Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge encompasses extensive freshwater wetlands along the Sudbury and Concord Rivers, featuring multiple observation platforms and nature trails for wildlife viewing.

Samuel Hoar, a local hunter, established the refuge in 1944 by donating 200 acres of land to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Indigenous peoples, including the Nipmuc, Pawtucket, Wampanoag, and Susquehanna Tribes, maintained these lands through controlled burns for agriculture and hunting purposes.

Visitors can access two main sections, the Concord Unit and Sudbury Unit, which offer hiking trails, fishing spots, and non-motorized boat launches.

The refuge hosts the northeastern United States' largest genetic population of Blanding's turtles and provides sanctuary for over 220 bird species.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1944

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

GPS coordinates: 42.47510,-71.32960

Latest update: March 5, 2025 20:06