The Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, here on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, encompasses 5,871 acres and is the second largest accessible, open space on the Cape; the first being the National Seashore!
Established in 1995, the Refuge Partnership is composed of eight conservation land-owners that form a unique type of management structure designed to protect and enhance the Refuge for people, wildlife, plants and fish. It is a model for how future National Wildlife Refuges will be created and managed.
Here is s a great introduction to who we are… a short Public Service Announcement, created by the Falmouth Community TV:
Visit the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and discover firsthand all of the natural habitats that Cape Cod has to offer beyond the beaches. Our ecosystems include pine barrens, Atlantic white cedar (AWC) swamps, dry oak forests and tidal estuaries. Explore our pollinator gardens and learn about Cape Cod native plants, migrating monarchs, rare moths and butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds.
Hike through Mashpee and Falmouth trails and encounter wildlife including white-tailed deer, turkey, coyotes, eastern box turtles, frogs, salamanders, New England cottontail rabbits, northern long-eared bats, and countless other rare animals, plants and insects.
Enjoy Cape Cod birding and observe American woodcock, osprey, bluebirds, tree swallows, ruffled grouse, hawks, owls, maybe even spot a bald eagle! Kayak the bays, rivers, estuaries and freshwater ponds which serve as habitat for otter, herring, rare freshwater mussels, and diamondback terrapins.
There is always something new to discover in our diverse woodlands and wetlands!
Read more about ongoing projects in the MNWR.