About Daniel Webster

Green Heron catching a bullfrog at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary © Michael Snow
Green Heron at Daniel Webster © Michael Snow

Miles of trails that traverse grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands await birders, families, nature lovers, artists, and photographers at Daniel Webster. Wildlife from shorebirds and turtles to muskrats and mink can be viewed from observation blinds and boardwalks. The sizeable grassland provides crucial habitat for birds such as the American Kestrel and Bobolink.

Location

Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield, MA 
Get directions or contact us >

Hours

  • Trails: Open daily, dawn to dusk
  • Restrooms: Outdoor, portable restrooms are available

Admission

Members: Free
Nonmembers: $3 adults, $2 seniors (65+), and $2 children (2-12)

As a way to increase access to nature, Mass Audubon also offers several free admission programs at our wildlife sanctuaries

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Universally Accessible Trail
  • Picnic Area

Acres

578

Trail Mileage

3.5 miles (universally accessible: 0.3 miles)
Details & map >

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Panoramic views of the grasslands from the platform at Fox Hill, where you may spot Northern Harriers, an Eastern Coyote, or White-tailed Deer.
  • A Purple Martin colony, housed in an array of white nesting gourds near Webster Pond.
  • Birdwatching programs, nature walks, and other educational programs that take place year-round through North River Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Two wildlife observation blinds, where you can watch sunning turtles and a multitude of wetland birds such as Green Herons in the shallow pond.

Property Regulations

All of the land at our wildlife sanctuaries is protected. By conserving these open spaces, Mass Audubon, along with our members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts.  

  • No dog walking or horseback riding; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome
  • No walking off trail  
  • No collecting or picking natural items.  
  • No bike riding or operating motorized vehicles; day passes are available for powered mobility devices   
  • No running, swimming, or camping 
  • No operating drones or other remote-controlled vehicles   
  • No fishing, hunting*, trapping, or releasing of animals   
  • No feeding wildlife   
  • No smoking 

* As part of our habitat management efforts, limited hunting for White-tailed Deer by a small group of invited hunters is permitted on remote portions of Daniel Webster during the state-approved season (early October through December). State law prohibits hunting on Sundays. Learn more >