Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 75th Anniversary Oral History Panel Transcript

Interviewees:  Ed Moses, refuge manager from 1966-1969 and 1988-1997; Libby Herland, refuge manager from 2003 – 2017; Linh Phu, refuge manager from 2018 – present. Bud Oliveira, manager from 1997-2002, provided answers in writing (see addendum).

Brief Summary of Interview: The interviewer, Peggy Hobbs, asked former refuge managers Ed Moses and Libby Herland and current manager Linh Phu to discuss what the Great Meadows NWR was like when they worked there, what there major activities and accomplishments were, what the most significant issues were, and to highlight some of the memorable staff. Ranging from the establishment of the refuge in 1944 with a donation of land and waters in Concord, MA from Samuel Hoar, the interviewers described the additional acquisition of within the acquisition boundary including the important role of the Sudbury Valley Trustees; posting boundaries; beginning waterfowl banding; developing water management capability in the Concord Impoundments and managing the impoundments for waterfowl and Blanding’s turtles; the acquisition of the aquatic weed harvester to combat water chestnut; the Wild and Scenic River designation; infrastructure and maintenance; cooperative invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species management; hunting; comprehensive conservation planning; partnership development; Nyanza Superfund Site and Natural Resources Damage Assessment funds; mosquito management; and the urban education program.