National Wildlife Refuges in Tulare County
Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
6,939 acre wildlife refuge established in 1959 that is managed by the United States
Fish and Game Service. Visitor activities include walking on a 1.5 miles
nature trail with interpretive panels, wildlife viewing areas, and
an observation deck. Best best time to observe the reserve's Sandhill Cranes
is between September and March.
The refuge featuring the grasslands, vernal pools,
and playas that once bordered historic Tulare Lake. That lake
was the largest lake west of the Great Lakes until the late 1800's.
The refuge includes about 300 acres of wetlands for migratory
waterfowl and shorebirds.
The refuge protects more than 100 bird species, 6 reptile species,
and several threatened and endangered wildlife species including
the San Joaquin kit fox, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard,
the Tipton Kangaroo rat, and the vernal pool faairy shrimp.
Located about 35 miles south of the city of Tulare and about 45
milesnorth of Bakersfield.
Ecological Reserves in Tulare County
Ecological Reserves designated by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife Central Region.
Allensworth Ecological Reserve
- Designated: 1983
- Size: About 5,100 acres in size
- Habitat: valley sink scrub and valley saltbush scrub
- Plants: Plants include iodine bush, goldenbush, atriplex, and San Joaquin saltbush.
- Wildlife: ground squirrels and coast horned lizards.
- Past Uses: farming, grazing, non-toxic waste disposal
Stone Corral Ecological Reserve
Designated: 1995
Size: 981 acres
Habitat: Northern hardpan vernal pools and wewtlands
Wildlife: waterfowl and shorebirds in Winter and Spring
Purpose: Protect and maintain sensitive vernal pool natural community
in the Cottonwood Creek drainage area and prevent the the lands from
being used for agriculture and orchid growing.
Yaudanchi Ecological Reserve
Designated: 1977
Size: 161 acres
Habitat: Low-lying flatlands and riparian habitat.
Wildlife: Great blue herons, other riparian birds, the California legless lizard,
giant garter snake, San Joaquin kit fox.
Purpose: Preserve one of three significant known great blue heron rookeries in Tulare
County and to protect a popular local area for wildlife viewing.
No Longer Designated?
- Kaweah Ecological Reserve
- Springville Ecological Reserve
Other Natural Areas in Tulare County
Parks in Tulare County
Lakes in Tulare County
Tulare County Travel Guide
San Joaquin Valley of Central California
Central Valley of California
Central California Travel Guide
