Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Coachella Valley NWR, Thousand Palms, California: Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established specifically to protect the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. As you can see, this fascinating little creature blends in perfectly with its sandy habitat. It is not unusual to see this little lizard go skittering across the sand and then suddenly disappear, diving headlong into the sand to escape predation or the excessive desert heat. This refuge is not open to the public but there is a visitor center at the adjacent Coachella Valley Preserve where you can learn about this species amid the palms of a desert oasis.