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Massachusetts
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State of Massachusetts Parks

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USA Parks
Massachusetts
Central Region
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
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OXBOW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
OXBOW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Still River Depot Road
Harvard, Massachusetts   01451
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Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in north-central Massachusetts, approximately 35 miles northwest of Boston, MA. The refuge lies within the towns of Ayer and Shirley in Middlesex County and the towns of Harvard and Lancaster in Worcester County. The refuge consists of approximately 1,667acres of upland, southern New England flood-plain forest, and wetland communities along nearly 8 miles of the Nashua River corridor. <P>Oxbow NWR was formed by three land transfers from the former U.S. Army, Fort Devens Military Installation, and a recent purchase of private land in Harvard, MA. Two of the transfers from the Army (May, 1974 and February, 1988) formed the original 711-acre portion of the Refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2. The third Army transfer occurred in May of 1999, and added the 836-acre portion of the Refuge that is located north of Route 2. Finally, approximately 120 acres were added to the Refuge in April, 2001, with the acquisition of the former Watt Farm property along Still River Depot Road in Harvard. <P>
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
Nearby Accommodations
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Located on over 100 wooded lakefront acres, overlooking Ashland State Park. Right out our front door you get to truly enjoy the great outdoors. Easy access to trails for hiking, and an area for swimming. Come and enjoy all that Ashland State Park has to offer, and stay at the Warren Center right next door.
19.7 miles from park*




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 16 Oxbow - not peaceful due to hunting by Cassandra
park review stars; one to five This could be a really nice place if only gun can be taken out! I was very disappointed by the close proximity and the continuous firing (must be at least semi-automatic type of rifle) during my 45 minute Saturday morning stroll.
April 1 awesome escape from life by Sarah
park review stars; one to five The Oxbow wildlife refuge is a great place to forget about life and take beautiful wildlife photos. There is a wide variety of wildlife and every time I go there I always see something different. The deer and otters are my favorite!
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Area Campgrounds
Boston Minuteman
Box 2122 Route 2A
Littleton, MA
Shady Point Beach & Campground
701 Reservoir Road
Lunenburg, MA
978-582-4976
Spacious Skies Minute Man
264 Ayer Road
Littleton, MA
978-772-0042
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Ric's Bait & Tackle
101 Marguerite Ave
Leominster, MA
(978) 534-5455
Blue Northern Trading Co
91 Littleton Rd
Ayer, MA
(978) 772-6779
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Massachusetts Route 2, take Exit 38 (Route 110/111) south toward Harvard; bear right to stay on Route 110 at Harvard Center; and, turn right onto Still River Depot Road at the Still River Post Office. The refuge parking area is at the end of Still River Depot Road, past the railroad tracks. <P>

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Massachusetts
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State of Massachusetts Parks

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