The Salton Sea in California has fascinated me for years because of its outward appearance of a wasted body of water. I’ve seen pictures and read about a time when the shores were bustling with people and the water filled with fishing boats, ski boats, and swimmers. I travel the north and south sides of the sea on my many trips to Glamis, constantly curious about what it might take to be a lively place again. I’ve stopped a few times on the north shore to further investigate the Salton Sea. The dead fish that still wash up on the shore have always led me to believe the Salton Sea is unhealthy and unsafe for anything living, and I’ve been further convinced by the foul smell that nothing thrives at the Salton Sea. On February 19, 2018, I decided to stop at the Visitor’s Center on the north shore to continue my investigation of this mysterious place. I was amazed to find people fishing on the shore. Seemed a guaranteed illness would follow eating fish from the Salton Sea. I was most interested in the beautiful birds populating the shore, bay, and sky. Despite the dead fish I was walking past on the shore, the birds appeared very much healthy. I stopped in the visitor’s center and learned how wrong I have been about the Salton Sea. Indeed, the Salton Sea needs attention to be preserved for wildlife and the enjoyment of future generations. The massive algae blooms from agricultural runoff and long, sunny days cause the sea to look green or brown. The plants bloom in abundance and die in abundance, which cause the oxygen levels to go way down and the fish to struggle for life. Sometimes, the fish die in great numbers; hence, the reason for dead fish on the shore. The decomposing matter and gases cause the smell. However, despite the problem, the Salton Sea has a diverse range of wildlife. There are at least 424 species of thriving birds. In addition to the birds, there are many thriving mammals, from bats to bobcats. Even the Tilapia, the only fish living in the sea, are plentiful and healthy. There is no evidence of the sea being polluted or having chemicals or sewage. I was wrong about the Salton Sea. My hope is that others will take interest in the Salton Sea and do the necessary investigation to find the solutions to keep the wildlife healthy and thriving for future generations to enjoy, perhaps even bring back the bustling human life to the water and shore.