Piute Ponds

Piute Ponds are located approximately 6.2 miles (10 km) southeast of Rosamond, California, in the Mojave Desert. They sit on the southwestern edge of Edwards Air Force Base and near the southern margin of Rosamond Lake, a dry lake bed. These ponds form part of the Harley Berhow Recreational Area and are recognized as an important bird area in California, serving as a resting ground for over 200 species of migratory birds, including the great blue heron, great horned owl, black-crowned night heron, and western snowy plover. The site spans about 9,600 acres (3,900 ha) and includes several ponds such as Big Piute, Little Piute, Teal Pond, Ducks Unlimited Pond, Amargosa Creek, and smaller water bodies.

The ponds are maintained using treated reclaimed water from Lancaster’s sewage treatment plant. A dike was constructed to create these wetlands, with channels dividing them into two main groups of large ponds. In the late 1980s or early 1990s, an additional 170 acres (69 ha) of wetlands were added. Restricted hunting is permitted during fall with a license, and bird enthusiasts can participate in guided tours.

Piute Ponds have been studied by ornithologists like Kimball Garrett, who collected data over many years. Studies from the late 1990s revealed that the marshes housed over 150,000 frogs. Vertebrate fossils were also discovered at the site in 1990. The Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC) offers educational kits for children to use during field studies, including tools like microscopes and casting kits to enhance learning experiences.