San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian woodlands, native grasslands, and vernal pools. A thriving population of endemic tule elk is showcased on one of three auto tour routes. The refuge is host to significant assemblages of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants; some of which, such as the California tiger salamander, the long-horned fairy shrimp, and San Joaquin kit fox, are endangered species.

The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1967 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. The first refuge parcel was purchased with federal Duck Stamp funds to serve as inviolate sanctuary for migratory waterfowl. The refuge has grown over the years and today it is comprised of six contiguous units: San Luis, East Bear Creek, West Bear Creek, Freitas, Blue Goose, and Kesterson. The eastern portion of the refuge is bisected by the San Joaquin River.
 

The refuge is a major wintering ground and migratory stopover point for large concentrations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. From autumn through spring, the wetlands on the refuge come alive as large numbers of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds arrive in the San Joaquin Valley. Here, the wetlands provide plentiful food and shelter, and a critical wintering area along the Pacific Flyway migration route. The wetlands also support a wide variety of other animals, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Waterfowl generally remain until late March before beginning their journey back north to breeding areas; however, some mallard, gadwall, and cinnamon teal remain in the area to nest and raise young.

Shorebirds, including species of sandpipers and plovers can be found in the tens of thousands from autumn through spring. Large flocks of dunlin, long-billed dowitchers, least sandpipers, and western sandpipers can be seen feeding in shallow seasonal wetlands. Flocks of long-billed curlews are found using both wetlands and grasslands. More than 25 species of shorebirds have been documented at the refuge.

The San Luis NWR has played a key role in the recovery of tule elk, a non-migratory elk subspecies found only in California. Prior to the mid-1800s, an estimated 500,000 tule elk lived in California. Due to over hunting and loss of natural habitat, they were nearly driven to extinction by the turn of the 20^th century – by some accounts, the population was reduced to as few as 20-30 individuals. In 1974 a herd of 18 animals was established in a large enclosure at refuge and has since thrived. Elk from this herd are periodically relocated to join other tule elk herds, or establish new ones, throughout California.

Less well-known are the extensive upland habitats found on the refuge. Many of these habitats are characterized by saline and alkaline conditions in conjunction with low rainfall and an arid climate that characterize the San Joaquin Valley. These habitats support a rich botanical community of native bunchgrasses, native and exotic annual grasses, forbs, and native shrubs. Trees, such as the valley oak, cottonwood, and willow are found along riparian corridors. In these areas, visitors might encounter coyotes, desert cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, western meadowlarks, yellow-billed magpies, and loggerhead shrikes, as well as northern harriers, white-tailed kites, and other raptors coursing over the vegetation.

The refuge is home to the complex’s visitor center and headquarters, which features an exhibit hall with interactive educational exhibits about wildlife and habitats and a classroom for conducting environmental education fieldtrips for visiting schools.

The refuge has three auto tour routes with associated nature trails and observation platforms from which the public can view and photograph wildlife and nature. The refuge also allows fishing at designated sites and has a large waterfowl hunting program.