Imperial National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 8685 on February 14, 1941. The 25,768-acre refuge protects 30 miles of wildlife habitat along the lower Colorado River.

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Visitors have an opportunity to connect with nature in multiple ways. The lower Colorado River and its backwaters provide numerous outdoor recreational opportunities as well as a vital resource, water! 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Migratory birds, resident wildlife, and endangered and threatened species can be found at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge contains backwaters that provide key habitat for wildlife. Because of the river's life sustaining water, wildlife thrives in this environment where temperatures reach 120 degrees in the summer and the average rainfall is two inches per year. 

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