Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is a northern treasure in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It consists of nearly 30,000 acres of federally protected lands in northeastern coastal Maine. The refuge's landscape is varied, with rolling hills, large ledge outcroppings, streams, lakes, bogs, and marshes. The diversity of forests and wetlands provides habitat for over 225 species of birds, endangered species, resident wildlife and rare plants. A northern hardwood forest of aspen, maple, birch, spruce and fir dominates the upland. Scattered stands of majestic white pine are common. The Edmunds Division boasts several miles of rocky shoreline where tidal fluctuations of up to 24 feet occur twice a day.
Bald eagle with young chick perched on elevated wooden platform.
The first signs of spring!

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the first signs of spring here at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.

Check out the Wildlife Observation Platform off Charlotte Road to catch a glimpse of our Bald Eagle pair as they begin brooding this year's clutch. Or take a moment to listen some evening for the "Pleent-ing" call of returning Woodcock. Before trees leaf-out is a great time to spot some of our smallest seasonal visitors- as warblers make their way back from their winter homes.

Be aware that trail conditions this time of year can vary as winter snows melt off, so waterproof footwear is usually a good idea!

 

Visit Us

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge provides nesting, feeding and breeding habitats for many different species, from tiny golden crowned kinglets to black bears and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy the refuge by car, foot, bike or horseback. A large portion of the refuge is a designated wilderness area wilderness area
Wilderness areas are places untamed by humans. The Wilderness Act of 1964 allows Congress to designate wilderness areas for protection to ensure that America's pristine wild lands will not disappear. Wilderness areas can be part of national wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests or public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Learn more about wilderness area
, and provides an escape from the chaos of modern life. Come out and enjoy!

Can't visit us in person? Check out this video by Biological Technician Jordan Darley and Refuge Manager Keith Ramos (video edited by Jordan Darley).

 

 

 

For More Information on Hunting in the Refuge 

Hunting At moosehorn NWR 

 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Organization

      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 560 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.

      Our Species

       

      American Woodcock

      American woodcock (Scolopax minor) are studied and managed intensively at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Timberdoodle, mud-sucker, and mud bat are all local names for the woodcock. Unlike their relatives, these reclusive shorebirds have evolved to live in the forests of eastern North America. 

      Get Involved

      There are a variety of ways to get involved at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers, summer interns and the friends group all greatly contribute to the refuge. Visit our Get Involved page to learn ways in which you can help.

      Projects and Research

      The staff at Moosehorn manages the refuge for a variety of habitats to support diverse wildlife. Learn more about grassland, wetland, wilderness and fire management by clicking the link below.