Foss Lake is in the NE part of Oceanside.
It is split into two parts by Douglas Drive.
It is split into two parts by Douglas Drive.
It is currently dry on the south side.
Its fences are high, signs threatening, and water absent.
On the N side of Douglas, there is plenty of water and marshland.
Everything is fenced and there is nowhere to park.
Here is some info from Oceanside's website:
Located in the NE portion of Oceanside
is a sensitive and unique wetland habitat called Foss Lake.
Approximately 75 acres in size, Foss Lake is one of the
only inland alkali marshes in San Diego County.
Fifty years ago the marsh area was filled and used for crops and cattle.
Then construction of Douglas Drive divided Foss Lake into two sections.
The South parcel is undergoing habitat management
to remove invasive plant species and allow
sensitive and endangered native vegetation to return:
Diegan coastal sage, pickleweed, and Southern willow scrub.
Foss Lake also supports an array of wildlife including the
Least Bells Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, and California Gnatcatcher.
As part of the San Luis Rey Watershed,
Foss Lake is preserved as an open space biological reserve.
The N portion is under the management of The Helix Conservancy;
the S portion by the Center for Natural Lands Management.
Foss Lake does not support recreational use.
No boating, biking, or motorized vehicles are permitted.
I will visit again and get better pictures, I promise.
