Travel with your Boston wheelchair van rental to the Parker River Wildlife Reserve. The refuge offers a variety of wildlife dependent recreational activities for the public, including environmental education and interpretive programs, wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing and shellfishing, and canoeing/kayaking.

A little history

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1942 primarily to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is of vital stopover significance to waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds during pre- and post breeding migratory periods. The refuge consists of 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, shrub/thicket, bog, swamp, freshwater marsh, salt marsh and associated creek, river, mud flat, and salt panne. These and other refuge habitats support populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 350 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants.

Environmental Education

Spend a little time with your Boston wheelchair van rentals to discover the wonderful opportunities for learning about wildlife, their habitats, and the interplay between people and nature. The refuge frequently offers fun, FREE, educational programs for the public. The refuge also offers a variety of special events throughout the year. In June, the refuge offers "Go Fish," a surf-fishing day for kids and parents, and in October we offer our annual Wildlife Festival in celebration of national wildlife refuge week. The Wildlife Festival often features live animal presentations, hikes, tours, and crafts for kids. The annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival occurs each February.

A snapshot in time

For Boston wheelchair van rental travellers interested in photography you are in luck! The Parker River Wildlife Reserve is renowned for its wildlife observation and photography opportunities. Observation towers and platforms afford commanding views of the refuge and surrounding lands and waters. Several miles of self-guiding foot trails meander through dune, maritime forest, and marsh habitats. All trails are on boardwalks or lined with stonedust to protect the refuge's fragile ecosystems.

Observing the wildlife

The Hellcat Interpretive Trail is a refuge highlight. This 1.5 mile trail offers a narrative brochure to guide you along numbered posts. This brochure is available at the trailhead, refuge headquarters and the entrance gatehouse when staffed. The Dune Loop portion of this trail takes you up a 50 foot tall dune to give you a 360 degree view of the island. The Marsh Loop portion takes you through the North Pool, past beaver and muskrat homes, and gives you a great chance to view red winged blackbirds and marsh wrens. The Pines Trail, Salt Pannes Wildlife Observation Area, North Pool Overlook, and observation platforms overlooking the beach and ocean at parking lots 1 and 7 are wheelchair accessible.

Things to do

There are lots of things that you can do when you travel with your Boston wheelchair van rental to the Parker River Wildlife Reserve. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities are available via canoe or kayak. Launching or landing non-motorized boats is allowed at the ramp across from Lot 1. Entrance fees apply to anyone bringing in their boat or kayak via the entrance. Waterfowl hunting opportunities are also available in designated salt marsh areas of the refuge during state seasons. For the Boston wheelchair van rental travellers interested in deer hunting, Parker River Wildlife offers a one day controlled deer hunt which is conducted on the Plum Island portion of the refuge in December. Hunters are chosen by lottery. All refuge, federal, and state hunting regulations apply.

Before you go

For more information when you travel with your Boston wheelchair van rental to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge check out their official website at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/