IMPORTANT! A permit is required to pick beach plums and cranberries on the Refuge. This may be obtained at Refuge Headquarters or the Refuge gatehouse. The permit is valid for the duration of the picking season. There is no cost involved. You must keep the permit with you while picking berries on the Refuge.

 

GENERAL

Picking of cranberries and beach plums is a historical activity on Plum Island and continues today at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge permits cranberry and beach plum picking the Tuesday after Labor Day until October 31. Each person is limited to picking one quart of each species per day. To protect the fragile dune and vernal pool habitats where these fruits occur, specific areas are designated for these activities. Beach plum picking is allowed along the Refuge road and within 25 feet of Refuge parking lots. Beach plums may also be picked along trails, but visitors must stay on the trails at all times. Cranberry picking is allowed only at the North Pool field and at the North Beach Access Bog. Collecting of any other fruit or plant material is strictly prohibited on the Refuge.

 

ACCESS AND PARKING

Berry picking is limited to the regular hours of Refuge operations (sunrise to sunset). Parking is restricted to designated parking lots. To access the North Pool field, park at the visitor parking area at the Refuge Maintenance Area (also known as Subheadquarters) or the North Pool Overlook. Cranberries can be found in the field south of the North Pool Overlook. Access to the North Beach Access Bog is via the boardwalk at Parking Lot #2. To reach the bog, get off the boardwalk to the left at the start of the handrails. For your safety STAY OFF THE OFF-ROAD VEHICLE ACCESS TO THE BEACH. Do not access the bog from the main refuge road via the North Beach Access Road nor from the beach as drivers will not be able to see pedestrians around corners.

 

SAFETY

You must return to your vehicles at least half an hour prior to sunset. When venturing off designated trails, please be aware of poison ivy, rose, green briar, and ticks. Black legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), also known as deer ticks, can transmit Lyme Disease, which is prevalent along the New England coastal area. After venturing into tick habitat, always check for ticks when you return to your vehicle or home. Wear light colored clothing to facilitate spotting ticks. Wear long sleeve shirts and keep pant legs tucked into your socks and boot tops. The risk of tick attachment can also be reduced by applying insect repellents containing DEET (n,n-diethyl-m toluamide).