fungi

Last month, CORFA began asking Friends to post photos of their Refuge/Hatchery. We love seeing and learning about Refuges/Hatcheries across the country and what a great way to meet Friends and interact more with each other.  There were so many amazing photos posted. The first profile is of Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge and Nicole Souza’s stunning photos of fungi! 

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 3.5 square miles located within the Massachusetts towns of Hudson, Maynard, Stow, and Sudbury. The refuge is on the original homelands of the Nipmuc People. The name “Assabet” is likely from the Nipmuc dialect, but the exact meaning is uncertain. It seems to refer to the marshy nature of the area, described as meaning “the place where materials for making fishnet grows,” “a mire-y place,” and “at the place where the river turns back.” Indeed, the refuge features a large wetland complex, several smaller wetlands and vernal pools and large forested portions, which are important feeding and breeding areas for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Assabet River NWR was established in 2000 when the U.S. Army transferred 2,230 acres to the USFWS to be part of the NWRS. The Refuge opened in 2005. The property was a 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. 

Would you like your Refuge/Hatchery to be recognized next month? Post your photos often in the Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates Facebook group and “challenge” Friends from other Refuges/Hatcheries.  Thanks again Nicole! Who would you like to tag to share their photos?