Plants such as the threatened Ute's ladies tresses orchid and hundreds of species of animals depend on the habitat that the Refuge provides. Migrating waterfowl stop to refuel at Browns Park NWR, wintering elk and mule deer rely on the open grasslands, and the Refuge's cottonwood forests provide critical migration habitat for hundreds of thousands of Neotropical migratory songbirds. The shrublands also provide critical habitat for several species of concern including the loggerhead shrike, sage grouse, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, and Brewer's sparrow. Last, the Green River provides habitat for wintering bald eagles, nesting osprey, river otters, beaver, and the endangered Colorado pikeminnow.

From Craig, Colorado, travel west on Highway 40 to the town of Maybell. About ½ mile to the west of Maybell, turn west onto Highway 318. The Refuge visitor contact station and office are about 63 miles from Maybell.

From Rock Springs, Wyoming, travel south on Highway 430. It is about 56 miles on pavement to the Colorado state line, where the road turns to an improved, all-weather dirt road (County Road 10). Travel about 22 miles on County Road 10 until you reach pavement (Highway 318). Turn west on Highway 318 and travel about 20 miles to the Refuge's visitor contact station and office.

The Refuge also conducts monitoring surveys for numerous wildlife species throughout the year. Volunteers and seasonal technicians accomplish much of the field work during the summer, which includes an active interagency fire management program.

Opportunities for visitors on the Refuge are enormous. Ongoing and future projects include improving the wildlife drive and directional signage; development of new brochures; designing interpretive signs about Refuge management, habitat, and wildlife; and increasing environmental education and interpretation opportunities.