Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Merced National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area situated in California, USA. It encompasses wetlands, grasslands, and vernal pools, serving as a vital habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife species.

The refuge provides chances for seeing and photographing animals, as well as for engaging in environmental education. The Merced Refuge, found in the northern part of California’s San Joaquin Valley, plays a significant role during the winter months for migrating waterfowl and is frequented by large numbers of waterfowl and smaller sandhill cranes.

Wild millet and swamp timothy are only two examples of the natural food plants that are cultivated on more than 2,000 acres of seasonal and semipermanent marsh for waterfowl.  Among the ducks are the green-winged teal and a remarkable variety of shorebirds and wading birds. The refuge has the greatest concentration of lesser sandhill cranes in California’s Central Valley, with up to 15,000 individuals. November is the month with the highest population levels.

During November through March, the refuge marshes and croplands are frequented by up to one hundred thousand geese. These plants are used as a source of nutrition.

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

Open–Closes: 7 am-7 pm

Phone: +1 209-826-3508

Management: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Area: 41.53 km²

Established: 1951