Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham, Massachusetts.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area along Cape Cod's southeastern edge containing ocean beaches, salt marshes, sand dunes, and freshwater ponds. The landscape shifts between open water and dense vegetation that creates habitat for numerous bird species.
The refuge was established in 1944 after the area served as a military gunnery range during World War II. This shift from military use to wildlife protection marked a significant turning point for the location.
The Monomoy Point Light and keeper's quarters remain as educational landmarks within the refuge, representing maritime navigation history on the Massachusetts coast.
The refuge opens daily from sunrise to sunset, with an information station staffed from late spring through early fall. Bring suitable hiking shoes and prepare for changing weather and wet conditions.
The refuge supports the largest breeding colony of common terns on the Atlantic coast with tens of thousands of bird pairs. This massive concentration makes the area a global center for studying this seabird species.
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