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Massachusetts
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State of Massachusetts Parks

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USA Parks
Massachusetts
Eastern Region
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
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Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Cedar Waxwing © Wayne Thode
Picture taken from the observation tower near parking area 5.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Heron at Sunset © Jennifer Johnson
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Sunset in September © Jennifer Johnson
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Egret Taking Off © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Harrier in Winter © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Swan Feeding at Sunset © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Snowy Owl on the Hunt © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Northern Harrier © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Coming in for a Landing © Katherine Davis
These geese coming in to join their friends.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Snowy Owl in Flight © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Snowy Owl in Flight © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Snowy Owl coming in for a Landing © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Short-Eared Owl in Flight © Katherine Davis
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Egret in the Grasses © Katherine Davis
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PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
261 Northern Boulevard, Plum Island
Newburyport, Massachusetts   01950
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Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1942 primarily to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is of vital stopover significance to waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds during pre- and postbreeding migratory periods.

The refuge occupies in part, the southern three-fourths of Plum Island, an 8 mile long barrier island near Newburyport, Massachusetts. Excellent wildlife-oriented recreational and educational opportunities are available with visitor facilities and programs provided to enhance your experience.

The refuge consists of 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, shrub/thicket, bog, swamp, freshwater marsh, saltwater marsh and associated creek, river, mud flat, and salt panne. These and other refuge habitats support varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 300 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 25 by Kit Cali
park review stars; one to five This beautiful place is a refuge for people as well as birds and wildlife. The beaches are magnificent and on weekdays when we have gone, almost deserted. The marshes and wildlife are easily observed. The last time we were there a dense fog rolled off the ocean over the refuge....a wonderful, peaceful, cleansing experience.
June 7 Great place to view Wildlife
park review stars; one to five
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Area Campgrounds
Black Bear Campground
54 Main Street
Salisbury, MA
978-462-3183
Pines Camping Area
28 CCC Road
Salisbury, MA
978-465-0013
Rusnik Campground Inc
Route 1 Box 5441
Salisbury, MA
978-462-9551
Cape Ann Campsite
80 Atlantic Street
West Gloucester, MA
978-283-8683
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Elm Street Bait & Tackle
110 Elm St
Salisbury, MA
(978) 465-8805
Bridge Road Bait & Tackle
134 Bridge Rd
Salisbury, MA
(978) 465-3221
Crossroads Bait & Tackle
1 Merrill St # 4
Salisbury, MA
(978) 499-8999
Surfland Bait & Tackle
28 Plum Island Tpke
Newbury, MA
(978) 462-4202
Tim's Bait & Tackle
134 Beach Rd
Salisbury, MA
(978) 462-1574
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The refuge is located approximately 35 miles north of Boston. From Interstate 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe's Lane for a total of 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Rolfe's Lane and travel 0.5 miles to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel 2.0 miles crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to Plum Island. Take your first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles to the refuge entrance.

The refuge headquarters is located at the northern end of Plum Island near the Newburyport Harbor Lighthouse. Once on the island continue straight for 0.25 miles. The road will then curve sharply to your left. Continue for 1.5 miles to the refuge headquarters on your left.

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Massachusetts
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State of Massachusetts Parks

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