About

Audubon Kern River Preserve protects part of the South Fork Kern River, a tributary of the Kern River. During high water years part of the preserve now rests under Isabella Reservoir, an artificial lake dedicated in 1953 for the purpose of irrigation and flood control for the southern San Joaquin Valley.

South Fork Kern River Valley is recognized as an Important Bird Area.

Prior to becoming a preserve, the land was locally known as the A. Brown Ranch. The land had been operated as a cattle ranch since the mid-1800s.