast east to Montana and Nevada.
Habitat:
Contrary to their title, Pacific Tree Frog usually live on the ground. They can be found near moist places like springs, ponds, streams, or other wetlands. They live in damp areas like recesses in rocks, logs, and in dense vegetation.
Physical Description:
Adult Pacific tree frog grow to about 1 to 1 7/8 inches long. Females are slightly larger than males. They have sticky disks on their toes; they are used for climbing. Coloration varies between individuals and may range from lime green to brown on a particular frog. A Pacific tree frog can change shades depending on moisture and temperature.
Reproduction:
Pacific tree frog are mature for reproduction in about 1 year. Breeding season is from January to the middle of May. Males may attract a females a mile or even farther away, with a two toned mating call. Females lay an egg mass of about 10 - 70 egss. It is laid in a pond (temporary) attached to vegetation. In 3 to 4 weeks tadpoles hatch from the eggs.
Behavior:
Pacific tree frog are solitary animals, though during breeding season they might congregate. They are nocturnal and territorial. At night Males ward off other Males with a two toned mating call. It is considerably loud for the size of the animal. Pacific tree frog can change color with depending on the temperature and humidity.
Food Habits:
Pacific tree frog tadpoles eat acquatic vegetation (algae). When they transform into adults their diet changes. Adult Pacific tree frod eat insects: tiny gnats, flies, and mosquitos. They stick their tongue out and catch prey.


Location:
Rough Skinned Newt are found along the Pacific coast of North America. Ranging from Santa Cruz County, California to southeastern Alaska north to Juneau. In northern California Rough Skinned Newt are found as far east as Shasta County.
Habitat:
Rough Skinned Newt inhabit aquatic and terrestrial environments. They spend most of their time on land. They return to water to breed. During dry weather a Rough Skinned Newt may live solely in an aquatic environment. It is possible for a Rough Skinned Newt to live its entire life in an aquatic environment. Rough Skinned Newt prefer water with little to no current. like ponds, lakes, slow moving streams, and sometimes small ephemeral wet areas such as ditches.
Physical Description:
Larvae are aquatic amd grow to about 18 mm in length. Adult Rough Skinned Newt grow to about 12. 7 to 21.6 cm in length. Their skin is dark, rough and grainy. Males are larger than females. During breeding season males become aquatic. Their skin changes to become smooth, spongy, and lighter coloration.
Reproduction:
Breeding takes place underwater. This process may last for several hours to two days.
Behavior:
Adult Rough Skinned Newt live in terrestrial habitats and at other times may live in aquatic habitats. They are known to migrate to and from mating sites. Rough Skinned Newt produce a powerful toxin, tetrodoxin, from glands located in the skin.
Food Habits:
Adult Rough Skinned Newt are carnivores, insects make up a large portion of their diet. They may eat snails, insects, or other amphibians.

Larvae eat small aquatic invertebrates.



Location:
The Western Pond Turtle, Clemmys marmorata, can be found in aquatic habitats in regions of Northern California, British Columbian, Oregon, and Sierra Nevada. There are two subspecies: the northwestern pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata marmorata, and the southwestern pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata pallida. The turtle species is listed as a federally protected and may soon be listed as an endangered species.
Physical:
Western Pond Turtle have a low and wide shell, the widest part of the shell is at the center. The length of the turtle ranges between 100 mm to 210 mm. The feet are webbed to the base of the claw. Males have a shorter thicker tail.
Breeding:
Mating season for Western Pond Turtle is during April and May. The habitat required for breeding presents risks to the survivability of the species. A nesting site must be chosen by females. Usually the site is of southern orientation, and will not flood. Females travel to an adjacent wetland or upland to build nests. This journey may involve crossing roads and may be subjected to other threats on this journey. Oviposition occurs in July and August. It takes about 12 weeks for hatchlings to emerge.
Western Pond Turtles may live to 30 to 40 years. It takes about 8 years until a western pond turtle is sexually mature.

Reptiles


Location:
Common garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis are native to the nearctic region. They inhabit most of North America, with exception to the arid southwestern United States.
Habtitat:
Common garter snakes can survive extreme conditions. They are highly adaptable and found in many areas. They may inhabit many different types of areas: meadows, marshes, woodlands, and hillsides. Though they prefer grassy areas, usually, located near water. There are many places that are suitable habitat for Common garter snake in the wild, suburban and urban areas.
Physical Description:
Common garter snakes color patterns vary. A typical pattern will have three light stripes along the length of the body. One stripe is on the center of the back and the two others are on the sides. The body is black, brown, gray, or olive. The stripes can be brown, blue, white, yellow, or greenish. A common garter snakes grow to be about 46 to 137 cm in length. Males are smaller than females, though they have longer tails. Young common garter snakes are born 12.5 to 23 cm in length.

