About Us

Ducks. Thousands and thousands of ducks. That's the image first brought to mind when thinking of Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge. However, a second look reveals more—there are also geese . . .

. . . and endangered steelhead and shorebirds and upland wildlife—like coyotes, mule deer and badgers—and a whole host of other wildlife calling the refuge home.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is “To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge itself was created “for use as an inviolate sanctuary . . . for migratory birds,” for “the protection of natural resources,” and for “the conservation of endangered species or threatened species . . .”.