Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, on the Nisqually River Delta in southern Puget Sound, was established in 1974 for the protection of migratory birds. Three thousand acres of salt and freshwater marshes, grasslands, riparian, and mixed forest habitats provide resting and nesting areas for migratory waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and wading birds.

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide habitat for migratory birds. Estuary habitat is essential for migratory birds of every sort, and approximately 85% of estuarine habitat throughout Puget Sound has been destroyed by human encroachment and development; for this reason, protected lands like Nisqually NWR are critical to the continued survival of migratory birds.  In addition to protecting waterfowl, the diversity of habitats that exist in a natural estuary also provide food for seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors.  In order to improve habitat for the full range of species present, the Refuge recently restored 732 acres of estuary by removing over five miles of dike.