The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Urban Wildlife Conservation Program invested in communicating the vital importance of wildlife conservation to urban audiences. Urban areas present a strategic opportunity to reach new audiences and expose them to the USFWS and opportunities to visit USFWS lands. Refuges close to highly populated areas provide the greatest opportunity to engage new and diverse audiences, whether through an urban refuge or an urban wildlife refuge partnership. This report highlights the work and accomplishments during the first two years of the SoCal Urban Wildlife Refuge Project--the first such competitively awarded funding to connect the 80% of city dwelling, plugged in Americans with nature, and--by extension--to values centered on conservation and environmental stewardship. This initial report highlights project partner's successes in connecting southern California communities to nature, engaging in varied and meaningful programs, and facilitating measurable benefits for the people and communities involved.