National Wildlife Refuge Mashpee

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

National Wildlife Refuge Mashpee is located in the state of Massachusetts and covers an area of 5,871 acres.


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Summary

The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife species, including migratory birds, turtles, and fish, among others. There are several good reasons to visit the National Wildlife Refuge Mashpee, including birdwatching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also participate in educational programs and guided tours to learn more about the refuge's flora and fauna.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at the refuge include the Mashpee River, which is an important habitat for migratory fish such as herring and alewife, and the Great Egret Marsh, which is a popular spot for birdwatching. The refuge also features several hiking trails, including the Mashpee River Trail and the Wildlife Interpretive Trail.

Interesting facts about the National Wildlife Refuge Mashpee include that it was established in 1995 and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge is also part of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes eight other refuges in the area.

The best time of year to visit the National Wildlife Refuge Mashpee is during the spring and fall, when the migratory birds are passing through the area. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers activities and events throughout the year.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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