This page is to share information about Audubon restoration projects in the Kern River Valley.

Mill Field Restoration (3 projects)

Colt Pasture Riparian Restoration (3 projects)

Slough Channel Riparian Restoration

Bartolas Site Riparian Restoration

Bob Powers Gateway Preserve Restoration

Dump Riparian Restoration

In 1986, 25-acres was planted between the slough channel and the south fork Kern River by TNC staff and volunteers with cottonwood and willow.

Meadow Riparian Restoration

In 1987-8, 25-acres were planted next to the slough channel on the southwestern corner of the headquarters section of the preserve by Revegetation and Wildlife Management Center with Dr. Bertin Anderson with cottonwood and willow.

Steerhead Riparian Restoration

In 1987-8, 25-acres were planted along the south fork Kern River on the eastern boundary of the preserve next to Onyx Ranch by the Revegetation and Wildlife Management Center with Dr. Bertin Anderson with cottonwood and willow.

Prince Field Riparian Restoration

1989, TNC staff and 575 volunteers planted almost 7,000 cottonwood and willow trees on 65-acres.

Palmer Riparian Restoration

In 1990, a formerly cleared site near what was known as the Palmer field was planted between Fay Creek and the south fork Kern River by TNC staff and volunteers with cottonwood and willow.

Cottonwood Riparian Restoration

In 1991, more acres just north of the south fork Kern River and sandwiched between the Mariposa and Palmer fields was planted by TNC staff and volunteers with cottonwood and willow.

Mariposa Riparian Restoration

In 1991-92, 20-acres were planted north of the south fork Kern River along the western side of Fay Ranch Road by TNC staff and volunteers with cottonwood and willow.

Hafenfeld Riparian Restoration

In 1997, part of the Hafenfeld Ranch Conservation easement was planted by staff and volunteers with cottonwood and willow.

Sierra Field Grassland Restoration

1998, 67-acres of perennial grasses planted by Audubon Kern River Preserve staff and volunteers funded by the Whitecap Foundation.

Canebrake Ecological Reserve Riparian Restoration

Fall 2000, planted by Audubon Kern River Preserve, California Dept Fish & Game, EREMICO, Tree People from Los Angeles, Agua Bonita Flyfishers funded by Wildlife Conservation Board. Five species of willow, Fremont’s cottonwood, wild rose, mulefat, stinging nettle and a native cane.

Kelso Creek Sanctuary Fencing

In winter 2001, Audubon Kern River Preserve fenced the new sanctuary with 14,500 feet of range fencing to remove trespass cattle and motorcyclists. Funds were provided by grants from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management and private
donations. Staff conducts continuous monitoring

Tricolored Blackbird site Marshland Restoration

2010, 3-acres planted along Fay Ranch Road near site of planned new Visitor Center. Audubon Kern River Preserve volunteers and staff planted willow, wild rose, mugwort, mulefat, stinging nettle. Weeding and monitoring are being done by Audubon staff and Student Conservation Association.

Sprague Upland Restoration

2007 + 2011 staff and volunteers planted 3-acres + 2-acres sequentially with additional plantings each year. Planted Joshua tree, 4-wing saltbush, rabbitbrush, chaparral yucca, silver cholla, beavertail cactus, great basin sage, Acton's encelia, alkali goldenbush. The weeding and monitoring are being done by staff.

Visitor Center Riparian & Upland Restoration

In 2008 - 2011 Audubon Kern River Preserve staff planted 20-acres around the new visitor center site. They planted Joshua tree, 4-wing saltbush, rabbitbrush, chaparral yucca, silver cholla, beavertail cactus, great basin sage, Acton's encelia, alkali goldenbush, willow, and cottonwood and are monitoring the planting.

Kelso Creek Sanctuary Riparian Restoration

In 2011 staff and volunteers planted 5-acres of Fremont Cottonwood in the flood plain of the Kelso Creek to attempt to rebuild the marshland upstream. 2011

The following projects were done in cooperation with the Department of Fish & Game on their Sprague Ranch land adjacent to the Kern River Preserve but details were not recorded.

Fay Ranch Unit Canebrake Ecological Reserve Riparian Restoration

DFG Field 1-2 Canebrake Ecological Reserve Riparian Restoration

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