San Luis NTL Wildlife Refuge: Project WILD Field Experience

 The San Luis NWR Complex Visitor Center, the most recent facility addition of its type in the United States.  We will enjoy the Exhibit Hall with interactive educational exhibits, opportunities to view a Tule Elk herd, and and make full use of the educational classroom space. The San Luis and Merced National Refuges in this complex are designated RAMSAR Sites of international importance, as part of the Grasslands Ecology Area in California.  Our field day will focus on mammals, making good, safe use of both indoor and outdoor spaces.  We will hear from expert biologists and their work with California’s endemic Tule Elk and live interaction with researchers conducting a multi-year ground squirrel DNA study.  We will expand our knowledge of iNaturalist and build in time for independently experiencing the refuge (i.e., alone time!).  Our activities will meet certification requirements and sponsored receipt of the Project WILD conservation education guide for each participant. 

Project WILD is a Kindergarten through 12th grade conservation education guide that offers both formal (classroom teachers) and non-formal educators (everyone else) meaningful information and an abundance of activities and resources. Participation in a workshop is required for accessing the Project WILD guide.

$40 Workshop Fee

There are a limited number of spots for this event, and it will likely fill quickly. Please use the button below to sign up. If the course is full you will be placed on the wait list. If space opens up, we will let you know (no later than Tuesday, 2/8). You will be asked to pay a $40 non-refundable registration fee within 24 hours and be able to join us.

For more information on this event, or arranging other WILD Workshops, please contact us at 4RiversNHA@gmail.com

There are handicapped (concrete) spots available in the parking lot, as well as “fuel-efficient” vehicle/van parking.  The remainder of the parking lot is level asphalt.  The concrete parking lot pathway leading to the wooden bridge and fully accessible Visitors Center beyond,  is wide enough for wheelchairs, and is about 200 feet in distance.

We will utilize the  officially accessible Wetland Trail, across the road from the Visitors Center.  One would cross the asphalt road with the crosswalk marked in hash lines, going from the Visitors Center to the Wetland Trail.  There is a small parking area near the Wetland Trailhead.  At this location there are two accessible picnic tables.  These are the only refuge picnic tables.  There are areas around the Visitors Center (i.e., sitting walls) designed (and favored) for general outdoor seating. 

Other trails are hard-packed gravel/dirt (i.e., “all-weather surfaces”.

The Tule Elk driving tour route may be utilized, with each traveling in their own vehicle. If conditions allow, we will gather at the Tule Elk observation platform which is not formally deemed accessible, as there is a “lip” at the beginning edge of the wooden part of the ramp (marked with warning-black and yellow hash marks).  Parking at the observation deck is on concrete, with at least one designated handicapped space.

For our group visit, accessible restrooms will be available inside the Visitors Center.  Outdoor accessible restrooms are just off (to the right) of the main parking lot.

•  Before traveling, please review, take a screenshot, and/or print directions.  Your GPS may not work when in the area.
• Dress appropriately for a range of weather conditions.  Layered clothing is suggested.  Consider bringing sunscreen, a handkerchief, and a hat.
• Bring water, snacks, and lunch.
• Bring your field/nature journal, writing/journaling tools.
• Feel free to bring binoculars (recommended if you have them, for Tule Elk observation), spotting scopes, and cameras.
• There are no entry or parking fees.
• Note:  WiFi and phone service on the refuge may be limited.

 COVID Requirements specific to SLNWR (as of 10.21.21):  

• "Visitors: Visitors are defined as partners coming to our facilities for business meetings, etc. Offices should provide visitors with the Certification of Vaccination form when they enter a federal building or federally controlled indoor worksite and advise them to keep it with them during their time on federal premises—visitors may be asked to show the form upon entry to a federal building or federally controlled indoor worksite. If they are not fully vaccinated or decline to answer, they will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result from within the previous three days. Host offices should not be collecting and maintaining visitor disclosures at this time."
• Our group will be required to  fill out a form with the following information,  and keep it with them.  The form states:
• "I understand that if I decline to respond or am not fully vaccinated, I must comply with the following safety protocols while in a Federal facility:
• Wear a mask regardless of the level of community transmission;
• Physically distance; and
• Provide proof of having received a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 3 days if I am a visitor or I am an onsite contractor who is not enrolled in an agency’s testing program."

 Coming from the North (Modesto) on Highway 99: 

In Turlock, take the Lander Ave/Highway 165 exit toward Los Banos. Travel south on Hwy 165 through the communities of Hilmar and Stevinson. At the 4-way stop at the intersection of Hwy 165 and Hwy 140, continue southbound (straight) toward Los Banos for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through main entrance.

Coming from the South (Fresno) on Highway 99: 

Travel on Highway 99 north to Highway 152 westbound. Travel westbound on Hwy 152 to Los Banos. Turn right on Mercey Springs Road (fourth stoplight after entering Los Banos from the east). Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called Hwy 165) for approximately 6.5 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right onto Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through main entrance.

From Interstate 5 (north or south): 

Take the Los Banos/Highway 152 east exit. Travel on Highway 152 eastbound into Los Banos. Turn left on Mercey Springs Road. Continue on Mercey Springs Road (also called Hwy 165) for approximately 6.5 miles to Wolfsen Road. Turn right onto Wolfsen Road. Follow Wolfsen Road approximately 2 miles until the pavement ends at the Refuge entrance. Continue through the gate on the gravel road and follow the signs to the Elk and Waterfowl auto tour routes. The Visitor Center is on the left immediately after passing through the main entrance.