Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region
 

Harvard, MA
c/o Great Meadows NWR
73 Weir Hill Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
(978) 443-4661
fw5rw_emnwr@fws.gov

Management

Refuge staff and volunteer assist with habitat restoration Credit: Susan J. Russo/USFWS
Refuge staff and volunteer assist with habitat restoration; Credit: Susan J. Russo/USFWS

A variety of wetland habitat types are maintained and protected at Oxbow NWR. Beavers play an important role in the formation and succession of some of these wetlands, and their activities are welcomed, but managed by use of exclosures and perforated pipe to prevent damage to other habitat or refuge facilities. Some areas of wetland on the refuge are experiencing invasion by non-native species, including the common reed (Phragmites) and purple loosestrife.

Active management of these invasive species has been initiated using a host-specific beetle on the loosestrife and water level changes for the Phragmites. Additional control methods are being evaluated. Open fields on the refuge are maintained in that condition to benefit a number of species of birds that require this habitat type by mowing every three to five years. Areas of the refuge are maintained by mowing, disking or blading to provide nesting habitat for the State threatened Blanding's turtle.

The refuge and neighboring U.S. Army Training Area support the highest density of nesting Blanding's turtle east of the Mississippi River.
Last updated: June 30, 2010