Green marshy wetlands with a river running through. On the far side of the marsh is a tall evergreen forest.

Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Rowley
  • 226 Acres

Plan Your Visit

Encompassing spectacular coastal woodlands, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and salt pannes, Rough Meadows supports an astonishing diversity of wildlife. The sanctuary, managed in collaboration with the Essex County Greenbelt, is part of the Great Marsh ecosystem. The area has been designated an Important Bird Area and Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Directions to Rough Meadows

Property Regulations

  • Foot travel only; please stay on trails (day passes are available for powered mobility devices)
  • Dog walking and horseback riding are prohibited; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome)
  • Camping, collecting, smoking, hunting, fishing, releasing of animals, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.
  • Commercial photography needs prior approval; please see all photography guidelines.

Facilities

  • Parking
    Parking

Explore Rough Meadows

  • Dried up shallow wetland with a stream leading to a forest.
    Rough Meadows, Rowley
  • Snowy path lined by bare trees. Some dead orange leaves remain on top of the snow.
  • A Clearwing Hummingbird Moth hovering over a light purple-colored flower.
    © Greg Nadeau
  • Gray bird with a small yellow band on its wings and one yellow tailfeather standing on a twig.
    © Lesli Woodruff
  • A small stream running through a marshy meadow.
    Rough Meadows, Rowley © Greg Nadeau