Reproduction:
Mating season begins in spring, when common garter snake emerge from hibernation. Males exit the den first, and wait for the females. Females choose a partner, and travel to their summer habitat to feed and find a birthplace. Common garter snake give birth to live young. Gestation is about 2 to 3 months. Females in the norther parts give birth to about 4 to 80 young between July and October. The average litter is about 25. Baby garter snakes are independent at birth. They must survive on their own. The average common garter snake lives about 2 years. Most common garter snakes live 6 to 10 years in captivity, although one was reported to live 20 years.
Behavior:
Common garter snakes are active during the day and are active through a wider range of temperature than many snakes. Hibernation is from late October until March or early April. They hibernate in groups to conserve body heat.

Food Habitats:
Common garter snake eat earthworms, amphibians, slugs, leeches, insects, snails, crayfish, small fish, and other snakes. On occasion a small mammal, lizard or baby bird is eaten. Common garter snake use an excellent sense of smell to find prey. Common garter snake saliva may be toxic to small prey.

Mammals


Black Rat also known as the House Rat, Rattus rattus is found on all continents. It has been introduced to many places through human travel. They stowed away on ships; that is why they are sometimes called ship rats. The Norway Rat is dominate in colder climates, though the house rat is able to adapt to extreme cold and harsh conditions.
Habitat
Rattus rattus prefer coastal areas, this correlates to rat populations spreading with the travels of ships. Black Rat population is not limited to coastal areas. It can live in almost any area that can support its primarily vegetarian diet. Although it can be found near water it rarely swims. It has been shown that Rattus rattus live at altitudes as high as 250 m above sea level.
Physical Description:
Rattus rattus has a tail that is almost always longer than the body, it has a medium sized body with relatively large ears. A black rat can weigh 70 to 300 grams. The length of the head and body usually ranges from 16 to 22 cm. The tail is usually 19 cm or longer. Males are longer and heavier than females.
Reproduction:
Rattus rattus often social groups are formed consisting of many males and females. There is one dominant male. There may be a few dominant females in a group. Territories are defended aggressively. If environmental conditions allow breeding may occur all year. A single female can produce 5 litters per year. It takes about 21 to 29 days for gestation. Young rats are able to reproduce within 3 to 5 months. Weaning and independence from the mother occurs about 3 to 4 weeks from birth. The young rats remain in the nest with the mother until they reach full adult size. On average a black rat lives for about 1 year in the wild. A black rat in captivity has lived for up to 4 years.
Behavior:
Black Rat live in polygynous groups with many males and females. Females are usually more aggressive than males. Males have higher mobility than females. Black rat has many destructive behaviors. They can strip bark off of trees and they can contaminate food supplies. It is a primarily nocturnal animal. Some rats can live in trees and others may live on the ground. It uses its long tail for balance.
Rattus rattus is an omnivore; it has a diverse diet. Black rat will often feed on cereals, grain, fruit, and other vegetation. It will eat insects and other invertebrates if needed. A Black Rat consumes about 15 grams of food and 15 mL of water per day. These animals can be pests. They can cause extensive damage to livestock and farms. The Black rats can gnaw through many materials and it ruins many things by excreting on them.






Location:
Bobcats inhabit North America, from Southern Canada to Southern Mexico. Population densities are lower in the western states. In the southeastern region bobcat populations are higher.
Habitat:
Bobcat may inhabit many different kinds of habitat,forests, semi-deserts, mountains, and brushland. Physical Description:
Bobcat have short tails 11 to 19 cm in lenth; this characteristic feature inspired the name of the animal. Bobcat lrngth range from 65 to 105 cm. Shoulder height on a Bobcat ranges from 45 to 58 cm. Bobcat weigh between 4 and 15 kg. Bobcat fur consists of shades of buff and brown. Some portions of the fur have black or dark brown spots or stripes. The back of the ears and the tip of the tail are black.
Reproduction:
Mating time is variable; it tends to occur in early spring. Gestation is about 60 to 70 days. Each litter produces about 3 kittens. They open their eyes at about 10 days. Young bobcat nurse until they are 2 months old. When young bobcats are about 8 months old they leave the care of their mother. This is during winter. Bobcat live for about 12 years in the wild. A captive bobcat might live for about 32 years.
Behavior:
Bobcat are solitary animals. Male and female interact primarily during the mating season. They yowl and hiss during mating season, though they do not do this often. Bobcat are territorial. They mark their with scent territory which may range up to a several square kilometers. A succesful Male bobcat has overlapping territory with many females. Females do not overlap territory. Food Habits:
Bobcat are carnivores. They are stealthy hunters. They hunt rodents rabbits small ungulates large ground birds and reptiles.


