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Description - Kern NWR
is located in the historic Tulare Lake Basin. One hundred -fifty years ago, this area
was covered by an inland lake and wetland complex totaling up to 625,000 acres.
Each year the complex of marshes and lakes would vary due to drought to flood
cycles.
The refuge was the first effort to preserve wetland habitat in the area. The
Tulare Lake Basin at one time supported millions of wintering ducks and geese.
This was some of the most important habitat for wintering birds along the
Pacific flyway in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
The west side
of the refuge contains upland habitat for endangered wildlife endemic to the San
Joaquin Valley, such as: Buena Vista lake shrew, blunt-nosed leopard lizard,
Tipton kangaroo rat, and San Joaquin kit fox. Look over our bird and mammal
lists for other species seen on the refuge.
The refuge is intensively managed to produce habitat for migrating and
wintering waterfowl and other waterbirds. Marsh habitat is maintained to provide a continuing food
source for the birds and other wildlife. About 50% of
the refuge is currently maintained with diked impoundments. Grain plantings of wild millet (watergrass) and swamp
timothy are managed in a 1,200-acre area.
Other area
parks located nearby :Colonel Allensworth State Park on Highway 43, is approximately
20 miles east of Kern NWR and 5 miles south of Pixley NWR. Tule Elk Reserve is
located 35 miles south of the refuge headquarters off Interstate 5.
Recreation -
Kern NWR is open daily from dawn to dusk. Office hours are 8-4:30 weekdays,
except holidays. Recreation activities include
wildlife observation, wildflower study, and photography. Wildlife viewing
is best from October until March. A 6.5-mile self-guided auto tour is open
daily except on waterfowl hunting days. Waterfowl hunting is possible from
October through January on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Climate - A
Mediterranean type climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters prevail in the Central Valley.
Central California experiences its rainy season from November through April,
with periods of heavy Tule fog after each rain. Overnight winter temperatures
can be in the teens but rarely do daytime temperatures remain below freezing.
July and August produce searing temperatures above 100 F, but the rest of the
year the temperature is pleasantly warm.
Location - From Interstate 5, take Highway
46 east 5 miles to Corcoran Road and turn north. Drive 10.6 miles to the refuge
at the intersection of Corcoran Road and
Garces Highway.
From Highway 99: At Delano, exit Highway 99 at Highway 155 exit. Turn south
on 155, which is Garces Highway. Travel 19 miles west on Garces Highway to the
refuge at the intersection of Corcoran Road and Garces Highway.
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