Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

05/08/2026

Are you interested in tackling invasive plant species and improve the habitats at Assabet River NWR? We'd love your help!

Join us for one (or both) of our invasive plant pulling volunteer days!

📅Date: Wednesday May 13th (Rain Date: May 14th)
⏲️Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍Location: 680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776

📅Date: Wednesday May 27th (Rain Date: May 28th)
⏲️Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍Location: 680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776

Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or brand new, all are welcomed!

If interested please email [email protected]

Photo Credit: USFWS

04/30/2026

Watch out!!

Just like this snapping turtle, World Turtle Day is coming up quick.

Why not celebrate by joining Zoo New England for a Turtle Safari at Assabet River NWR?
Join Zoo New England and USFWS staff to explore the wetlands that turtles depend on, and to learn more about the variety of turtle species that call eastern Massachusetts home.

When: May 23, 10:30am - 12pm
Sign up: https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/biodiversity-walks/

Photo Credit: Thomas Tetzner

04/27/2026

Congrats to our partners at Devens Enterprise Commission on many successful Earth Day projects at Oxbow NWR last week!

Volunteers from local Devens businesses worked hard to get the Pollinator Meadow at MacPherson Road ready for the spring, and to clean up and remove trash from the roadway. Thanks to everyone who participated!

04/17/2026

Earth Day is right around the corner!

One great way to celebrate? The 5th Annual Open Streets Festival at Oxbow NWR along MacPherson Road, this Wednesday April 22 from 2-6pm.

This is a car-free event, so bring your walking shoes or a pair of wheels! Enjoy a stroll along the Nashua River and participate in nature activities for all ages.

No registration is required- see you there!

04/14/2026

Good reminders for spring when turtles and other reptiles & amphibians are on the move!!

The timing. The accuracy. The commitment to crossing directly in front of the turtle crossing sign.

Here are some ways you can help turtles as they become more active near roadways.

🐢Slow down in areas where turtles live

🐢If you have to stop and help a turtle cross a road, make sure to prioritize your safety first

🐢If it needs help, move it in the direction it was already going

🐢A car mat works great for moving turtles

🐢Don't pick up a turtle by the tail. That is how you injure a turtle and immediately regret your choices

🐢Snapping turtles have very long necks and a very short temper. Hands near the back of the shell only. Respect the business end

Every turtle you help across the road is one more chance for the next generation to exist. Check out the comments to see our full list of tips on helping turtles.

Photo of a turtle crossing a road at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Photo by L. Bryant/USFWS

04/08/2026

The north section of Harry's Way (from White Pond Road to Towhee Trail) is currently CLOSED to all public use while our maintenance team works on important trail repairs!

This section of trail will be closed all day today and tomorrow (April 8-9). Please plan accordingly.

Towhee Trail remains open and is still accessible from the south section of Harry's Way.

Thank you for respecting the trail closures and keeping our crew safe!

04/06/2026

Upcoming Trail Closure!

Out maintenance team will be back in action April 8-9 working on trail repairs and bridge installation on the north section of Harry's Way.

The section of Harry's Way from White Pond Road to Towhee Trail will be CLOSED to all public access during this time. Towhee Trail will remain open and accessible from the south section of Harry's Way. Please see the map below (section highlighted in pink will be closed 4/8 - 4/9).

Thank you for respecting all trail closure signs for your safety and the safety of our team!

03/30/2026

Do you ever wake up from a long winter nap... and just need to scream??

If so- we feel you. And you have a lot in common with a Spring Peeper!

The wetlands and vernal pools across Massachusetts (including the one seen/heard in this video at Assabet River NWR) are full of these tiny tree frogs, aptly called Spring Peepers since their loud chirping calls are one of the first signs of the season's arrival. These 1-inch long lil dudes spend the winter hibernating under piles of leaf litter, and are specially adapted to survive long, cold New England winters by producing a kind of natural anti-freeze in their cells. Once the temperatures warm up a bit, they begin to thaw out, wake up, and males begin calling to advertise to females- sometimes calling as many as 13,500 peeps per night!

Video Credit: Madelyn Kaplin / USFWS

03/23/2026

There's still time to sign up for our Volunteer Training this Saturday, March 28, starting at 10am at Assabet River NWR!

This event is for new and returning volunteers alike. Join us to learn about the ins and outs of the volunteer program, receive updates from the refuge Complex, hear about volunteer opportunities, and to chat with refuge staff and fellow volunteers!

The training will be focusing on volunteer opportunities at Assabet River, Great Meadows, and Oxbow NWRs.

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/dyUasj6NrQ

03/09/2026

What's that you say?!

The road and parking lot at Great Meadows NWR Concord Unit is open once again! Thanks for your patience while the snow and ice from this very wintery winter melted off. Enjoy the refuge!

It may be a bit early in the spring season to see a Marsh Wren (like the one pictured here)... but keep your eyes and ears open for other early spring arrivals like red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, and cardinals.

03/09/2026

The wonderful Friends of Woodlands and Waters will be opening the visitor lobby and Nature Store at Assabet River NWR Headquarters on Tuesdays from 10am - 2pm for the rest of the month- drop by and say hi!

NEW! Saturday dates added~ Spring is right around the corner, and Visitor Outreach at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refugestarts up again this month!
Stop by to browse the Nature Store, ask for trail suggestions, and find out about volunteer opportunities. See the poster for details, and we look forward to seeing soon!