Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

Stillwater is located in the Lohontan Valley ( east of Fallon) which has a large basin of wetlands and aquatic vegetation. The refuge is part of a larger complex that includes two other refuges ( Fallon and Anaho Island NWR’s) in western Nevada. All together these refuges encompass approximately 163,000 acres of wetland and upland habitats, marshes (both freshwater and brackish), riparian corridors of willows and tall tree stands of cottonwoods, alkali playas and sand dunes. It is the sand dunes that attracted me to this region. Although to have such vast wetlands adjacent to these tall dunes is a spectacular scene.

This valley serves as an oasis for birds and other wildlife to rest on a layover from a migration route and also as habitat site to live in as well. Designated as an area of critical concern and of utmost importance this refuge system offers a dynamic range of wildlife. Nearly 400 wildlife species, including more than 260 bird species rely on these habitats.