# 5298g - 2018 First-Class Forever Stamp - Grasslands Wildlife Management Area in Merced County, California
U.S. #5298g
2018 50¢ O Beautiful – Merced Grasslands, California
Merced National Wildlife Refuge in Central California is 10,262 acres of protected wetlands, grasslands, and short-lived shallow pools in Spring. It is most beautiful in the winter when the landscape is graced by thousands of migrating birds who fly in for the colder months.
Before Merced National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1951, local farmers had trouble with wintering birds damaging their crops. This was likely because farmers had inadvertently taken over previous habitat for the birds. Today, farmers work together with Merced National Wildlife Refuge to plant crops especially for the wintering birds. This has all but erased the conflict between the birds and the farmers. The refuge has also introduced a livestock grazing program to help keep non-native plant species at bay and encourage the growth of native species.
The abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery draw countless photographers to Merced National Wildlife Refuge each year. Some visit to take pictures of the huge flocks of snow geese and sandhill cranes present in the winter. Others may be there just to photograph the unusually beautiful sunsets. Regardless of where you look, there are always plenty of wonderful sights to experience around Merced.
U.S. #5298g
2018 50¢ O Beautiful – Merced Grasslands, California
Merced National Wildlife Refuge in Central California is 10,262 acres of protected wetlands, grasslands, and short-lived shallow pools in Spring. It is most beautiful in the winter when the landscape is graced by thousands of migrating birds who fly in for the colder months.
Before Merced National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1951, local farmers had trouble with wintering birds damaging their crops. This was likely because farmers had inadvertently taken over previous habitat for the birds. Today, farmers work together with Merced National Wildlife Refuge to plant crops especially for the wintering birds. This has all but erased the conflict between the birds and the farmers. The refuge has also introduced a livestock grazing program to help keep non-native plant species at bay and encourage the growth of native species.
The abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery draw countless photographers to Merced National Wildlife Refuge each year. Some visit to take pictures of the huge flocks of snow geese and sandhill cranes present in the winter. Others may be there just to photograph the unusually beautiful sunsets. Regardless of where you look, there are always plenty of wonderful sights to experience around Merced.