Fallon National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fallon National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Fallon National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Nevada
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| Location | Churchill County, Nevada, United States |
| Nearest city | Fallon, Nevada |
| Area | 15,000 acres (61 km2) |
| Established | 1931 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Fallon National Wildlife Refuge |
The Fallon National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in western Nevada, United States. It's like a safe home for many wild animals and birds. This refuge was created in 1931 to protect and help different kinds of wildlife grow.
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What is Fallon National Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is an area of land set aside by the government. Its main goal is to protect wild animals and their homes. The Fallon National Wildlife Refuge helps keep many species safe. It also gives them a place to breed and raise their young.
Where is it located?
This refuge is found in Churchill County, Nevada. It's close to the city of Fallon, Nevada. The refuge is part of a larger area called the Lahontan Valley. This valley is known for its unique desert environment.
What kind of habitat is it?
The refuge covers more than 15,000 acres (6,100 ha) of land. This land includes two main types of natural areas. One is called a playa, which is a dry lakebed. The other is a wetland, which is land that is often wet, like a marsh.
These habitats are located in a place called the Carson Sink. This is where the Carson River usually ends. The river flows into this area, bringing water to the refuge.
Why is water important here?
Water from the Carson River is very important for the refuge. In years when there is a lot of rain and snow, the river flows strongly. This brings plenty of water to the wetlands. When the wetlands are full of water, they become a vital stop for migratory birds.
Migratory birds are those that travel long distances each year. Many shorebirds and waterfowl stop here to rest and find food. Shorebirds are birds that live near water, like sandpipers. Waterfowl are birds like ducks and geese.
However, the river's water is also used by people for farms and cities. This is called diversion. Because of diversions, the river often doesn't have enough water. In most years, the Carson River doesn't even reach the refuge lands. This makes it harder for the birds and other animals that depend on the water.
Visiting the Refuge
The Fallon National Wildlife Refuge is open every day, all day long. You can visit it any time you like. However, there are no special buildings or facilities there. The roads inside the refuge are very basic. They can only be used when the weather is dry. If it's wet, the roads might be too muddy to drive on.
