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Great Bay Turkey Hunt Lottery Open

Spring turkey season is almost here! The permit lottery for the Great Bay NWR turkey hunt is open now through April 1. All applications must be submitted through RecAccess online: https://parkerrivernwr.recaccess.com/#/product-list. Contact Ella Weber at ella_weber@fws.gov for any questions about applying for the Youth / Novice / Mobility Impaired priority category.

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts in an area of dense and expanding human development, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has special significance and value to migratory birds, other wildlife, and people. The refuge also provides high-quality opportunities for nature-based recreation, including walking & biking, wildlife observation & photography, hunting, fishing, paddling, and beach use. We hope you visit us soon!

Latest News

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For Parents and Educators
Call for Youth Artists!
The Annual Beach Sign Youth Art Contest is back, and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is calling on all youth to help spread the word about the importance of beaches to shorebirds. Winning artwork from each age category will be used as Refuge signs to educate beachgoers about minimizing...
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History and Culture
March Artist in Residence
As a way to regularly highlight the creativity of our local community, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in collaboration with Friends of Parker River, hosts an artist-in-residence program, that features art from the nearby area. Below is the narrative from the current artist, Oksana Zotkina,...
A barred owl fledgling perched on a log
Updated Refuge Hours
Effective immediately, the refuge will begin closing one hour before sunset. This change is intended to reduce crowding and wildlife harassment during critical hunting periods for sensitive species including resident and visiting owls.
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History and Culture
February Artist in Residence
As a way to regularly highlight the creativity of our local community, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in collaboration with Friends of Parker River, hosts an artist-in-residence program, that features art from the nearby area. Below is the narrative from the current artist, Evan Henerberry...
Image of boat on the water with grasses and trees
History and Culture
December & January Artists in Residence
As a way to regularly highlight the creativity of our local community, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in collaboration with Friends of Parker River, hosts an artist-in-residence program, that features art from the nearby area. Below is the narrative from the current artists, Betty...
Image of snowy owl in flight
History and Culture
November Artist in Residence
As a way to regularly highlight the creativity of our local community, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in collaboration with Friends of Parker River, hosts an artist-in-residence program, that features art from the nearby area. Below is the narrative from the current artist, Dan Graovac, in...
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Visit Us

Image of families sitting in a garden listening to a story being read
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Come explore YOUR national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge by visiting during open hours, or joining one of our programs!

The refuge supports a wide variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. You can learn more about how to enjoy some of our popular activities using the links below:

Pass Types & Fees

Paid Passes

Free Passes

If purchasing passes at the refuge, payment can be made by cash or check only. Please call ahead to ensure that someone will be able to sell you a pass when you wish to come. Alternatively, most passes can be purchased online through Rec Access or USGS. 

Location and Contact Information

      Tours

      Image of school group during a beach program
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      To schedule a program, tour, or field trip of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, contact us at 978-465-5753, or via email at parkerriver@fws.gov.

      Our Species

      Grey, white and black bird on sand in the foreground

      Size: 18 cm (7.25 in) in length. Color: Breeding season: Pale brown above, lighter below; black band across forehead; bill orange with black tip; legs orange; white rump. Male: Complete or incomplete black band encircles the body at the breast. Female: Paler head band; incomplete breast band....

      FWS Focus
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      Species

      Our Library

      Alternative Beaches & Recreation Areas
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      Alternative Beaches & Recreation Areas

      Parker River NWR periodically closes due to capacity and/or management requirements. But fear not! There are many local beaches and recreation areas to explore.

      PDF
      Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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      Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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