The Federal Duck Stamp Program: Since 1934, sales of Federal Duck Stamps to hunters, stamp collectors and conservationists have raised more than $700 million that has been used to acquire more than 5.2 million acres of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

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Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Great Meadows National Wildlife RefugeRefuge Overview: Located in Middlesex County in eastern Massachusetts, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge was originally established in 1944 through a private donation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of preserving waterfowl production habitat. Since the refuge’s creation, Migratory Bird Conservation Funds, which include Federal Duck Stamp dollars, have been used to purchase 2,877 acres for the refuge. John and Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS
Wildlife and Habitat: Great Meadows is located along the Concord and Sudbury Rivers, and the greater part of the refuge (85 percent) is freshwater wetlands. The refuge provides valuable nesting habitat for black ducks, wood ducks, mallards, blue-winged teal, and Canada geese. Great Meadows also harbors a wide variety of other wildlife as well, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, weasels, beaver, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles.
Recreation Opportunities: Near Walden Pond, the refuge inspires many nature lovers just as the area once inspired Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Wildlife observation and photography are two of the most popular activities on the refuge. Environmental education opportunities are regularly scheduled for visiting school groups, and occasional workshops are held for teachers. The refuge also has a visitor center with interpretive exhibits.

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