The refuge was the first urban national wildlife refuge established in the United States.
It provides essential habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and the California clapper rail.
The salt ponds within the refuge were historically used for commercial salt production by companies like Cargill.
It is an integral part of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, the largest tidal wetland restoration project on the West Coast.
The refuge encompasses a significant portion of the San Francisco Bay's remaining tidal salt marsh.
The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge spans over 30,000 acres of protected wetlands, salt marshes, and managed ponds. It serves as a critical stopover for millions of birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway. The refuge was established in 1974 to protect native wildlife habitats and provide opportunities for environmental education. Visitors can explore a network of trails that traverse diverse ecosystems, including restored tidal marshes. The refuge also functions as a flood management zone for the surrounding urban environment. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain healthy populations of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The Fremont visitor center acts as the primary hub for exhibits and ecological information. The area is distinct for its combination of industrial salt pond remnants and active natural habitat restoration sites.
The elevated boardwalks overlooking the Mallard Slough.
Bring binoculars to identify shorebirds that are often distant from the walking trails.
Check local tide charts before visiting, as high tides push birds closer to the levees and viewing areas.
Use layers of clothing as wind off the bay can be significant even on sunny days.
Attempting to feed the wildlife or straying into restricted restoration areas marked with signs.
Visitor centers may have restricted operations on federal holidays; outdoor trails typically remain open year-round.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive marsh vegetation and nesting sites; dogs must be kept on a leash.
