Montezuma Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montezuma Hills |
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A 21st-century windfarm in the Montezuma Hills, Solano County, California. Some of these wind turbines are 415 ft tall.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 85 m (279 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Solano County |
| Range coordinates | 38°7′2.704″N 121°48′15.845″W / 38.11741778°N 121.80440139°W |
| Topo map | USGS Antioch North |
The Montezuma Hills are a group of small, low hills in California, United States. They are located near the northern edge of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta and the southwestern part of the Sacramento Valley. These hills are known for their unique landscape and the many wind farms that dot their slopes.
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Where are the Montezuma Hills?
The Montezuma Hills are found in the southern part of Solano County, California. They are bordered by the Sacramento River to the south and east. To the west, you'll find the Montezuma Slough. The northern boundary is generally near California State Route 12.
Nearby Cities and Landmarks
The closest city to the Montezuma Hills is Rio Vista. Travis Air Force Base is also nearby, about 10 miles northwest of the hills. If you cross the Sacramento River to the north, you'll reach cities like Antioch and Pittsburg. The famous city of San Francisco is about 40 miles (64 km) to the southwest.
Height of the Hills
The tops of these rolling hills range in height from about 164 to 279 feet (50 to 85 meters). While not very tall, they offer great views of the surrounding area.
Wind Power in the Hills
The Montezuma Hills are famous for their strong winds. This makes them a perfect spot for generating wind energy. The Shiloh Wind Power Plant, a large wind farm, is located here. It has hundreds of wind turbines that help produce clean electricity. More turbines are planned for the future.
Plants and Animals of Montezuma Hills
The plants (flora) and animals (fauna) of the Montezuma Hills have been studied for many years. These studies help us understand the local wildlife and plant life.
What the Land is Used For
Today, there isn't much native plant life left in the Montezuma Hills. This is because the land has been used for intensive grazing (where animals eat a lot of the plants) for a long time. As of 2010, the land is mostly used for dryland farming, raising sheep, and producing energy. The Rio Vista Gas Field, which produces natural gas, is located under much of the hills. Wind energy is also a major use.
Wetlands and Trees
Wetlands cover only a small part of the Montezuma Hills. Most of the trees you see are not native to the area. They were planted by farmers around their farm homesteads.
Wildlife in the Hills
Compared to the Suisun Marsh nearby, the Montezuma Hills have fewer types of birds and other wildlife. However, there are some interesting animals to find.
Small Animals
You can find many ground squirrels and other small rodents here. These small animals provide food for larger birds of prey.
Birds of Prey and Other Birds
Some birds that live in the Montezuma Hills include the red-winged blackbird, cliff swallow, northern harrier, and barn swallow. Birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk and American kestrel have built nests here. In the past, golden eagles also nested in the hills.
Images for kids
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Aerial view (facing east) of the Shiloh Wind Power Plant.
