Wildlife Species

Preserving and Restoring Habitat

The Kern Water Bank (KWB) is regularly recognized as one of the finest examples of restored native upland and wetland habitat in the United States. KWB provides habitat to tens of thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and plants, and has become a regular stop for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.

You can learn more about the wildlife species encountered in the Kern Water Bank on these pages.

A colorful bird perched on a bare branch against a dull sky.

Sensitive Wildlife Species

One of the missions of the HCP/NCCP was to increase the number of sensitive species that live and thrive on the water bank. Since 1994, that list has…

May contain: animal, bird, buzzard, hawk, and accipiter

A Protected Natural Habitat

The 30 square miles of open space used to store critical underground water supplies for the residents of Bakersfield and farmers in Kern County also…

Bird perched on a wire against a blue sky.

Intermittent Wetland Habitat

The water banking activities of the Kern Water Bank are re-establishing a thriving intermittent wetland habitat along the recharge basins—where marsh-…

A coyote standing in dry grass, looking at the camera.

Upland Habitat

Because recharge activities only occur on about a third of the water bank property, upland habitat is being re-established on much of the remaining…

A bobcat resting in a shaded natural area with grass and shrubs.

Wildlife Surveys

The Kern Water Bank conducts wildlife surveys to document the significant environmental benefits the project brings to the southern San Joaquin Valley…

Preserving and Restoring Habitat

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