Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge |
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 Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Imperial County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Brawley, California |
| Area | 2,200 acres (9 km2) |
| Established | 1930 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is a special place for wildlife. It is located at the southern end of the Salton Sea in Imperial Valley, California. This refuge is about 40 miles (64 km) north of the Mexican border. It is unique because it sits 227 feet (69 m) below sea level. The refuge is also along the Pacific Flyway, a major route for migrating birds. Because of its location in the Colorado Desert, it gets very hot. Temperatures often go above 100 °F from May to October. Sometimes, they even reach 116°–120 °F.
Contents
History of the Refuge
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1930. Its main goal was to protect birds and wild animals. In 1998, the refuge was renamed after Congressman Sonny Bono. He worked hard to help save the Salton Sea. When it was first established, the refuge covered about 37,600 acres (15,200 ha). Much of this was a salty lake, along with wetlands and desert areas. Over time, water from farms flowed into the Salton Sea. This caused the sea level to rise and cover most of the original refuge land. Today, about 2,200 acres (8.9 km2) remain. This land is used for farming and developing wetlands for wildlife.
Geography of the Refuge
The land at the refuge is mostly flat. The only exception is Rock Hill, near the refuge headquarters. The Salton Sea borders the refuge to the north. On the other sides, there are many farms.
The refuge is made of two separate parts. These parts are about 18 miles (29 km) apart. Each part has managed wetlands, farm fields, and rows of trees. The New River and Alamo River flow through the refuge. These rivers bring fresh water to the Salton Sea.
Refuge Habitats and Wildlife Management
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge works to protect many animals. Its main goals include helping endangered species and other sensitive animals. It also provides a home for birds that spend the winter there. The refuge carefully manages its different habitats. Ponds, forests, and farm fields are designed to help wildlife.
Wetland Habitats
The refuge has 826 acres (334 ha) of wetlands. These areas are managed for birds that live there all year or migrate through. This includes waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. Some wetlands are kept wet all the time. This provides important nesting areas for the endangered Yuma clapper rail. Other birds also nest here, like the least bittern and American avocet.
All the wetlands get water from the Imperial Irrigation District. This water is clean and free of farm chemicals. This helps keep the birds and their habitats healthy.
Tree Rows for Wildlife
The refuge also manages rows of trees. These trees are native species that help local wildlife. Some trees planted include honey mesquite, screwbean mesquite, and blue palo verde. These tree rows are made denser and wider over time. This helps them better serve as homes and food sources for animals.
Croplands for Migratory Birds
A big part of managing the refuge involves farming. This provides food for over 30,000 geese and other birds that visit in winter. About 869 acres (352 ha) of the refuge are croplands. Local farmers often help grow crops here.
Crops planted include alfalfa, wheat, and millet. Farmers often choose to plant sudan grass. This plant grows well in the Imperial Valley and needs very few pesticides. This is good for the environment and the wildlife.
Wildlife at the Refuge
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR is in the Colorado Desert. It is also below sea level. This means it gets very little rain and very hot temperatures. Despite these tough conditions, the Salton Sea area has many different kinds of birds. It also supports endangered species and other wildlife.
The refuge has many different habitats. These habitats provide for animals that live there all year. They also help the many birds that migrate along the Pacific Flyway. More than 400 bird species have been seen at the refuge. At least 93 species have nested there. The area also has 41 types of mammals, 18 types of reptiles, 4 types of amphibians, and 15 types of fish.
The types and numbers of birds change with the seasons. Many waterfowl, marsh birds, and shorebirds pass through in spring and fall. In the mild winter and spring, many songbirds and birds of prey are present. They are drawn to the freshwater marshes and river areas. The best time to see many different species is from November to May.
Mammals of the Refuge
It can be hard to see some mammals because they are active at night or sleep during winter. Many small rodents live in the land habitats. They are an important food source for birds of prey and other animals. In winter, rodents also feed herons and egrets. Muskrats live in the freshwater areas. Their eating and burrowing help keep the marsh habitats healthy for other wildlife.
- Desert cottontail (a type of rabbit)
- Merriam's kangaroo rat
- Raccoon
- Valley pocket gopher
- Coyote
- Round-tailed ground squirrel
- Striped skunk
- Desert pocket mouse
- Muskrat
Amphibians of the Refuge
Not many types of amphibians live at the refuge. This is because of the environment. The species found here include bullfrogs and lowland leopard frogs. Lowland leopard frogs like the shallow, permanent wetlands made for the Yuma clapper rail. They are not found elsewhere due to competition from bullfrogs. Woodhouse's toad and red-spotted toads also live at the refuge.
Reptiles of the Refuge
Many different types of reptiles live at the refuge. Common ones include the gopher snake, western diamondback snake, and common kingsnake. Lizards like the whiptail, desert spiny, and side-blotched lizard are also common. The spiny soft-shell turtle lives in freshwater ponds. The desert tortoise, though rarely seen, can be found in the desert areas.
Fish of the Salton Sea
Fish populations do well in the Salton Sea. The water here has many nutrients. These nutrients help tiny plants (phytoplankton) and algae grow. These then feed tiny animals (zooplankton) and worms. This creates a constant food supply for fish. Sometimes, large amounts of algae die and use up the oxygen in the water. This can cause fish to die off.
Tilapia is the most common fish in the Salton Sea. They can live in very salty water and have many babies. Tilapia are an important food source for birds and other fish. They are also popular for fishing. They can weigh more than 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
Endangered Species at the Refuge
The refuge is home to several endangered species. These animals are at risk of disappearing forever. The refuge works hard to protect them.
Walking Trails
The refuge has two walking trails for visitors to explore.
- The Rock Hill Trail is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long, roundtrip. It takes visitors through different habitats. The trail starts near the picnic area at the Visitor Center. It ends at the top of Rock Hill (33°11′0″N 115°37′23″W / 33.18333°N 115.62306°W), which is on the edge of the Salton Sea.
- The Michael Hardenberger Trail is located at Unit 1, off Vendel Road. This is at the south end of the Salton Sea. This trail is about ½-mile long. It goes around one of the freshwater ponds. This pond is a favorite nesting spot for the endangered Yuma clapper rail.
Images for kids
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A Bobcat at Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge
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Snow Geese with Rock Hill in the background at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
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