Great Meadows Great Meadows NWR is located Eastern U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service NWR Quick Facts 20 miles west of Boston, National Wildlife Refuge Complex Where is it? Massachusetts. The refuge 73 Road headquarters can be reached by Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776 Great Meadows taking Route 20 to Route 27 North. 978/443 4661 Follow Route 27 (1.7 miles) from 978/443 2898 Fax Wayland and turn right onto Water [email protected] National Wildlife Row. Follow Water Row (1.2 miles) www.fws.gov/northeast/greatmeadows until it ends and turn right onto Refuge Lincoln Road. Travel one half mile, Federal Relay Service then turn left onto Weir Hill Road. for the deaf and hard of hearing 1 800/877 8339 When was it Samuel Hoar donated the first tract of established? land to the Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 1944. 1 800/344 WILD http://www.fws.gov How big is it? Over 3,800 acres March 2011 Why is it here? Great Meadows NWR was established to protect and manage freshwater wetlands for migratory birds.

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Bruce Flaig Jason St. Sauver/USFWS Welcome: Oasis Just twenty miles west of Boston Great Meadows National for Wildlife lies an oasis for wildlife—the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife Refuge is one Roughly 85 percent of the refuge’s more than 3,800 acres is composed of more than 553 refuges of valuable freshwater wetlands stretching along 12 miles of the in the National Wildlife Concord and Sudbury Rivers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge System which is This blue goose, protects and manages Great designed by J.N. Meadows as nesting, resting, and administered by the U.S. “Ding” Darling, feeding habitat for wildlife, with has become the special emphasis on migratory birds. Fish and Wildlife Service. symbol of the The diversity of plant and animal National Wildlife life visible from refuge trails provides The National Wildlife Refuge System. visitors with excellent opportunities Refuge System is a network for wildlife viewing and nature study. Great Meadows NWR is one of of lands and waters eight national wildlife refuges that comprises the Eastern Massachusetts managed specifically for National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The eight ecologically diverse the protection of wildlife refuges include , Great Meadows, Mashpee, Monomoy, and wildlife habitat Nantucket, Nomans Land Island, and Oxbow. These protected inland and and represents the most coastal wetlands, forests, grasslands, and barrier beaches provide comprehensive wildlife important habitat for migratory birds, mammals, plants, reptiles, resource management and amphibians. program in the world. Units of the system stretch Sunset at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge across the United States from northern Alaska to the Florida Keys, and include small islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific. The character of the refuges is as diverse

as the nation itself. Olsen Paul Great Meadows NWR consists of two units of land in seven historically significant towns—Billerica, Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland. Minute Man National Historical Park and Thoreau’s are located nearby. USFWS Aquatic weed harvester at work.

Working for The goal of refuge management is Wildlife to provide habitat for a diversity of native fish and wildlife. Management tools include exotic plant control, water level and vegetation manipulation. Exotic plant control Bruce Flaig helps maintain the natural diversity Eastern Bluebird present in an ecosystem. Water level manipulation can change habitat and Wildlife Abounds A great diversity of birds have provide food and cover for fish and been recorded at Great Meadows wildlife. NWR; an annotated list of over 220 species is available in a separate One of the major wildlife management brochure. White-tailed deer, beaver, efforts underway at Great Meadows fisher, otter, muskrats, red fox, NWR is the control of exotic plants. weasels, and various small mammals Plants such as purple loosestrife (the all find a home in the refuge’s tall purple flower seen in disturbed rivers, wetlands, fields and woods. areas) and water chestnut (the small Amphibians and reptiles can be green plant that forms a carpet over observed in the warmer months, but open water) have little to no wildlife no poisonous snakes are found on the value and are out-competing our refuge. Several species of waterfowl, native vegetation. Several methods including mallards, black ducks, wood of control have been attempted at the ducks, and blue-winged teal nest here. refuge: everything from hand-pulling Nesting boxes are provided for wood plants, to chemical applications, to ducks in some refuge wetlands. flooding the marshes. For purple

