Discovering the Salton Sea
Thirty-five miles long and 15 miles wide, the Salton Sea lies mostly below sea level in a basin that was once the bottom of a prehistoric sea. Today, the sea and its historic wetlands are a significant link in the Pacific Flyway, offering habitats for migratory birds in a desert where water is scarce. San Bernardino County Museum Director Robert McKernan will give a special lecture on the Salton Sea on Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m. His presentation will provide an overview that will introduce visitors to some of the concepts in “Salton Sea: lost lakes and salt dreams,” which opens February 11 at the museum. The January 28 talk is offered free with museum admission.
The Salton Sea is an inland sea with no outlet. Its level is maintained by evaporation and influxes of water, much from surrounding agricultural fields. “The Salton Sea is 25 percent more saline than the Pacific Ocean,” said McKernan. “This unique body of water has equally unique challenges, both for the sea itself and the habitat it offers during spring and fall bird migrations.”
The presentation will also provide background for future visits to the sea, whether for bird watching, fishing, sightseeing, or water recreation.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.
The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TTD/TTY) 909-792-1462.
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