Established in 1992, Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located along the eastern shore of New Hampshire's Great Bay in the town of Newington. The refuge protects more than 1,000 acres along the seacoast for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shoreline along the bay, and consists of mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, streams, woodlands and fields. These diverse habitats support many plants and animals native to the area, including New Hampshire's greatest concentration of wintering bald eagles, and several state-listed rare and endangered species.
The rich and varied habitats of the refuge provide wildlife and visitors alike with a place to rest and recharge. Several recreational opportunities are available for visitors to watch wildlife, hike, bike, and hunt on the refuge.
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, please contact Parker River at (978) 465-5753. The general email address for Great Bay NWR is parkerriver@fws.gov
The rich and varied habitats of the refuge provide wildlife and visitors alike with a place to rest and recharge. Several recreational opportunities are available for visitors to watch wildlife, hike, bike, and hunt on the refuge.
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, please contact Parker River at (978) 465-5753. The general email address for Great Bay NWR is parkerriver@fws.gov
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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 by following the links below:
- Walking
- Biking
- Wildlife Observation & Photography
- Hunting
- Volunteering