Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses over 10,000 acres of bays, rivers, tidal marshes, salt marshes, mudflats, upland forests, and freshwater wetlands in southeastern New Hampshire. Centered around Great Bay, a tidal estuary connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Piscataqua River, this reserve represents one of the largest and most ecologically significant estuarine systems in the northeastern United States. Its diverse habitats support a wide range of species including migratory birds, shellfish, fish, and rare plants, making it a vital site for coastal ecological research and conservation. The area has a rich history shaped by indigenous peoples, colonial settlement, and modern conservation efforts that began earnestly mid-20th century and led to the reserve’s establishment in 1989. Recreational opportunities focus on low-impact activities such as kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, and nature photography along numerous water trails and scenic observatories. The reserve's visitor center provides educational exhibits on estuarine ecology and human interaction with the coastal environment, enhancing visitor understanding and stewardship. Notable landmarks include the extensive tidal salt marshes at Odiorne Point State Park and the historic Laudholm Farm, which serves as the primary reserve headquarters and education center. The Great Bay Reserve draws naturalists, paddlers, and researchers alike, offering peaceful natural landscapes juxtaposed with rich cultural heritage.
