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Service Employee joined with partner agency members kneel on the beach in front of deflated balloons.
Annual Beach Cleanup Sunday March 30

The annual spring beach cleanup, hosted by the Friends of Parker River, is this Sunday March 30. Drop in Lot 1 any time between 9am - 3pm to get a trash bag and assignment. No need to sign up in advance, just show up! Stay for as little or long as you'd like, all ages welcome. Entrance to the refuge is FREE for all cleanup volunteers. Questions? E-mail friends@parkerriver.org.

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A close up view of a groundhog sticking its head out of a hole in the ground.
Stay in Touch

The best way to stay up-to-date on all things refuge is by signing up for our newsletter. Monthly newsletters go out on the first of every month, with recent highlights, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and more! You can subscribe online here.

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts in an area of dense and expanding human development, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has special significance and value to migratory birds, other wildlife, and people. The refuge also provides high-quality opportunities for nature-based recreation, including walking & biking, wildlife observation & photography, hunting, fishing, paddling, and beach use. We hope you visit us soon!

Visit Us

Image of families sitting in a garden listening to a story being read
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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 using the links below:

Pass Types & Fees

Paid Passes

Free Passes

***If purchasing passes at the refuge, payment can be made by cash or check only. Please call ahead to ensure that someone will be able to sell you a pass when you wish to come. Alternatively, most passes can be purchased online through Rec Access or USGS.***

Location and Contact Information

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    Tours

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    To schedule a program, tour, or field trip of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, contact us at 978-465-5753, or via email at parkerriver@fws.gov.

    Our Species

    Our Library

    Alternative Beaches & Recreation Areas
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    Alternative Beaches & Recreation Areas

    Parker River NWR periodically closes due to capacity and/or management requirements. But fear not! There are many local beaches and recreation areas to explore.

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    Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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    Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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    Final Habitat Management Plan - Parker River NWR & Thacher Island NWR
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    Final Habitat Management Plan - Parker River NWR & Thacher Island NWR

    This Habitat Management Plan (HMP) provides a long-term vision and specific guidance on managingpriority species, habitats, and ecosystems at Parker River and Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuges(NWRs). This is accomplished by determining the refuges’ priorities, setting goals and objectives...

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