Created with wildlife in mind. These beautiful benches can be seen most predominantly in the various blinds located in the Island Unit Pond area. They are extremely comfortable to sit on and were made locally by Dan Bliss, one of the directors of the Friends of Cibola NWR. Prior to these benches being made, every year, 100-pound hay bales would be hauled out by hand to the various blind locations. These hay bales posed a risk of possible invasive species of weed growth. Over time, as the bales would break down, they would fall apart in the blind as well as increased the sitting height in the blind, which is not very good for observing the wildlife. The bales were not only uncomfortable, but during those dewy mornings would become wet to sit on. With our annual workdays, these benches are now placed during the start of the migration, and then are stored afterwards, to increase the longevity of the benches.