Pixley National Wildlife Refuge protects 6,939 acres in California’s San Joaquin Valley, preserving rare remnants of the grasslands, vernal pools, and playas that once bordered historic Tulare Lake, formerly the largest lake west of the Great Lakes. In a valley where much of the landscape has been altered, it provides important habitat for wildlife, including more than 100 bird species, 6 reptile species, and managed wetlands used by migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The refuge also supports threatened and endangered animals such as the San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, Tipton kangaroo rat, and vernal pool fairy shrimp, with access restricted to protect this sensitive habitat.