Death Valley geology field trip Saratoga Springs

It's hard to believe that these lush ponds are found within the parched boundaries of Death Valley National Park. Photo by from NPS archives Desert Oasis The bubbling waters of Saratoga Springs rise near the southern boundary of Death Valley National Park. Several springs feed three large open water ponds measuring 6.6 acres in size, the third largest marsh habitat in the park behind the Saline Valley marsh in the western portion of the park and Cottonball Marsh in central Death Valley. Flora and Fauna This rare desert wetland supports a rich community of plants and animals. Common reeds, bulrush, and saltgrass provide food and shelter for many of the animals living here. Some of the species present, such as the Saratoga Springs pupfish, are found nowhere else in the world. Five rare invertebrate species also occur at Saratoga Springs and include the Amargosa tryonia snail, the Amargosa spring snail, the Saratoga Springs belostoma bug, the Amargosa naucorid bug, and the Death Valley June beetle.

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