Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Tern at Monomoy
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 Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States |
| Nearest city | Chatham, Massachusetts |
| Area | 7,604 acres (30.77 km2) |
| Established | 1944 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge |
The Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area for wildlife. It is located on Monomoy Island in Massachusetts, USA. This refuge is managed by the United States government. Its main purpose is to provide a safe home for many different animals, especially birds.
About Monomoy Refuge
This refuge covers a large area of about 7,604 acres. That's roughly 31 square kilometers! It includes many different types of natural places. You can find parts of the ocean, salty marshes, and freshwater marshes. There are also sand dunes and ponds filled with fresh water. These varied habitats make it a perfect home for many species.
The refuge also has some old buildings. One important structure is the Monomoy Point Light. This used to be a lighthouse, and its keeper's quarters are still there. Even though it's not used as a lighthouse anymore, visitors can still explore it. A part of the refuge is also known as the Monomoy Wilderness. This means it's an even more protected area where nature is left mostly untouched.
History of the Refuge
The Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge was officially created in 1944. This happened just before World War II ended. The United States government took over the island to protect its natural resources.
For a few years, from 1944 to 1951, a part of the island was used for military training. It was called the Monomoy Island Gunnery Range. However, the main goal of the refuge has always been to protect wildlife. Its most important job is to provide a safe place for birds that travel long distances, known as migratory birds.
