The Valle de Oro Story
Not Your Typical Refuge
NURTURE YOUR NATURE
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the first urban wildlife refuge in the Southwest. Built from the ground up through a grassroots community effort, the nonprofit Friends group is also award-winning and one-of-a-kind.
What makes us uniqueThings to do
NEW AT THE REFUGE
REWATCH: Americas Gateway to Nature
COMMUNITY
Our work reaches far beyond Refuge property lines deep into the community. The Refuge hosts over 6,000 students, offers over 100 paid jobs to youth, and organizes more than 21 community events annually.
Get Involved
DISCOVER THE DISCOVER NATURE APP
This location-based game app at Valle de Oro will allow you to see more wildlife, have fun learning about our refuge’s unique flora and fauna, and post your sightings for others to see!
DOWNLOAD
VISION
We have big plans to restore the 570-acre Refuge into a lush high desert landscape. Our plans are informed directly by what our community needs. Learn about our vision, plans, and progress.
Our Vision