Bighorn Sheep
The refuge was established in 1936 by president Roosevelt in order to provide habitat for the desert bighorn sheep and other desert wildlife. Today, it is the largest wildlife refuge outside of Alaska. All told, it protects hundreds of different species of plants & animals across seven different life zones. Two places to see them are; Peek-a-Boo Canyon, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from Corn Creek and Quail Springs guzzler (summer), on Gass Peak Road, approximately 14.5 miles (23 km) from Corn Creek. These roads are rough requiring high clearance vehicles with good tires.
Pahrump Poolfish (Empetrichthys latos latos)
Near the cabin is the Pahrump Poolfish Refugium. Here, you can look through the viewing windows at the small fish living in a man-made environment much like the spring where they originally lived. Honestly though, it is really hard to see anything. That spring ran dry, and this structure holds most of the world’s few remaining survivors of this species, Pahrump Poolfish (Empetrichthys latos latos). The refugium isolates and protects them from non-native predators such as crayfish and bullfrogs that were illegally introduced here at Corn Creek and many other places in Southern Nevada.
Visitor Center
The visitor center for the Desert in National Wildlife Refuge at Corn Creek is a modern, large building, which is usually closed in the summer. To the south of the visitor center is the Richardson ranch and stagecoach buildings, along with additional structures needed for the park service. Established in 1936, the wildlife refuge covers land of historical use and significance to the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) people, and petroglyphs from this culture dot areas of the refuge.
Covered Rest Area with Bathrooms
Because this is one of the main facilities of the reserve, the visitor center is large with this lovely rest area with bathrooms and drinking fountains. In addition there are living quarters and garages for vehical repair.
Concrete Pool
Originally, there were two ponds with natural soil. To protect the fish, the water was consolidated to the single concrete pool you see today, with streams above and below. Despite the artificial pond, desert birds water here, usually in flocks, including horned grebe, black throated sparrows and occaisionally, ducks and waders.
The Orchard
At the Richardson ranch, the orchard was used to produce fruit for pies for the local miners. Today, the pecan trees, fruit trees and Arizona grape draw birds almost year round. Along with the water, this makes Corn Creek one of the berst birdwatching locations in the valley.
