A Refuge for All Seasons

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The Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge and the larger floodplain known as the "Longmeadow Flats" has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of the Interior, and an Important Bird Area by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. 

The nearly 400 acre area hosts many animals and plants, and includes scenic ponds, abundant wetlands, tree and shrub swamplands, open meadows, mixed-hardwood forest and riverbank. Periodic flooding preserves one of the largest remaining patches of floodplain forests and wetlands along the Connecticut River. The diverse landscape provides breeding and stop-over habitats for a great variety of birds, including migratory waterfowl. 

Fannie Stebbins Refuge offers designated walking and hiking trails. The Unit is open to the public for wildlife observation, photography, fishing, and hiking. It is open year-round from sun-up to sun-down. Ample parking is available on Pondside Road and in the West Road lot. 

Content from the USFW Silvio O. Conte 

Fannie Stebbins Unit Rack Card, November 2020