Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries manages two main properties in Marshfield, MA, each with its own diverse appeal. North River Wildlife Sanctuary houses our visitor center, specialty gift shop featuring many locally handcrafted items, and our Discovery Room with self-guided nature activities for all ages. This site includes our program, summer camp, and exhibit spaces; outdoor nature play and p
icnic areas; bird, rain and butterfly native plant gardens; and woodland and grassland trails featuring an observation platform overlooking the designated Scenic North River. Hawks, eagles, harbor seals, woodpeckers, wild turkeys, red-backed salamanders , and deer and are just some of the species that can be found enjoying this sanctuary. Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary is a known hotspot for birders and photographers as well as residents of the adjacent neighborhood. The large grasslands are striking and unique for this part of the state, attracting elusive species like bluebirds, bobolinks, and purple martins; and the wet panne attracts a variety of ducks and shorebirds. Two observation blinds allow visitors to view and photograph wildlife without disturbance. Trails include boardwalks through a red maple swamp, over the Green Harbor River, and an observation platform at Fox Hill where the panorama includes Cape Cod Bay and an osprey nesting platform. Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary was once the site of a well-known working farm, and an annual “Farm Day” fall celebration at this location commemorates Mass Audubon’s 1984 acquisition of this stunning property, saving it from development and preserving it for the community to enjoy. Both sites include all-persons accessible areas, including trails, the North River visitor center, and one of the Daniel Webster observation blinds. Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries protects and stewards additional properties around the South Shore, totaling over 2,000 acres. Among these properties is North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Duxbury, where you can find a variety of wildlife including osprey, tree swallows, turtles, dragonflies, frogs, salamanders, and water fowl.
