Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
Map SatelliteA portion of this refuge is managed as a wintering area for waterfowl; however, the major part is undeveloped and serves as a sanctuary for a number of San Joaquin Valley plants and animals.
As a waterfowl refuge, up to 300,000 birds may be present during the fall months. The species are similar to those at the nearby Kern National Wildlife Refuge.
The undeveloped area consists of valley grassland liberally interspersed with vernal pools and alkali sinks. In the grasslands are a variety of exotics as well as such natives as Vulpia microstachys var. pauciflora and Puccinellia simplex; numerous wildflowers, including Eschscholzia californica, Lupinus bicolor, Dichelostemma capitatum and such valley endemics as Trichostema ovatum and Hemizonia pallida, occur here. In the more alkaline areas, Allenrolfea occidentalis, Delphinium recurvatum, Distichlis spicata and Frankenia salina are present.
Among the numerous animals found on the refuge are the rare San Joaquin kit fox, Vulpes macrotis mutica, and the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard, Crotaphytus wislizenii silus.
Seven different soil types occur on the refuge.
Integrity: A portion has been developed for waterfowl use. Much of the undeveloped portion is in a relatively undisturbed state.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
August 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
