Massachusetts' national parks and conservation areas are federally protected due to their exceptional natural or historic significance, offering visitors breathtaking experiences in stunning settings.
These sites include the birthplaces and homes of our first and sixth presidents, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1819-1881) as well as Lewis Temple who revolutionized whaling as an African-American blacksmith.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a vast network of land and water managed to protect migratory birds. Spanning 12 miles along Concord and Sudbury rivers through Billerica, Bedford Carlisle Lincoln
Sudbury and Wayland share an area known for its abundant wetlands that attract waterfowl, other birds, reptiles, mammals, pollinating insects as well as providing valuable cropland and forest land to humans. It serves as the primary habitat for one of the nation's largest genetically distinct populations of threatened Blanding's turtle. Furthermore, its refuge provides protection for various reptiles, mammals, reptilians, reptilian predators, pollinating insects as well as being home to one of its largest genetically distinct populations of threatened Blanding's turtle. Furthermore it supports numerous reptiles, mammals reptilians as well as valuable cropland forest land to humans - both aspects that contribute greatly towards biodiversity!
As you explore Great Meadows' many landscapes and habitats, keep an eye out for birds in wetlands, on hay fields, and among the trees. At its entrance lies a visitor center, walking trail, wildlife observation tower - making this spot one of the premier spots in Massachusetts for watching waterfowl and other birds!
Visitors to this year-round refuge can take part in many recreational activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, hunting for pheasant and other game, fishing in Concord and Sudbury Rivers and boating. A refuge staff and volunteer group host programs on wildlife conservation topics - particularly birding.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge's ponds and marshes provide home for numerous bird species, from mallard ducks and geese to wood ducks and teal. Blue herons as well as yellow water lilies also call this area their home.
Green Briar Nature Center
Green Briar Nature Center of East Sandwich offers visitors a peaceful retreat on Cape Cod. Boasting natural history exhibits and a 57-acre briar patch where storybook characters like Peter Rabbit and Jimmy Skunk frequent, it was founded by Thornton W Burgess Society to preserve his interests through family-friendly activities like award-winning Shirley G Cross Wildflower Garden, nature trails, jam kitchen and small museum all located at Discovery Hill Road near Route 6A.
Nature Explorers, a summer program for children aged 4-10, provides kids with adventure. Each week-long session features outdoor activities like hikes and open-ended art projects designed to build an understanding of nature via sensory exploration and hands-on learning. Green Briar staff and volunteers guide participants as they gain new knowledge about topics like birds, insects, plants and soil.
Green Briar Nature Center also offers gardening and nature-related workshops tailored specifically for adults and families alike. Ethnobotanist Sharon Auckland can delve into the world of herbs while Naturalist John Kyle guides walks across Cape Cod's flora. Additionally, children can attend workshops by Eric Carle or Arnold Lobel that focus on "The Nature of Story."
An experience at Green Briar Nature Center wouldn't be complete without touring their garden! On Tuesday mornings from June to August, guests can join an informal guided tour. The grounds showcase various styles ranging from an English cottage garden with rose-covered trellises and secret corners designed specifically for children to classic Cape Cod gardens featuring vibrant perennials framing water vistas.
Visitors to Briar Patch can also explore its 57 acres of woodland and wetland via nature trails on its grounds, passing by the pond that inspired Peter Rabbit's story as well as Old Briar Patch Conservation Area. Ida Putnam established Green Briar Jam Kitchen in 1903 - it remains operational today producing traditional jams, jellies and relishes for sale through its gift shop.
Dillaway-Thomas House National Historic Site
Roxbury Heritage State Park lies at the center of Boston's oldest neighborhood and features the 18th century Dillaway-Thomas House as its centerpiece. Constructed as part of First Church of Roxbury in 1750 as parsonage housing, later becoming home for Roxbury Historical Society headquarters; Roxbury Heritage State Park was established by Commonwealth in 1984 to preserve this historical structure, undertaking extensive restoration to turn it into a museum exhibit space.
At Roxbury Historical Society's site in Roxbury, a museum is now the focal point for visitors, run by volunteer guides who educate visitors on its rich past and culture. House exhibits supplemented by staff and community outreach programs support its mission of collecting, preserving and interpreting Boston's past for present and future generations alike.
During the Revolution, the Dillaway-Thomas House's strategic position made it an invaluable military outpost. Reverend Amos Adams resided there until 1775 when it was offered as headquarters to General John Thomas as headquarters during the Siege of Boston - blocking one land route off of Boston peninsula and forcing British forces backward.
Later, the house served as a women's day school and home for international students. Martha Dillaway, headmaster of Boston Latin and contributor to Roxbury's intellectual life, donated it in 1927; today it remains one of Roxbury's oldest surviving houses.
Frank Chouteau Brown, an expert in historic house restoration, revived it from decades of neglect by adding both traditional colonial elements and federal style features for an entirely new look to create a fresh facade for this historic property.
In 2014, the Department of Conservation and Recreation contracted Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture along with other planning and design professionals to devise a new plan for Dillaway-Thomas House and Roxbury Heritage State Park. Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture oversaw an intensive public outreach program including workshops, individual interviews, group interviews, school visits to identify improvements. As a result of their work, MLLA created an oval performance space, perimeter pathway, puddingstone gardens, revitalized fruit orchard and rejuvenated fruit orchard for this newly planned landscape design project.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park, a National Natural Landmark, provides visitors with many recreational and leisure activities and amenities. Camping, kayaking, fishing and biking are among the many amenities provided at this state park; as well as scenic trails for wildlife viewing. Educational programs and guided hikes also play a vital role in providing visitors with a better understanding of its history, geology, wildlife viewing opportunities. Dedicated staff strives to give guests an optimal experience during their visit to this National Natural Landmark.
Glen Rose, Texas' Dinosaur Park is known for the fossilized footprints left behind by dinosaurs along the Paluxy River bed. Established in 1972 and covering 1,524 acres, this park was opened to visitors in 1972. There are two campgrounds with picnic and swimming areas along the Paluxy. Visitors can rent canoes and paddle boats to explore further. Furthermore, visitors will also encounter white-tailed deer, raccoons, and opossums as well as being an excellent birding spot!
Visitors to Paluxy River State Park can explore dinosaur tracks by wading through the riverbed of Paluxy River. There are five track site locations within the park where guests can observe both Sauropod (large elephant-like tracks) and Theropod (three-toed prints) tracks uncovered over millions of years by flood waters.
At the park is also a dinosaur museum which gives visitors a greater appreciation of dinosaur tracks as well as explaining how they came about.
The park's unique geological features attract visitors from around the globe, while also having an enormous economic impact on Glen Rose itself. Its variety of attractions and recreation opportunities help increase tourism revenue; additionally, it serves as an excellent place for families to spend quality time together.
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