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Story by K. Montgomery
A Presidential Proclamation from President Herbert Hoover founded the Refuge in 1930 initially as the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. It was later renamed “Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge” to commemorate the Congressional support given by the Congressman and former Mayor of Palm Springs during his lifetime of devotion to the Salton Sea. The primary goal of this refuge is to provide habitat for migratory and wintering waterfowl, while also protecting critical habitat for endangered or threatened species. Altogether the Refuge has become a haven for a record 424 species of birds that either migrate through or permanently reside in the Imperial Valley. The Refuge has unofficially been called one of the crown jewels of avian diversity in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge System, an area that has seldom been recognized for its biodiversity given the remote location and the underserved reputation of the surrounding area. One of the most impressive sights the Refuge has to offer can be seen between October and February in the cultivated farm fields: 30,000 Snow and Ross geese feasting on rye grass, wheat and cowpeas. Imperial Valley also plays host to the largest Burrowing Owl population in California, often seen on the side of the road hunting on the edge of agricultural fields. The refuge represents 150 square km of the Southern end of the Salton Sea with over 7 square km farmed or cultivated as wetlands.
Given the plethora of wildlife, most of the recreation available on the refuge is centered on wildlife viewing, bird watching and photography. There are two trails at the refuge; the Headquarters trail is approximately three kilometres long covering desert scrub habitat all the way out to the Salton Sea, culminating in a dormant volcano called Rock Hill that overlooks the sea; and the Marsh trail that allows an up close look at managed wetlands and ponds in the Refuge Unit One.
Both trails cover a unique landscape and are visited throughout the year by individuals from all over the world – it is routine for our volunteers to speak to visitors from almost every continent throughout the wintertime. Tours are available when booked in advance, while a partnership with the Imperial Valley Regional Occupation Program tries to bring school groups out every week in the winter. These groups are still underserved, however, with some schools not being able to afford to visit at all and others having to send huge groups all at once, hindering the chance for the kids to explore and actually see animals. They hope to offer more in the future – bird walks, lectures and other educational activities. The Refuge is a unique experience for the aspiring naturalist and nature lover. Drop down and visit them or give them a call to learn more (760) 348-5278 or find them on Facebook.com/Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex.