Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts.
The refuge was established in 1941, and today consists of more than 4,700 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, maritime shrubs and forests, cranberry bogs, man-made impoundments, salt marsh and associated creek, river, and mud flat. These refuge habitats support varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 300 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. The refuge also provides critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.
Nearby Activities
- Beachcombing
- Biking
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Interpretive Programs
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
The refuge is located approximately 35 miles north of Boston. From Interstate 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe's Lane for a total of 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Rolfe's Lane and travel 0.5 miles to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel 2.0 miles crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to Plum Island. Take your first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles to the refuge entrance. The refuge headquarters is located at the northern end of Plum Island near the Newburyport Harbor Lighthouse. Once on the island continue straight for 0.25 miles. The road will then curve sharply to your left. Continue for 1.5 miles to the refuge headquarters on your left.
