National Wildlife Refuge, established in December 1934, includes about
50,000 acres of marshes, woods, and water. The dominant feature is Lake
Mattamuskeet, which is 18 miles long, seven miles wide, and a swan’s neck
The U. S. Government
purchased the lake property in October of 1934 to create a migratory bird
refuge. Since then, the U. S. Department of Interior has expanded the
mission of the refuge to include all types of wildlife. More than 800
species of wildlife and birds are found on the refuge during part or all of
each year. The refuge is administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, U.
S. Department of the Interior. Don Temple is the current Refuge Manager.
In the winter months,
thousands of Tundra Swans, Canada and Snow Geese, pintails, black ducks, and
mallards are seen on the lake, as well as less numerous species of
waterfowl. Osprey nest in low Cypress trees near the water’s edge, and it is
not unusual to see a Bald Eagle circling overhead or resting in a tree a
safe distance from human traffic. Of the 800 species mentioned above, there
are more than 200 species of birds around Lake Mattamuskeet for part or all
of each year.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Bruce Freske, Refuge Manager
38 Mattamuskeet Road, Swan Quarter, NC 27885 USA