Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is a Federal entity that is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, within the Department of the Interior. The refuge includes nearly 30,000 acres of lands and waters in eastern Washington County in the towns of Calais, Baring, Charlotte, Meddybemps, Edmunds, and Pembroke. Most of the land is forested, but the refuge also includes fields, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. The refuge has over 50 miles of roads and trails that are open for visitors.

The refuge was established in 1937 to provide habitat for migratory birds such as American woodcock, American black ducks, and Neotropical migratory songbirds, but it is also home to a myriad of native animals and plants.

The refuge is open year-round for recreation, such as wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, and fishing. Auto tour routes are available on both units of the refuge during spring, summer, and fall. Snowmobile trails cross the refuge. ATVs are not allowed on the refuge. The refuge holds a number of special events throughout the year, such as a children’s fishing derby, spring birding festival, amphibian walk, woodcock walk, warbler walk, and others. When staff are available, we hold children’s programs during the summer months.

The staff at the refuge is very small, and we do not have any staff that are dedicated to environmental education or environmental interpretation. However, the refuge can serve as a self-serve outdoor classroom for you or your group. Brochures and maps are available to help guide you. Come in to the refuge office on Headquarters Road along the Charlotte Road in Calais during regular business hours and we can provide you with information. On occasion, biologists or other staff members may be available to give tours or give presentations to your group.