About Us
These flowers are also commonly known as blue dicks.
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge is not only a haven for wildlife but also a natural retreat for nearby communities. Established in 1996, the refuge spans more than 12,445 acres from the city of Jamul to neighborhoods in Spring Valley and eastern Chula Vista. It represents the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s contribution to the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), a regional plan designed to protect habitats and species while supporting responsible development.
Management of the refuge is guided by ongoing biological surveys and endangered species monitoring programs. These efforts are supported by nonprofit partners and cooperating agencies to achieve the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Conservation Plan.
The refuge includes open grasslands, cool river corridors, and oak woodlands, many of which are being actively restored after years of degradation from human activity and wildfire. Public trails are maintained for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding while ensuring protection for the sensitive species that call 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.
Our History
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge was established on April 10, 1996 under the authorities of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962.
In support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s commitment to the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), studies to establish the refuge began in 1995. A Concept Plan for the refuge, which included the Vernal Pools and Otay-Sweetwater planning areas, was shared with government agencies, tribes, landowners, and interested citizens. The Otay-Sweetwater Unit represented the largest remaining undeveloped land in the MSCP planning area and was considered one of its cornerstone conservation areas.
In 1992, approximately 1,830 acres of undeveloped land owned by Home Federal Savings and Loan were placed in federal receivership under the Resolution Trust Corporation. These parcels were identified as a core biological resource area. The Service recognized that acquiring these lands would protect critical habitats for listed species and provide a significant federal contribution to the MSCP. Based on the sensitivity of these resources and their importance to the MSCP, the Service entered into a purchase agreement with the Resolution Trust Corporation. On April 10, 1996, approximately 1,826 acres were acquired, marking the official establishment of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.
A Comprehensive Conservation Plan a for the refuge was initiated in 2006, and in 2021 the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan was published in the Federal Register.
Other Facilities in this Complex
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Refuge complex is comprised of Seal Beach NWR, San Diego Bay NWR, San Diego NWR, and Tijuana Slough NWR.
