Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Sunkhaze Meadows is a large wildlife refuge in Maine that protects one of the state's largest peatland systems, spanning more than 11,400 acres. The landscape consists of raised bogs, open meadows, cedar swamps, and forest areas shaped by water and seasonal flooding.

The refuge was established in 1988 through federal conservation funding to protect the wetlands and forests of this region. Its creation reflected growing recognition of the value of peatland ecosystems in New England.

The wetland landscape here holds significance for local conservation efforts and nature education, drawing people who want to understand how these ecosystems function. Visitors often come to observe rare plants and birds that depend on this mosaic of waterways and peat formations.

The area offers three marked walking trails open year-round with varying difficulty levels for different visitors. A free parking area on County Road serves as the main starting point for exploring the refuge.

The area is home to a dozen species listed as endangered by the state of Maine, including rare plants, specialized wetland birds, and invertebrates found nowhere else nearby. This concentration of rare species makes it a place of exceptional biological importance.

Location: Milford

Inception: 1988

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/sunkhaze_meadows

GPS coordinates: 44.98000,-68.56000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:20