Recruitment and establishment of salt marsh plants following disturbance by flooding

Several winter rainstorms that occurred between 1982 and 1986 deposited a large amount of virgin sediment, covering approximately 0.25 ha at the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek in a coastal salt marsh in Bolinas Lagoon, Marin County, California. The establishment of a new marsh community was followed at this site from 1987 to 1991. Seedling survival was relatively low with only 5% surviving for a year or longer. Seedlings which did become successfully established rapidly by expanded vegetative growth. Salicornia virginica, Frankenia grandifolia and Distichlis spicata were the most successful species occupying at least 20% cover across most of the study area, bat other species became established as well. Seedling survival and plant establishment were greatest in 1989 following heavy spring rains which provided large inputs of fresh water. Disturbances followed by conditions that lower stress, which would otherwise pre ent germination and growth, are important for the rapid establishment of a marsh at Bolinas.