A recognized wetland of international importance, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is one of the first in the United States designated a Ramsar site. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge was named after the galleries of ash trees described in expedition notes from 1893. This desert oasis, a very rare and unique ecosystem, is recovering and playing an important role in global conservation efforts. The refuge strives to promote conservation management and awareness through environmental education, outreach programs, volunteerism, and visitor services programs.

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Top reasons to visit Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge!

Ash Meadows is . . .

· the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert.

· an internationally recognized wetland and designated Ramsar site.

· home to relict species of desert fish that have existed here since the Pleistocene.

· a place for the whole family to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Ash Meadows has . . .

· the highest concentration of endemic species in the United States.

· four endangered fish species and eight threatened or endangered plant species.

· diverse habitat including dune fields, alkali seeps, and groves of mesquite and ash trees.

· spring systems fed by fossil water that originated from the last ice age.

Ash Meadows offers . . .

· friendly staff and volunteers to answer questions.

· a state-of-the-art visitor center with interactive learning stations.

· three points of interests with wheelchair accessible boardwalks, restrooms, interpretive signs, views, and picnic areas.

· opportunities for education, photography, wildlife observation, and hunting.

What are you waiting for?

A small Spring in a desert habitat, mountains in the background
Image Details
Discover the story of Ash Meadows NWR in this visually stunning film by Bristlecone Media. Click on link to watch video. 

ASH MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

WHERE THE DESERT SPRINGS TO LIFE!

Learn what you can do at the refuge

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a desert oasis named after the galleries of ash trees described in expedition notes from 1893. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service strives to conserve, restore, and protect this unique ecosystem through environmental education, outreach programs, voluntarism, and visitor services.

      Fish & Wildlife, in partnership with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (LNT), encourages visitors to practice the LNT 7 principles to minimize impact to Ash Meadows. For more information, visit Leave No Trace.

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

      Our Species