Kern National Wildlife Refuge protects 11,249 acres in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley near the former edge of Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States. It serves as important wintering habitat for migratory birds traveling the Pacific Flyway, especially waterfowl and other water birds, and its wetlands also support several endangered species. Restoration and maintenance there preserve a remnant of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. The refuge remains both a significant conservation area and a public wildlife destination, attracting about 8,200 visitors each year for activities such as waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing.