Coles Levee Ecosystem Preserve

The Coles Levee Ecosystem Preserve consists of 6,059 acres of threatened and endangered species habitat located in California's southern San Joaquin Valley about 20 miles southwest of Bakersfield. Established in 1992 by Arco and the California Department of Fish & Game, the Preserve was acquired in 1998 by Aera Energy LLC.

More than a dozen rare, threatened, and endangered birds, animals, and plant life can be found in the Preserve which also encompasses the last two miles of riparian habitat along the Kern River before it enters the Buena Vista Lake. Active oil field operations in the North and South Coles Levee Fields surround the Preserve.

The Preserve represents a unique public-private partnership dedicated to conserving entire ecosystems rather single species on scattered, smaller preserves. In addition, this public-private partnership serves as a valuable educational resource. In cooperation with the Department of Fish and Game, Aera coordinates an education program involving oil company personnel, local biologists and environmental consultants, and the California Living Museum. A ¼ mile long “Nature Tour” has been established along with educational activities tailored to elementary, middle school, and high school students. Archeology and biology students also use the Preserve for university level research.

Coles Levee Ecosystem Preserve – School tours “Contact Us”