Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge spans parts of Ayer, Shirley, Harvard, and Lancaster along the Nashua River corridor in north-central Massachusetts, protecting 1,667 acres of floodplain forest, wetlands, and upland habitat. Established in 1974, it expanded through several land transfers from Fort Devens and a later private purchase. Its chief role is supporting the national migratory bird management program, and its varied habitats are important for migratory waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, shorebirds, and passerines as well as many resident species. Its wetlands have priority protection status under major conservation laws and plans, and the refuge lies within broader areas recognized for environmental importance.

Harvard, Massachusetts · USA