San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge

We hold public tours, nature walks, presentations, and special events throughout the year. Check back here to see what events are coming up.

March 16, 2024 at 8:00am: Birding/Nature Walk at San Joaquin River NWR (Pelican Nature Trail) – 2714 Dairy Road, Vernalis, CA 95385 
During this family-friendly “walk with binoculars” we’ll be looking and listening for resident songbirds and waterbirds.  Meet at the San Joaquin River NWR’s Pelican Nature Trail Parking lot (2714 Dairy Road, Vernalis, CA).  Participants of all skill levels are welcome.  Participants should bring their own binoculars, water, snacks, and insect repellant.  Public restrooms are available at the meeting area parking lot.  For more information about this event, please call Refuge Manager Eric Hopson at 209-587-5532 or visit the refuge website (www.fws.gov/refuge/san-joaquin-river/).

March 23, 2024 at 8:30am: Nature Walk at San Luis National Wildlife Refuge (Chester Marsh Trail) – 7376 S. Wolfsen Road, Los Banos, CA 93635
Join us for a marvelous nature walk along the Chester Marsh trail at San Luis NWR to learn more about the history of the San Joaquin River and the former community of Chester, which once existed near the river – all while admiring the beautiful spring changes.  Participants should meet at the San Luis NWR visitor center at 7376 S. Wolfsen Road (Los Banos) by 8:30am. From there the group will caravan in their own vehicles to the trail parking lot. The nature walk will last 1 to 2 hours. For more information call the visitor center at 209-826-3508, ext. 127, or visit the refuge website (www.fws.gov/refuge/san-luis/) for directions to the refuge and more information. This event will be provided in English and Spanish.

Save the date! March 30, 2024: Arena Plains Wildflower Day at Arena Plains Unit of Merced NWR – the date for this event might change depending on flower conditions; more information to come about signing up to reserve a spot
It is that time of year again – the only time of the year one gets a chance to explore the Arena Plains unit of the Merced National Wildlife Refuge.  Past participants of annual Arena Plains Wildflower Days know that in a “good” year with ample rainfall, the vernal pools of Arena Plains can delight with spectacular displays of wildflowers.  In other years, it is simply a delightful place to explore, where one can discover horned lizards, burrowing owls, and tens of thousands of butterflies foraging on fields of blooming grassland flowers.  What will this year provide?  Your guess is as good as ours!
If you would like to join us to see what nature has in store for us this year, save the date – Saturday, March 30 – for Arena Plains Wildflower Day 2024!  The sensitive nature of the wildlife and habitats of Arena Plains require that participation in the event be limited to no more than 40 individuals.  Therefore, pre-registration will be required.
Sign-ups will begin soon.  Watch the San Luis NWR Complex Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SanLuisNWRC/) check the Events page on the refuge website (www.fws.gov/refuge/merced/), or call the visitor center at 209-826-3508, ext. 127, to find out when sign-ups begin or for more information.  This event will be provided in English and Spanish.

April 6, 2024 at 8:00am: Birding/Nature Walk at San Joaquin River NWR (Beckwith Wildlife Observation Area) – 10990 Beckwith Road, Modesto, CA 95358
During this family-friendly “walk with binoculars” we’ll be looking and listening for resident songbirds and waterbirds.  Meet at the San Joaquin River NWR’s Beckwith Road Wildlife Viewing Platform (10990 Beckwith Road, Modesto, CA).  Participants of all skill levels are welcome.  Participants should bring their own binoculars, water, snacks, and insect repellant.  Please be aware that no public restrooms are available during this tour.  For more information about this event, please call Refuge Manager Eric Hopson at 209-587-5532 or visit the refuge website (www.fws.gov/refuge/san-joaquin-river/).

April 20, 2024 at 8:30am: Birding/Nature Walk at San Luis NWR – 7376 S. Wolfsen Road, Los Banos, CA 93635
Join us Saturday, April 20, for a guided exploration of the San Luis NWR.  During this family-friendly outing, we will be looking and listening for the winter birds that may still be lingering, the migrants traveling through as they head to their northern breeding grounds, and the year-round resident birds that are always with us.  Activities for the day may include a drive around the auto tour route, or a walk along a nature trail – or both!  Birds can be found everywhere!  Everyone is welcome and there is no need to sign up for this event.  Participants should meet at the visitor center located on the San Luis NWR at 7376 S. Wolfsen Rd., Los Banos, at 8:30 a.m.  Participants should bring binoculars, water, snacks, and insect repellant.  The only public restrooms are available at the visitor center (inside and outside) but will be unavailable after leaving that location.  For more information, please visit the refuge website (www.fws.gov/refuge/san-luis/) or call the visitor center at 209-826-3508, ext. 127.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to our public events for all participants. Please direct requests for sign language interpreting services or other accommodation needs to Jack Sparks (209/826-3508 or jack_sparks@fws.gov) at least 7 days prior to a scheduled event.