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Map Satellite Included in this area is the lower section of Pieta Creek together with the adjacent watershed. Chaparral covers much of the steep hillsides, with chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Arctostaphylos spp., Ceanothus cuneatus, and mountain mahogany, Cercocarpus betuloides, present. There is also a mixed evergreen forest, and remnants of an old-growth Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, forest are present.
Along the creek is a riparian association, with alders, Alnus rhombifolia, and willows, Salix sp., conspicuous.
Animals are abundant. Golden eagles, Aquila chrysaetos, nest here. There are important spawning grounds for the steelhead, Salmo gairdnerii gairdnerii, in the creek.
Near its confluence with the Russian River the creek passes through a serpentine intrusion. There are numerous springs.
Integrity: Pieta Creek is one of the few virtually undisturbed creeks on the east side of the Russian River.
Use: Private
December 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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