Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

Wetlands

Umbagog Lake has extensive wetland complexes that are excellent for waterfowl production. One example is Harper's Meadow. In 1972, the Secretary of the Interior designated part of the wetlands at Harper's Meadow as a Floating Island National Natural Landmark National Natural Landmark
The National Natural Landmarks Program preserves sites illustrating the geological and ecological character of the United States. The program aims to enhance the scientific and educational value of the preserved sites, strengthen public appreciation of natural history and foster a greater concern for the conservation of the nation’s natural heritage. The program was established in 1962 by administrative action under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. The first National Natural Landmarks were designated in 1963. Today, there are more than 600 National Natural Landmarks in 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Learn more about National Natural Landmark . This designation recognized the floating bog and wetlands as a significant natural area, one of a very special group of places illustrating the diversity of the country’s natural history.

Lake Umbagog

Umbagog Lake is more than 7 miles in length and covers more than 7,000 acres, making it one of the largest lakes along the New Hampshire/Maine border. It has an average depth of only 15 feet.

Forests

Forests are quite prominent at the refuge with over 24,000 acres of uplands surrounding the lake.  Forest habitat includes majestic deciduous and coniferous forests with sugar maple, yellow birch, red spruce and balsam fir trees.  Large white pine trees can be seen protruding high above the forest canopy offering great perches for Bald Eagles.  The forests are important breeding habitat for migratory songbirds.  During spring and early summer a walk in the woods offers an incredible opportunity to observe a vast diversity of plants while listening to the songs of a variety of warblers including Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, and Canada warblers, complimented by the fluty singing of Hermit and Swainson's thrushes.  A truly magical experience.  Forests at the refuge are managed to sustain high-quality habitat with healthy trees and plants that are resilient to environmental stress.