Join us on Saturday, January 8th at 10 a.m. to explore the trails at the Assabet Valley Wildlife Refuge in Hudson, MA. Water and snacks will be provided. There will be ample area to explore with interesting wildlife and abandoned military bunkers. As with any cold weather activities, dress for the conditions on the ground (such as snow), wear layers, gloves, cold weather footwear, hats that cover the ears, and come well hydrated.

Note: If using GPS or Google Maps to find the location, use the phrase "Assabet River Wildlife Refuge WELCOME CENTER". There are several parking areas at various trailheads that your GPS may lead you to (I know, because it took me to three different parking locations before I found the right one). The entrance is approximately 0.5 miles from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. Once at the entrance, follow the road to the big red Welcome Center and you'll see us there. The trail head that we'll be taking starts to the left of the Welcome Center.

We always strive to be good guests at any park or venue that we visit, so it's important that we abide by their rules and be respectful of other visitors. More information for this location may be found at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Assabet_River/visit/plan_your_visit.html . Rules to know at the Assabet Valley Wildlife refuge are:

No Pets: Service Animals Allowed

Leave No Trace: take out your trash with you (take in, take out)

No picking or disturbing wildlife or vegetation

Trails close at sunset

ATVs/horses are not allowed

The property, once known as the Fort Devens Sudbury Training Annex, had been placed off-limits by the Army since 1942 when they acquired it for an ammunition storage facility. Before World War II, the area consisted of small family farms and wood lots, some dating back to colonial times.

Assabet River NWR was established on September 28, 2000 when the U.S. Army transferred 2,230 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge opened to public access in March of 2005, followed by an official Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 23, 2005.

The refuge's specific objectives are determined in the Comprehensive Conservation Planning process. The objectives include the conservation and management of migratory bird species; the restoration of wetland, grassland and forest habitats; and natural resource related education.

Learn more about the history of this location at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Assabet_River/visit/plan_your_visit.html .

Given the time of year, conditions may change which may lead to the cancellation of this activity, such as ice storms, blizzards, etc. Keep an eye on the email you use to register for any updates.