The Refuge was created to conserve central California coastal dune and associated wetlands habitats and support the recovery of native plants and animals that are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Home to more than 120 species of rare plants and animals, the refuge provides a safe place for species such as La Graciosa thistle, surf thistle, beach spectacle pod, giant coreopsis, California red-legged frog, western snowy plover, and California least tern.
Visit Us
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge provides recreational opportunities for the public such as wildlife photography, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails.
The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, and the refuge beach closure occurs from early March through late September each year to protect federally threatened western snowy plover habitat.
For more information on all the activities and how to enjoy the Refuge click below.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
The 2,553-acre Refuge was established in 2000 and it was created to conserve central California coastal dune and associated wetlands habitats and support the recovery of native plants and animals that are federally listed as threatened or endangered.
For more information on the mission and history of the refuge, please click the link below.
What We Do
The Refuge is currently being managed to preserve threatened and endangered species habitats, which includes protection from predators and invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species .
The purpose of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan or CCP is to specify a management direction for the Refuge for the next 15 years. Check out the CCP here.