K. & L. Brown loosestrife, the release of weevils and Muskrat beetles native to the European home assisting in of loosestrife, seems to be the best management management solution. These insects on the refuge. feed only on purple loosestrife. Sunset view through trees. Bruce Flaig Bruce Flaig As for water chestnut, a combination Great blue heron. of harvesting the plants in the and draining the pools Recognizing their value, Samuel at the Concord Impoundments appear Hoar, a hunter, purchased a part to be the most promising control. of the Meadows in 1928. He built earthen dams or dikes to hold the An Ancient Many relics of early people found water within these marshlands, History in the vicinity date back to 5500 enhancing their value as waterfowl B.C. Thousands of stone artifacts habitat. In 1944, Hoar donated 250 have been found in Concord alone. acres of this land to the U.S. Fish and River meadows and plains were Wildlife Service. To provide greater burned over to provide cropland and protection for the area’s wetlands and pasture for game, and the waters wildlife, the Service began buying provided fish in great quantity for additional land during the 1960s. both food and fertilizer. The river Today the two units of the Great provided transportation for the Meadows NWR contain over 3,800 Native Americans’ annual summer acres of prime wildlife habitat. movement to the sea, where the greater portion of their winter food was gathered and dried.

Native Americans named the “Musketahquid,” meaning grassy banks. Settlers named the grasslands the “Great River Meadows.” Hay was harvested annually and provided an important income for early settlers. With the advent of industrialization in the early 19th century, a mill dam was built in Billerica. The dam caused the river’s water level to rise and to extend into the Meadows. The newly created habitat became increasingly attractive to waterfowl. The wetlands American became highly valued for hunting and Goldfinch on Cattail. fishing. Bruce Flaig Things to do Great Meadows NWR provides Wildlife Watching Tips at the Refuge visitors with many wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities. The refuge Dawn and dusk are the best has long been a favorite stop for times to see wildlife. Ng bird watchers. Noted ornithologists consider the Concord Unit of the During warmer seasons, little l1 refuge to be one of the best inland is moving on hot summer birding areas in the state. Visitors can afternoons or on windy days. hike the nature trails and observe, photograph, and study wildlife and Observe from the sidelines. plants. Snowshoeing and cross- Leave “abandoned” young country skiing on the trails in the animals alone. A parent is winter can provide wonderful wildlife probably close by waiting for viewing opportunities. you to leave. Don’t offer snacks; your lunch could disrupt wild Sudbury Unit – The trails at Weir Hill take visitors digestive systems. Weir Hill Trail on a one-mile long walk around and Red Maple marshes, uplands, woodlands, fields, Cars make good observation Trail the river, brook, and pond. The Weir blinds. Drive slowly, stopping to Hill trail begins in front of the refuge scan places wildlife might hide. Ng headquarters. The office is wheelchair Use binoculars or a long lens for accessible. a closer look. j The refuge office (open weekdays Try sitting quietly in one good Stop by the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m) is located adjacent location. Let wildlife get used Refuge Office to the Sudbury River at the base of to your presence. Many animals Weir Hill. This hill—a 12,000 year old that have hidden will reappear q glacial deposit—was used by Native once they think you are gone. Americans who trapped fish in the Walk quietly in designated river by constructing fish weirs; hence areas, being aware of sounds and the name “Weir Hill.” smells. Often you will hear more than you will see. The Red Maple Trail begins at the refuge parking lot. It connects to Teach children quiet observation. trails on Round Hill, owned by the Other wildlife watchers will . You are appreciate your consideration. welcome to walk all these trails.

Look for animal signs. Tracks, To reach the office at Weir Hill, follow scat, feathers, and nests left Route 27 (1.7 miles) from Wayland behind often tell interesting and turn right onto Water Row Road. stories. Follow Water Row Road (1.2 Miles) until it ends and turn right onto Lincoln Road. Travel one half mile, turn left onto Weir Hill Road. The driveway is on the right near the end of the dead-end street. USFWS Steph Koch Sudbury River; Weir Hill Area. Nature study with kids and staff.

Teachers and other group leaders Additional Trails This 126 acre unit was added to the may receive assistance in using the River Trail Great Meadows NWR in 1998. The refuge as an educational resource. Red Tail Trail trail system winds visitors through Teachers can lead visits that will open grasslands, wet marshes and enable their students or groups to mature forests along the Concord learn directly about the natural world Ng River. The property provides visitors by studying wildlife habitat and with great birding and wildlife observing wildlife. watching opportunities.