Location:
Gray fox inhabit most of North America from southern Canada to Central America.
Habitat:
Gray fox are found in decidious woodlands, occasionally, they forage for fruit and insects. Physical Description:
Gray fox look like small dogs with bushy tails. Characteristic feartures include strong neck, grizzled upperparts, and black tipped tail. Males are slightly larger than females. Gray fox range from 80 to 1125 mm in length; the tail measures275 to 443 mm. Gray fox typically weigh 3.6 to 6.8 kg.
Reproduction:
Gray fox are monogamous. Breeding season occurs between February and March. A litter ranges from 1 to 7 pups. Pups begin to hunt with their parents when they are about 3 months old. At about 4 months pups are able to forage for themselves. Young disperse when they reach sexual maturity, typically, in autumn. Gray fox usaully live 6 to 10 years in the wild.
Behavior:
Gray fox can climb trees to avoid predators or to eat fruit. Gray fox are nocturnal; they are most active at dusk and dawn. They communicate with eachother by scent.
Food Habits
Gray fox hunt alone. They have a diverse diet. Important food sources include: eastern cottontail, voles, field mice, shrews and birds. Gray fox are omnivorous, supplementing their diet with fruits and vegetables.




Location:
Townsend's Mole only inhabit the Northwest region of North America, from northwest California to British Columbia. Populations are only found west of the Cascade Mountains. In California populations are found only in the Redwood forests.
Habitat:
Townsend's Mole occupy moist lowland areas. It is found to live in floodplains(subsurface), meadows, hayfields, pastures, residential lawns, praires, and fir forests.
Physical Description:
Townsend's Mole is the largest mole species in North America. It has a purplish-gray to black fur. Weight ranges from 100 170 g. Length is between 179 to 237 mm. Males tend to be larger than females. The Townsend's Mole has many characteristic features are adaptations to a fossorial lifestyle. It has broad forepaws that act as shovels. It has internal ears, reduced eyes, and its nostrils face up.
Reproduction:
Townsend's mole are polygynandrous. Mating ocurs between November and February. The average litter produces 3 offspring. Gestation is about 28 to 42 days. At birth they do not have recognizable eyes and the claws have not hardened. Fur begins to grow at 22 days and typically is complete in 8 days; at this time a typical mole weighs 60 to 80 grams. Moles live in their nest until 30 to 36 days. These mole are sexually mature at 10 months of age. An average Mole may live for 3 breeding seasons.
Behavior:
Townsend's mole are fossorial. An individual mole constructs a permanent tunnel systeml tunnels are typically 15, 20 cm below ground. Shallower tunnels may be constructed to search for food or mats during the mating season.










Many different kinds of animals benefit from the habitat provided by the marshes.

Links


This is a list of interesting links.


Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

Birds of the Arcata Marsh

Friends of the Arcata Marsh (F.O.A.M.)

Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Center - City of Arcata


Sources


Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center


Animal Diversity Web - University of Michigan


KOI TV

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The following points of interest are ordered to follow the flow of wastewater through Arcata's integrated wetland wastewater treatment plant.

1. Primary Treatment Plant (the "headworks"): Raw sewage enters the treatment plant at this point. It treats up to 5 Million Gallons a Day (MGD). An additional 14 MGD can bypass primary treatment and flow directly to the oxidation ponds during storms.

2. Oxidation Ponds: These 49 acres of ponds, built in the late 1950's, treat Arcata's wastewater to secondary standards. Time, water, plants, bacteria, and fungi purify the wastewater to secondary standards.

Arcata's wastewater circulates through a six-marsh system before it is released into the Bay. The natural processes occurring in the marshes simultaneously purify the wastewater by removing excess nutrients, and "feed" the marsh plants with water high in nitrogen-rich organic matter. Nutrients are taken up by the plants and thus removed from the wastewater. The roots and stems of the plants also clean the water by forming a dense netlike filter that removes large quantities of suspended solid materials. Algae, fungi, bacteria, and micro-organisms attached to the roots of these plants feed on these solids. All treatment marshes were planted with Humboldt Bay native Hardstem Bulrush (scirpus acutus) as well as a variety of other aquatic plants. This nutrient-rich habitat attracts thousands of birds, over 200 species, to the sanctuary. These ponds are:

3. Treatment Marshes: These three, two-acre marshes were completed between 1987-1990.

4. George Allen Marsh: Completed in 1981, this marsh was built on an abandoned log deck.

5. Robert Gearheart Marsh: Completed in 1981, this marsh was pasture land.

6. Dan Hauser Marsh: This is the final marsh irrigated with treated wastewater. From here the water is returned to the treatment plant.

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