Kern National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southern portion of California's San Joaquin Valley, 20 miles west of the city of Delano. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex in the western United States, Kern Refuge provides optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and water birds.

Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 5,500 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from waterfowl hunting to wildlife viewing.

Kern Refuge is located in the historic Tulare Lake Basin. One hundred years ago, this area was covered by an inland lake and wetland complex totaling over 625,000 acres. The refuge is one of the few remaining wetlands left in the area. Over 50% of the refuge is diked impoundments for migrating and wintering waterfowl and waterbirds.