Just east of Death Valley, in the Mojave Desert, is a remarkable oasis of unique wildlife. Ash Meadows Preserve is home to about 30 endongenous species (plants and animals found nowhere else in the world). This 23,000 acre desert preserve includes 30 warm water seeps and springs with interconnecting rivulets. A surprising habitat in this otherwise arid terrain. The water rises from aquifers which also feed Death Valley's Amargosa River, most of which flows underground. The nearby Nevada town of Pahrump owns its name to the Indian word, "pah rimpi", which means water flowing from rock.
Four species of "pupfish" live in these pools- inch long creatures that adapted to life in these warm, isolated saline ponds, left behind as a large inland lake disappeared over the last few thousand years.
Because of the uniqueness of this ecosystem, the Nature Conservancy stepped up to purchase the land in the early 80's, when developers were planning a 20,000 home development on this site. The development would have essentially doomed this beautiful and unique eco-niche (while, no doubt providing much needed condos and golf courses in the area). The area is now being protected and administered by US Fish and Wildlife.
Four species of "pupfish" live in these pools- inch long creatures that adapted to life in these warm, isolated saline ponds, left behind as a large inland lake disappeared over the last few thousand years.
Because of the uniqueness of this ecosystem, the Nature Conservancy stepped up to purchase the land in the early 80's, when developers were planning a 20,000 home development on this site. The development would have essentially doomed this beautiful and unique eco-niche (while, no doubt providing much needed condos and golf courses in the area). The area is now being protected and administered by US Fish and Wildlife.
We've copied some professional photos above, and our own casual bandwith limited videos below. We'll be back here one day to get to know this magical place better. Maybe, with luck as winter hosts.
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| Crystal Pond |
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