Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge near Atwater, California.
Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in California made up of artificial wetlands fed by irrigation water from the Central Valley. These water bodies were intentionally created to handle excess water and now provide habitat for many waterfowl and wildlife.
The refuge was established in the 1970s as part of a large irrigation project to drain excess water from the San Joaquin Valley. The site later became a center for scientific research into how pollutants affect wildlife.
Scientists continue research at Kesterson to understand the effects of selenium concentrations on local bird populations and their reproduction patterns.
The area is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit depends on seasonal conditions and bird activity. Visitors should check ahead about which areas are open and what water and weather conditions to expect.
The site became known for the discovery of deformities in birds caused by high selenium concentrations, which were later scientifically documented. These findings helped scientists worldwide better understand how chemical pollution affects wildlife populations.
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