“Fish and Wildlife Service”
Kern National Wildlife Refuge is the centerpiece of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located 19 miles west of the city of Delano at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley of California. Kern National Wildlife Refuge was established on November 18, 1960 and consists of 11,249-acres of natural desert uplands, a relict riparian corridor, and developed marsh. A new visitor center and office complex opened in late 1999. The Refuge headquarters is at the junction of Garces Highway and Corcoran Road. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States, Kern Refuge provides optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and water birds. Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from wildlife viewing to waterfowl hunting.
Beautiful wetlands. We came during a government shutdown and it was peaceful and quiet. Lots of places to stop and observe but bring your binoculars and/or telephoto lens. The birds stayed en masse pretty far back with some stragglers near the shoreline so they are difficult to see without help.
Probably the best suggestion would be to avoid the preserve after a heavy rain; the roads are not paved beyond the main entry. The paths/trails are gravel and might be muddy. A nice hour or so out of the day.
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Kern National Wildlife Refuge
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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