Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1994 south of Sacramento within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, protects increasingly scarce habitat in a Central Valley landscape shaped by agriculture and urban growth. Its seasonal and permanent wetlands, riparian forest, grasslands, and remaining freshwater lakes support thousands of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other water birds, as well as a major rookery for colonial nesting species and a warm-water fishery. The refuge also provides habitat for species of special concern, including the valley elderberry longhorn beetle, Swainson's hawk, and the greater sandhill crane. It also serves recreation, education, and public outreach.