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Best Birding in the Boston Burbs at Wildlife Refuge, MA (Family Friendly 15+)

September 7, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - September 13, 2025 @ 8:00 am

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Feel Worlds Away while only Miles Apart from Boston!

Join this project to work on trails just outside of the bustling city of Boston! Volunteers will have a chance to learn new skills and conduct trail maintenance on several trails located in the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge. Join this project and increase equitable access to multiple trail systems that wind through wetlands, forests, grassy meadows while enjoying a mix of history from World War I and the American Revolution War. These refuges provide some of the best inland birding sites in all of Massachusetts. This unique complex is home to eight diverse refuges that include several endangered and threatened species, has the only wilderness area in Southern New England.

Oxbow, Assabet River and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuges are all are within an hour of Boston, MA and Providence, RI. Volunteers will work to maintain trails by clearing the trail of branches, brush, and invasive plants. Volunteers may also assist with the installation of new signs and boardwalks as needed throughout the week. Volunteers will drive or carpool to the worksite.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Register

Host

Private: Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Accommodations

Dormitory/Bunkhouse

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will be driven 20 minutes to the project worksite. Walking to the sites may take up to an hour on easy to navigate trails.

Project Rating

Easy

Minimum Volunteer Age

15

Maximum Group Size

8

Area and Attractions

Situated along the Atlantic Flyway in Massachusetts, the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex comprises eight ecologically diverse refuges. The eight separate refuges include inland and coastal wetlands, forests, grasslands, and barrier beaches that provide important habitat for migratory birds, mammals, plants, reptiles, and amphibians. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages these areas to conserve and protect a diversity of native wildlife habitats and species. The refuge complex encompasses several endangered and threatened species, the only federally designated Wilderness Area in Southern New England, one structure on the National Register of Historic Places, and a National Wild and Scenic River.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay in two furnished dorms with bathrooms and showers. Bathrooms and kitchen will be shared. There is Wifi at the bunkhouse. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; and towels.

Travel

Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts in the closest airport. Airport pickup is not provided but carpooling can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex
680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776 United States + Google Map