The Oyster River

0

Miles Long

0

Plant Species

0

Square Miles Drain To The River

0

Communities Connected

From its headwaters in Barrington, the Oyster River flows southeast through four towns on its path to Great Bay. Along the way, it provides drinking water for the town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire, a home for fish and wildlife, and places to enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating all year round.

Credit: Todd Selig

For more information about this river, check out New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services’ Fact Sheet. It includes helpful information about the river’s history, geology, and ecosystem, as well as available recreation options.

Image

WHO LIVES ALONG THE OYSTER RIVER?

With its wide diversity of habitats, the Oyster River watershed is home to many native animals, fish, plants, and trees.

Oyster
Oyster can be found around Oyster River
Credit: Alexa Brickett
Oysters are becoming more common on their namesake river thanks to efforts to rebuild oyster reef habitat in this region.
Muskrats
Muskrats can be found around Oyster River
Credit: NPS/Neal Herbert
Many critters find a home along the Oyster River and contribute to its vibrant ecosystem, including muskrats.
Northern flicker
Northern flicker can be found around Oyster River
Credit: Gary Lindquist
Northern flicker are one of the birds you might spot along the Oyster River, or you might see evidence of their feeding by serial holes on tree trunks.
Northern watersnake
Northern watersnake can be found around Oyster River
The northern watersnake is found along the Oyster River and in many freshwater environments in New Hampshire. Don't be afraid! Like most New Hampshire snakes, they aren't poisonous.
Sphagnum-heath
Sphagnum-heath can be found around Oyster River
Located along the Oyster River, the sphagnum-heath bog is one of the only undisturbed kettle hole bogs in New England.
Mayflies
Mayflies can be found around Oyster River
Credit: NPS Photo
An abundance of mayfly nymphs are a good sign of clean water in the upper reaches of the Oyster River.

Help protect the Oyster River

There's a lot to love about the Oyster. You can help protect it and all the benefits it provides.

Explore the Oyster River

Turn on toggles below to show activities around the map and click the map markers to learn about a location's amenities, accessibility, and more.

Activities

Amenities