Eighteen miles south of Washington D.C., on the banks of the Potomac River, lies a peninsula known as Mason Neck. Here, on February 1, 1969, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created the first national wildlife refuge established specifically for the protection of our nation’s symbol, the bald eagle.


Maintenance and Infrastructure Fellows Program - Summer 2023

If you're looking for career pathway opportunities with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, this Maintenance and Infrastructure Fellows Program is what you're looking for! Receive hands-on training and assist in a variety of mission-critical projects across the country--including this refuge! To learn more, please visit www.fws.gov/media/mobilizegreen-fws-fellowship-flyer.

Latest News

Two bald eagles perched along a nest
Wildlife Wonders
Eagles Across America
Half a century ago, the bald eagle was in danger of extinction. Conservationists helped lead a remarkable recovery, and in 2007 the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. This article touches on why the bald eagle inspires the awe and respect that it does.
A view of the ocean from land. In the distance is a water and rocky shore. In the foreground is a large rock formation and green vegetation
Recreation
The Wildlife Refuges of I-95
This story presents a state-by-state glance at national wildlife refuges where travelers seeking a nature break might stop along I-95. It includes expert tips about what a visitor might do and see during a one-hour stop at each refuge.
a raised, wooden platform trail snakes through a mature forest
Recreation
Wheelchair-accessible trails of the Northeast
Explore the scenic and accessible trails on national wildlife refuges in the Northeast, from Maine to Virginia.
Judges reviewing artwork laid out on tables.
For Parents and Educators
2022 Virginia Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Congratulations to this year's winners and thank you so much to the 179 students who entered.
A hummingbird sips nectar from a flowering plant at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming.
Wildlife Wonders
10 Birds to See
Here are some birds you might want to look for at national wildlife refuges and other bird-friendly places.
A white seabird called a Laysan albatross tends a smaller brown chick at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Pacific.
Wildlife Management
Refuges to the Rescue
Many bird species owe their existence at least in part to national wildlife refuges and their conservation efforts.
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Visit Us

A view of the entrance sign for Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR, and main road passing through fall foliage in the surrounding forest.
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There are activities year round at Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, including wildlife viewing, photography and hunting. Learn more on our Visit Us page.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      A photo of a marsh landscape
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      Learn more about our mission, purpose and history on our About Us page.

      What We Do

      The Potomac River NWRC Biologist holds an American Black Duck.
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      Learn about our management practices, comprehensive conservation planning, research projects, and more on the What We Do page.

      Our Species

      A juvenile eastern ratsnake with a gray diamond pattern along its back. The small snake is curled up on bright green moss.
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      The diverse habitats of Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge host over 211 bird species, more than 200 plant species, 31 mammal species, and 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. Visit our Species page to learn more about the inhabitants of Mason Neck! 

      Bald eagle up close with wing raised

      A large raptor, the bald eagle has a wingspread of about seven feet. Adults have a dark brown body and wings, white head and tail, and a yellow beak. Juveniles are mostly brown with white mottling on the body, tail, and undersides of wings. Adult plumage usually is obtained by the sixth year. In...

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      Taxonomic Rank
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      Get Involved

      A group of four admires the newly built overlook at Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
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      Interested in getting involved with what we do at Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge? Visit the link below to learn more.

      Projects and Research

      A Great Blue Heron wading through the wetlands at Occoquan Bay NWR
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      Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge focuses management efforts on the protection of habitat and nesting sites for bald eagles, herons, and other avian species. Current practices are mostly passive, utilizing the natural processes within the hardwood forest to maintain desired habitat.