Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

With acquisition of the first property in 1994, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was officially established as the 505th unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Located 10 miles from downtown Sacramento, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is an urban refuge sandwiched between the city of Elk Grove and agricultural lands. Conserving and enhancing Central Valley habitat and wildlife, the refuge hosts a variety of Central Valley habitats including grassland savannah, riparian forest, wetlands, and native freshwater lakes.  Year-round and seasonal wildlife dependent recreational activities include a waterfowl hunting program, the wildlife observation and education site Blue Heron Trails, docent guided walks, and a wildlife viewing paddle program. In addition to these activities, the refuge also hosts school field trips and habitat restoration projects.