Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
| Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge | |
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IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
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Puffer Pond
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 Map of the United States
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| Location | Hudson, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Massachusetts, United States |
| Nearest city | Maynard, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°24′30″N 71°28′14″W / 42.40833°N 71.47056°WCoordinates: 42°24′30″N 71°28′14″W / 42.40833°N 71.47056°W |
| Area | 2,230 acres (9.0 km2) |
| Established | 2005 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge |
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, (formerly referred to as the U.S. Army's Fort Devens-Sudbury Training Annex), is a 2,230-acre (9.0 km2) protected National Wildlife Refuge located approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of Boston, and 4 miles (6.4 km) west of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, along the Assabet River. It is located in portions of the Towns of Hudson, Maynard, Stow and Sudbury. The Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge consists of two separate pieces of land. The larger northern section is just north of Hudson Road, extending north to the Assabet River. The southern section is located to the south of Hudson Road. There is a visitor center located in the northern section, on Winterberry Way.
The refuge contains a diverse mixture of pine and hardwood forest, old fields, and wetland habitats, including vernal pools. The Refuge is an "important feeding and breeding areas for migratory birds and other wildlife." The rare Blanding's Turtle species is found in the Refuge where it is monitored as scientists are working to help increase the population in the region. The Refuge "is 70% forested and there are 476 acres designated as wetlands" with a "habitat for a large number of bird species as well as migratory birds and waterfowl" and "otters, mink, turkeys, coyotes, beaver, fox, and deer."
On March 26, 2005, the refuge officially opened for wildlife dependent recreation. A map of existing trails is available at the visitor center and at the refuge website. As of September 24, 2014, there are 15 miles (24 km) of trails open to the public for wildlife observation, half of which are open to biking. The Assabet River Rail Trail has a section with a north end at the South Acton (MBTA station) and a south end at the north entrance to ARNWR (from White Pond Road, Stow).
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