Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

Current Refuge Status - October 16, 2021

The Refuge auto tour route and trails are open during normal visitation hours (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset).

Connect with the Refuge

Baby Birds & Injured Wildlife - What to Do

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A frequent call we receive is, “I’ve found a baby bird. What do I do?” The best thing to do is leave it alone. More often than not, parent birds are keeping an eye on it, feeding it and driving away potential predators. If needed, you can carefully move it to under a nearby shrub or other shaded spot. If you find an injured bird, or other injured wildlife, please do not bring it to the wildlife refuge. The refuge is not equipped to care for injured or orphaned wildlife. Instead, locate a wildlife rehabilitation facility near you (continue reading for a link). Remember, birds have been successfully raising the next generation for millions of years with little help from humans...

Continue reading to learn more

Waterfowl Hunt Program

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Learn about waterfowl hunt program procedures at the Merced and San Luis NWRs

Learn more

San Luis NWRC Visitor Center

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The San Luis NWR Complex Visitor Center and Headquarters located on the San Luis NWR includes an exhibit hall with interactive educational exhibits on wildlife and habitats, tule elk viewing, a multi-purpose room to hold conservation meetings and conduct environmental education programs for schools, and is the administrative headquarters for the Complex.

Learn more about the San Luis NWRC Visitor Center
Enjoy Your Visit

Explore the Refuge!

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The Refuge features an auto tour route and three nature trails for the public to view and photograph wildlife in a natural setting. The Refuge also has a large waterfowl hunting program.

Learn more about Visitor Activities

About the Complex

San Luis NWR Complex

Merced National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the San Luis NWR Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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