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Welcome

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1944 to provide habitat for migratory birds. Sand stretches for eight miles off the elbow of Cape Cod, forming the barrier islands of North and South Monomoy. In addition to the two islands, a 40-acre unit on Morris Island is also part of the refuge. This is where the headquarters and visitor center are located. The total size of the refuge is 7,604 acres with varied habitats of oceans, salt and freshwater marshes, dunes, and freshwater ponds of which 3,244 acres are designated Wilderness. The refuge provides important resting, nesting and feeding habitat for migratory birds, including the Federally protected piping plover and roseate tern. More than ten species of seabirds, shorebirds, and waterbirds nest on the islands. The refuge also supports the second largest nesting colony of common terns on the Atlantic seaboard with over 8,000 nesting pairs.

2013 Closed Area Maps

This map - (pdf 812KB) shows areas on the Refuge that are closed to the public during the nesting season. The areas marked in yellow represent areas that may be closed. Changes are made throughout the season depending on where birds are nesting. For up to date information, please contact the Refuge directly. The Refuge property on Morris Island may be accessed 24 hours a day for fishing, all other areas within the Refuge boundary are open from sunrise to sunset.

Comprehensive Conservation Planning Update - (pdf 198KB) - NEW

Alternative Transportation Study - Final - (pdf - 8.65MB)

Wilderness Character Monitoring - Final - (pdf - 1.81MB)

 

Interested in seeing the seals in Chatham?  

You need a private boat to see the seals that are on the refuge right now, because they are located on the Atlantic side of South Monomoy Island, which is only accessible by boat.  

During the summer, the Monomoy Island Ferry offers boat rides to the refuge, but they are not up and running just yet.  If you go to the Chatham Lighthouse overlook/parking lot on Main Street in Chatham around low tide and bring binoculars or spotting scope, you may be able to view seals that are hauled out on the sand bar along the left side of the harbor inlet.

Another good place to see seals is the observation deck on the Chatham Fish Pier, located at 45 Barcliff Ave.

2013 Intern Opportunities - closed

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Learn about the heritage and exploration of Wilderness Areas - NEW!

Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Program - Get Your Kids Involved Today!

Monomoy Bird List Brochure (1.23 MB)

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

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