Announcements and Special Events

📸 Discover the Wild: Dive into our March Artist of the Month exhibit 📸

This month we're lucky enough to showcase stunning wildlife photography by three local talents - Dan Oh, Kristine Patti and Sue Poublon. Experience the beauty and intricacy of our natural wildlife and landscapes through their lenses. A visual journey awaits! Learn more.

Did you know?

You can help support the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends by supporting the and the future of wildlife conservation through the Doug Chickering Internship Program.

Learn more and make a difference today with your donation at Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

February Artist of the Month - Alan Bull 🎨

Discover the serene landscapes of Plum Island and the Merrimack River through the brush strokes of Newburyport's own Alan Bull. His captivating works are on display all February at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge's Visitor Center.

Experience the artistry that merges nature's beauty with impeccable craft.

Event Feature: Deborah Cramer's Talk at Parker River Refuge
🐦 "Migrating Shorebirds, Horseshoe Crabs, and Us"
📅 January 20, 2024 | ⏰ 1:00 - 2:15 PM
📍 Visitor Center Auditorium & Online via Zoom
💡 Discover the fascinating ecological connections.
🔗 More Info & Registration

Discover Local Beauty: 'A River Runs Through It' Exhibition

🎨 Ready for an artistic adventure? Join us to explore the stunning works of the Newburyport Ten. Their beautiful depictions of our local rivers await you at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

📅 On Display: Dec 4, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024 📍 Your Invitation: Parker River Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

🔗 Click Here for a Splash of Art!

Explore 13,000 Years of History with Dr. Goodby!

🌳 Discover the rich history of New England's first inhabitants with Dr. Robert G. Goodby.

From ancient mammoths to today's legacy, join us for a fascinating journey through time.

📅 Dec 9, 2023 | 🕐 1:00 PM 📍 Parker River NWR Auditorium

🔗 Learn More and register

Did You Know!

You can now buy your annual refuge pass online by scanning the QR code.

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Please enjoy issue #7 of Plants of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. If you have missed any pervious issues you can find them under the 'Archived Articles' tab on the home page.

Current Map of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

In case you missed it! Check out the wonderful write up about the work that was done on the refuge this week! Link to The Daily News article here

 

Artist of the Month Guidelines

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

In an effort to provide Refuge visitors with a broader array of interpretive exhibit offerings in the Refuge visitor center, the “Artist of the Month” program gives local artists an opportunity to display their wildlife and nature-related artwork, for one month at a time, in the visitor center auditorium.

Our nature-themed monthly exhibitions of paintings and photographs are held in the Parker River visitor center and bring great enjoyment to those visiting the center for programs or information. The Friends coordinates these exhibits and encourages those considering showing their work to read the guidelines provided below and if interested to submit a signed copy as directed.

You may also contact us at friends@parkerriver.org for further information.

Contribute to the Friends Internship Fund!

The Friends have launched a multi-year effort to raise at least $6,000 annually to cover the cost of a refuge summer intern for 10 to 12 weeks. The internship program will contribute to two of the Friends most important goals;
1. providing much needed support to refuge staff, and
2. offering hands-on training opportunities for individuals interested in careers in conservation and education.
 
100% of each gift will go towards the Friends Intern Program, to hire interns to work with the Refuge staff. Gifts are tax deductible.

Calling all citizen scientists! Chronolog Stations are now installed on the refuge.

 

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to help clear up the boardwalks and beaches. What an amazing success. Check out these before and after photos from Lot 1 boardwalk. 

Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to supporting the US Fish & Wildlife Service Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Our Friends organization is entirely dependent upon volunteer support and funding from membership dues, donations, grants and fund raising events.

The Refuge is located on Plum Island, a barrier island and nearby Great Salt Marsh area in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, along the major bird migration route known as the Atlantic Flyway. It is comprised of more than 4,700 acres of pristine coastal habitat for more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as a large variety of mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians. In addition to wildlife conservation, the Refuge provides unique opportunities to experience an undeveloped, coastal environment near major metropolitan areas. See http://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/.

Our Friends Organization:

Supports the primary purposes for which the Refuge was established.

Promotes the preservation of the natural and historical resources of the Refuge.

Fosters the wildlife-dependent use of the Refuge and the enjoyment of it by the public, consistent with its protection and preservation.

Engages in such educational, scientific and civic activities to assist the Refuge to carry out its mandates.

The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all our corporate sponsors and friends

Corporate Sponsors:

We appreciate all of your help and support. Please visit their websites for more information about each organization/business.

Tom’s Plum Island Birding Page

Bird Observer

Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift

The Brookline Bird Club

Eastern Mass Hawk Watch

Essex County Ornithological Club

Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center

River Valley Real Estate

AMARAL ENTERPRISES

 

How You Can Help