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Kern National Wildlife Refuge

Kern National Wildlife Refuge is the centerpiece of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located 18 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  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 5,500 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from wildlife viewing to waterfowl hunting.

A year round 6.5-mile auto route leads through the some of the wetlands. Hunting opportunities for waterfowl are jointly managed by refuge staff and the California Dept. of Fish and Game.