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Sediments: Deposition of wind-blown and slopewash deposits, began between 750-600 years ago. The soil named Apache Soil began forming around 450 to 300 years ago. During the associated Protohistoric Period, the marshland complex was widespread in the valley, surrounded by sandy plains and grasslands. Plants: The marshland complex was widespread in the valley. Bulrushes grew along the banks. Hackberry trees or shrubs had returned, and walnut trees (Juglandaceae) grew along the valley. Mesquite shrubs or trees (Prosopis glandulosa) grew in the bottomland and windblown slopes of the draw along with devil's claw, nightshade (Solanum eleagnifolium), and prickly poppy (Argemone spp.). The local environments of the draw were those of a mesquite savanna surrounded by sandy plains and grasslands. The grassland fauna indicates a short-grass regime with forbs and other herbaceous plants as tall-grass prairie animals are lacking.
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