title: Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
text: # Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
  
  Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is located 35 miles (56 km) south of Tulare, California and 45 miles (72 km) north of Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley. The 6,939-acre (2,808 ha) nature refuge represents one of the few remaining examples of the grasslands, vernal pools, and playas that once bordered historic Tulare Lake, the largest lake west of the Great Lakes until the late 19th century.
  
  ## Wildlife
  
  Over 100 bird and 6 reptile species use the wildlife refuge. Approximately 300 acres (120 ha) of managed wetlands provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Threatened and endangered species include the San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, Tipton kangaroo rat, and the vernal pool fairy shrimp.
  
  ## Access
  
  Refuge visitation is by special arrangement only.
  
  