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California
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State of California Parks

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USA Parks
California
Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Kern National Wildlife Refuge
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Kern National Wildlife Refuge 009 American Coot © Michael R Duncan
A mother and her young chick at KNWR. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 007 Black-necked Stilt © Michael R Duncan
The Black-necked stilt in early Summer. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 002 House Wren © Michael R Duncan
The House Wren singing its song. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 002 Blue-winged Teal © Michael R Duncan
Adult male Blue-winged Teal in flight. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 002 Savannah Sparrow © Michael R Duncan
The Savannah Sparrow. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 010 Snowy Egret © Michael R Duncan
An angry Snowy Egret. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 048 Northern Harrier © Michael R Duncan
The adult male Northern Harrier. This adult bird had a successful hatch of 3 chicks. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 001 Least Sandpiper © Michael R Duncan
A group of Least Sandpiper in flight at KNWR. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge 005 Northern Harrier © Michael R Duncan
The adult male Northern Harrier in flight late March. Photography by Michael R Duncan
Kern National Wildlife Refuge © Gary OToole
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KERN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
KERN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
10811 Corcoran Road
McFarland, California   93250
(lat:35.7623 lon:-119.5834) map location

Phone: 661-725-2767
Email: park email button icon
Kern National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southern portion of California's San Joaquin Valley, 20 miles west of the city of Delano. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States, Kern Refuge provides optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and water birds.

Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 5,500 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from waterfowl hunting to wildlife viewing.

History of the Area
Kern Refuge is located in the historic Tulare Lake Basin. One hundred years ago, this area was covered by an inland lake and wetland complex totaling over 625,000 acres. The refuge is one of the few remaining wetlands left in the area. Over 50% of the refuge is diked impoundments for migrating and wintering waterfowl and waterbirds.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHuntingyes
Fishing
The refuge is open for waterfowl and pheasant hunting during the State seasons. Pheasant hunting is incidental to waterfowl hunting. The California Department of Fish and Game operates the hunting program, administering the reservation and standby hunter access program. One handicap accessible blind is available.


Location
Kern National Wildlife Refuge is located near Earlimart, Wasco and Bakersfield


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Directions
From Interstate 5: At Lost Hills and Interstate 5, take Highway 46 east 5 miles to Corcoran Road and turn north. Drive 10.6 miles to the refuge at the intersection of Corcoran Road and Garces Highway.

From Highway 99: At Delano, exit Highway 99 at the Highway 155 exit. Turn south on Highway 155, which is Garces Highway. Travel 19 miles west on Garces Highway to the refuge entrance at the intersection of Corcoran Road and Garces Highway.

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California
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State of California Parks

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