Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex Federally managed conservation area. Enjoy opportunities to hike, bike, and view wildlife within a wide variety of habitats. OPEN SUNRISE TO SUNSET.
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Free nature based programs and field trips offered every week. Visit our online calendar to learn more! For official information about the Parker River NWR Complex: www.fws.gov/refuge/parker-river

For more information about the Fish and Wildlife Service: www.fws.gov

For more about our social media efforts: www.fws.gov/home/socialmedia

The refuge consists of 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wet

land habitats including sand beach and dune, shrub/thicket, bog, swamp, freshwater marsh, salt marsh and associated creek, river, mud flat, and salt panne. These and other refuge habitats support varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 300 species of birds, along with mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants.

Did you know the refuge is home to a native carnivorous plant species? Sundew thrives in the acidic, wet, sandy swales t...
06/23/2026

Did you know the refuge is home to a native carnivorous plant species? Sundew thrives in the acidic, wet, sandy swales tucked within the dunes. Most commonly found in the interdunal cranberry bogs, sundew feeds on insects drawn to the sweet, dew-like liquid the plant creates and is named after. Sick of insect bites? You can support nature's bug control by sticking to designated boardwalks and trails so sensitive dune plants like sundew can grow undisturbed.

6/23/26 UPDATE: THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULL. Looking to get outside and learn about Parker River NWR? Seats are available o...
06/22/2026

6/23/26 UPDATE: THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULL.

Looking to get outside and learn about Parker River NWR? Seats are available on our Behind the Scenes tour this Saturday, June 27 at 10am. Get behind the scenes on the refuge with our knowledgeable volunteers to learn about the history, ecology, and wildlife of Plum Island. This tour takes place in a refuge van and does not involve walking. Meet at the refuge visitor center located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike. Ages 12+. Our programs are free, but registration is required: bit.ly/parkerriversignup

"I would never step on an egg." Plover and tern eggs are laid directly in the sand, and can be incredibly hard to spot. ...
06/18/2026

"I would never step on an egg." Plover and tern eggs are laid directly in the sand, and can be incredibly hard to spot. Peach pit for scale! These small, camouflaged eggs are designed to be hidden from animal predators. This same adaptation makes them vulnerable to being squished by human beachgoers and pet dogs. Thanks to all who continue to observe seasonal beach closures and year-round dog restrictions. You can find alternate beach locations and dog-friendly local sites by visiting our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/parker-river.

Volunteer appreciation! Refuge volunteers do it all, from teaching elementary school students about beaver teeth to shar...
06/15/2026

Volunteer appreciation! Refuge volunteers do it all, from teaching elementary school students about beaver teeth to sharing the importance of the shore to keeping the lawn at bay. Many thanks to our awesome volunteers who create welcoming and awe-inspiring experiences for visitors of all ages.

That's a wrap! Thanks to all who joined our annual 'Let's Go Outside ' celebration! Special thanks to our staff, volunte...
06/13/2026

That's a wrap! Thanks to all who joined our annual 'Let's Go Outside ' celebration! Special thanks to our staff, volunteers, and partners who provided everything from face paint to fishing tips to sea creatures to safe views of the sun. See you next year!

🌞Let's Go Outside🌞It's almost here! Join our 11th annual outdoor celebration on Saturday from 10am - 2pm. Try your hand ...
06/12/2026

🌞Let's Go Outside🌞

It's almost here! Join our 11th annual outdoor celebration on Saturday from 10am - 2pm. Try your hand at surf fishing, meet tide pool critters, make art, view the sun through solar scopes, learn about dark skies for wildlife, and more! This FREE event has something for everyone. Parking available at Lot 1 and the visitor center with a free shuttle in between. The refuge road will be otherwise closed to vehicles so you can bike, walk, roll, or stroll without worrying about traffic!

Please note: the refuge will delay opening on Saturday until 9:45am and there will be NO beach access except fishing until after 2pm. This means NO swimming, beach walking, sunbathing, etc. until after the event ends.

Did you know our visitor center is the northern terminus for the Bay Circuit Trail and Greenway? Stewarded by the Appala...
06/10/2026

Did you know our visitor center is the northern terminus for the Bay Circuit Trail and Greenway? Stewarded by the Appalachian Mountain Club, this 230-mile route links the north and south shores of Massachusetts. As part of Let's Go Outside this Saturday, you can join a special tour with AMC Trail Coordinator Sarah Dolan! Just a few spots are still available! Participants will be dropped off at Old Town Hill and hike the trail back to the refuge, including a stop for a special tour at Historic New England's Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm.

This is a free program, but registration is required: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001klZd/act00016317

Happy paddling! Water trail markers are IN for the season. Paddle the salt marsh past chatty willets, nesting osprey, an...
06/09/2026

Happy paddling! Water trail markers are IN for the season. Paddle the salt marsh past chatty willets, nesting osprey, and resting horseshoe crabs. Updated maps will be available on our website and at the boat launch kiosk next week. Both the orange and yellow trails have a total of 8 markers, and take about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete out and back. We recommend launching and returning within 2 hours of high tide. For example, if high tide is at noon, plan to launch around 10am or later and be back to the boat ramp around 2pm or earlier. Only non-motorized boats can be launched at the refuge ramp.

Safety first! Life jackets are required for children under the age of 12 in Massachusetts. However, the refuge recommends visitors of all ages wear a life jacket. Accidents happen fast on the water, and even strong swimmers can become fatigued and disoriented quickly. When in doubt, don't go out.

Ope mind if I sneak right past you there? Mourning doves are often derided for their measly nests, the product of histor...
06/08/2026

Ope mind if I sneak right past you there? Mourning doves are often derided for their measly nests, the product of historically nesting on rocky outcrops that required just a few sticks to keep eggs from rolling away. Modern mourning doves are adept at making do! This includes using man-made pots and planters, natural and man-made outcroppings, and sometimes even borrowing another bird's nest like this soon-to-be mother!

Address

6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA
01950

Telephone

+19784655753

Website

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