The Merced National Wildlife Refuge is an area of land that was established in 1951 to protect more than 10,000 acres of natural landscapes ranging from native grasslands and wetlands to riparian areas and vernal pools.

Founded to attract wintering waterfowl from the surrounding farmlands where they were causing foraging damage, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge now provides crucial breeding grounds for large wintering populations of arctic nesting geese, thousands of visiting waterfowl, water birds and shorebirds, and small animals.

In addition to providing natural habitats for the local and visiting fauna, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge also boasts 300 acres of cultivated corn, winter wheat crops and over 500 acres of irrigated pasture for wildlife.

Address: 7430 W Sandy Mush Rd, Merced, CA 95341

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.