The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge was established in 1997 to conserve, protect and enhance the abundance and diversity of native plant, fish and wildlife species and the ecosystems on which they depend throughout the 7.2 million acre Connecticut River watershed. Currently, the refuge is comprised of nearly 40,000 acres within parts of the four watershed states of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The refuge includes ten divisions and twelve units that represent a wide variety of unique habitats such as: northern forest valuable as nesting habitat for migrant thrushes, warblers and other birds; rivers and streams used by shad, salmon, herring and other migratory fishes; and an internationally significant complex of high-quality tidal fresh, brackish and salt marshes. The refuge works in partnership with a wide variety of individuals and organizations to provide environmental education, to encourage and support appropriate habitat conservation and management on public and private lands, and to protect additional habitat. Many opportunities exist for visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the Connecticut River watershed.

Headquarters is located at 69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA. Take Interstate 91 to Route 9 East. After passing over the Coolidge Bridge, follow Bay Road to Moody Bridge Road. The Headquarters office is located on the left side of the driveway. Please note, the South Maple Street entrance to Bay Road is permanently closed to vehicular traffic. Nulhegan Basin Division: In Vermont, on Route 105 between Island Pond and Bloomfield. Nulhegan Basin Division Headquarters is a red building on the north side of the road. Enter refuge roads at Stone Dam Road, also on the north side of the road.