Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Modoc County and Siskiyou County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Klamath Falls, Oregon |
| Area | 39,116 acres (158.30 km2) |
| Established | 1928 |
| Governing body | United States Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Tule Lake NWR |
The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in northern California, close to the Oregon border. It's a protected area where wild animals and plants can live safely. This refuge covers a huge area of about 39,116 acres, which is like 30,000 football fields!
It's part of a bigger group of refuges called the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Tule Lake is super important because it's a key stop along the Pacific Flyway. This "flyway" is like a major highway in the sky for millions of migratory birds that travel long distances every year.
Contents
About Tule Lake Wildlife Refuge
The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1928. It was set up by President Calvin Coolidge to protect the homes of many birds and other animals. It's a safe place for them to rest, eat, and raise their young.
Home for Animals
This refuge is a "staging area" for many waterfowl. This means it's a place where they gather in large numbers before continuing their long journeys. You can see many types of geese here, like the greater white-fronted goose, snow goose, Ross's goose, and cackling goose.
The waterways in the refuge are also home to special fish. Some of these fish are endangered species, which means they are at risk of disappearing forever. These include the Lost River sucker and the shortnose sucker. Protecting their home helps them survive.
Different Types of Habitats
The Tule Lake Refuge has different kinds of natural areas. There are "uplands" with grasses and shrubs like sagebrush. There are also "wetlands," which are areas covered in water, like marshes. These different habitats provide homes for many different animals.
A unique part of the refuge is that about 19,000 acres are used for farming. This land is leased to farmers who grow crops like potatoes, onions, horseradish, alfalfa, and different kinds of cereals. This farming helps support the local community.
What You Can Do Here
The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers fun activities for visitors. You can enjoy watching the amazing wildlife, especially the birds. It's also a great place for taking pictures of nature. The refuge also provides educational programs to help people learn more about wildlife and conservation. In certain areas and seasons, hunting is also allowed.
Gallery
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Sunrise on Discovery Marsh
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Tule Lake lower marsh
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Visitors' Center
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Sage thrasher on the refuge
