The Parker River NWR preserves a natural bog where the cranberry grows much as it did for thousands of years when Native Americans harvested this resource and when the European Settlers arrived.  Native Americans and European settlers included cranberries in their diets.   When sugar from the Caribbean became available in the American colonies, popularity of the cranberry grew.  Farmers and families gathered wild cranberries for their own use and for sale to cities and towns.  The commercial cranberry industry was born when it was discovered that the cranberry could be cultivated in manmade wetlands and harvested by machines.   Cranberry sauce won a special place on the American holiday table.

The tour will start with a short presentation in the Visitor Center, followed by a tour of the bog itself.  Participants will be able to pick a small bag of cranberries, take photos and experience this unique natural & historical resource.

A Free Event co-sponsored by Parker River NWR & Friends of Parker River NWR, Inc.

Limited Space – Preregistration Required: Call (978) 465-5753