Concord Unit – This original 250-acre area that There is no direct road access to the Dike Trail Area belonged to Samuel Hoar is still refuge for the public. The trail system known as the “Great Meadows,” and can be accessed through the Foss is open to visitors. Several trails are Farm off Bedford Road (Route 225) to Ng available for wildlife observation, the south or through Greenough Land including the Dike Trail, a 2.7-mile off Maple Street to the northwest of jM loop around one of the marsh pools. the refuge. Both Greenough Land Trailside interpretive signs and an and Foss Farm are Town of Carlisle a observation tower provide visitors conservation lands and are open to with additional views and information the public. about the refuge, its management, and its wildlife. Griscom Trail This short trail across from Heard Pond is named for Ludlow Griscom, Travel to this area by following Route a local resident who changed the 62 east from Concord Center toward Ng way people observed birds and who Bedford. After about one mile, turn amassed historical bird observation left onto Monsen Road. Continue on records to enhance our understand- Monsen Road until you see the refuge ing of bird populations in the Sudbury entrance on your left. and Concord River. Location: On Pelham Island Road 1 in Wayland, about 1 /2 miles south of Route 20 near Wayland Town Center. A Few Simple Public use of designated trails within Rules the refuge for nature study, hiking and photography is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one- half hour after sunset. There are no picnic areas or campsites on the refuge.

Building fires, swimming and ATVs/ ORVs are not permitted.

Domestic pets, including dogs, are ul not allowed on the refuge. Horseback riding is also not permitted on refuge trails.

Motorized vehicles and bicycles are restricted to entrance roads Carole D’Angelo and parking areas. Bicycles are not White-tailed deer in fall. allowed on trails.

Boating and fishing are allowed in the Billerica Trail A trail and parking area were sy Concord and Sudbury Rivers, but not added to the refuge in 2000 through in the refuge pools. cooperative efforts with the Sudbury Ng Valley Trustees. The parking area The disturbance, destruction, or is located on the east side of the removal of wildlife, vegetation, and Route 4 bridge in Billerica. Hikers facilities are prohibited. will eventually be able to follow this river trail to Two Brothers Rock in Archery deer and waterfowl hunting Bedford. H are allowed in some parts of the refuge. A refuge hunt permit is required. Cattail on a lily pad.

Canada Geese Carole D’Angelo on trails. Sandy Selesky This is your refuge to enjoy. Please respect the wildlife and other visitors. BILLERICA Remember to take only memories or photographs and leave only Great Meadows 225 footprints. CARLISLE National Wildlife 3 For further information, contact: Refuge Eastern Massachusetts 4 National Wildlife Refuge Complex Concord/Sudbury Units 73 Weir Hill Road r e Concord Lowell v

Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776 R 95 i d

495 r N. Reading Division 285 o R c Dovers Beverly d n Billerica 978/443 4661 o Lynnfield 27 93 R C Wilmington Reading 1 Salem r d CONCORD r Carlisle 3 128 Peabody e Burlington o 978/443 2898 Fax AREA v i Bedford Wakefield c n BEDFORD Swampscott R Woburn Stoneham Saugus o [email protected] Winchester

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Lexington Melrose Lynn y Malden a Maynard 126 2 Watertown Lincoln Everett Revere B 4 www.fws.gov/northeast/greatmeadows Belmont Medford SUDBURY Chelsea s 117 Waltham Somerville t AREA Winthrop t e Watertown s 20 Wayland Cambridge u h t 62 90 Newton BOSTON ac t S Brookline ass en M m Natick Wellesley Quincy u A n Framingham Needham Milton o R 1 Hingham ss Concord y a r Dedham Weymouth be M Impoundments u t R b 126 Braintree d 27 i u 128 v S Norwood e r 0918 27 Miles 2A 2 Elm Street CONCORD

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Trails WAYLAND SOUTH Refuge Headquarters SUDBURY 20 Parking Lots 126 Heard 27 Pond Comfort Station N Observation Tower Pelham Island Rd

126 0 1.5 3 miles USFWS