Younger Lagoon, located on the Central Coast near Santa Cruz, is a small yet ecologically significant estuarine system covering approximately 25 acres. Nestled within a protected natural reserve, the lagoon provides critical habitat for numerous species, including migratory birds, amphibians, and native plants. Its watershed spans a modest area, and rainfall averages around 20 to 30 inches annually, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months.

The lagoon is a seasonal estuary, with its mouth often closed by a sandbar during the dry months, creating a dynamic lagoon environment. These closures influence water levels, salinity, and oxygen conditions, which directly affect the sensitive ecosystems within the lagoon.

Real-time water level monitoring at Younger Lagoon tracks fluctuations caused by rainfall, sandbar dynamics, and tidal influences. This data supports conservation efforts, helps assess the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise, and informs long-term management strategies for this unique coastal habitat.