Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge protects 10,819 acres of seasonal marsh, permanent ponds, watergrass and upland areas. This refuge is the headquarters of a complex that includes four other refuges in north-central California.

The primary wildlife on the refuge are thousands of wintering waterfowl, including more than 500,000 ducks and 200,000 geese from November to January. As a result, the marsh management program is one of the most intensive in the refuge system.

With 95 percent of California's Central Valley lost to development, waterfowl have come increasingly dependent on these refuges.

The refuge supports several endangered plants and animals, including several species of fairy shrimp, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, giant garter snakes, bald eagles, and breeding tricolored blackbird.

Resident wildlife includes grebe, heron, blackbird, golden eagle, beaver, muskrat, black-tailed deer, and other species typical of upland and wetland habitats. Approximately 7,600 to 8,400 people hunt waterfowl and pheasants on the refuge each year, and 80,000 people use the visitor center, auto tour route, and walking trails to observe wildlife.

To reach the refuge, from Interstate 5 at Williams, continue north on the Interstate for approximately 20 miles, exit at Road 68. At the Road 68 and Hwy. 99W interchange, turn left and travel approximately 1.6 miles to the refuge entrance. For southbound travelers, exit Interstate 5 at County Road 57. Turn left over the overpass to Hwy. 99W. Drive approximately 4.5 miles south to the refuge entrance.