A variety of habitats from coastal sage scrub and chaparral to oak woodland and freshwater marsh describe this inland refuge in San Diego's backcountry.

[1] The Living Coast Discovery Center is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit adjacent to the administrative headquarters for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The center features exhibits of marine life, birds and plants found at San Diego Bay, and partners with the refuge to offer environmental education programs.

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge's abundance of coastal sage and chaparral are an important addition to other inland preserves established to conserve and restore fast diminishing habitat.

This inland refuge is home to such endangered birds as least Bell's vireo, California gnatcatcher, a rare butterfly, the Quino checkerspot and to the San Diego horned lizard.