Wikis Way, Morris Island
Chatham, MA 02633
(508) 945-0594
fw5rw_mnwr@fws.gov

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.

2012 Closed Area Maps

This map 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.