Community engagement and collaboration, Monitoring, Research

 Become a Citizen Scientist! 

You can help refuge staff by logging all of your observations on iNaturalist. This free app allows naturalists from all across the world collect and share their observations. The community on iNaturalist can help identify unknown species, track invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species
, and monitor phenological changes. What’s more, by recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. iNaturalist is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.

The refuge has multiple projects which you can contribute to.

Facilities

Desert Tortoise standing next to a blooming prickly pear cactus with pink flowers
Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge outside of Alaska and protects the largest intact habitat for the Desert Bighorn Sheep in the Mojave desert.

Programs

A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.