Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

About Us

Our purpose is to support the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in its mission to preserve land for migratory birds and local wildlife.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is located in York and Cumberland counties and consists of eleven divisions totaling 5,600 acres scattered throughout the towns of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and Cape Elizabeth.

Refuge lands are home to many beautiful but at-risk animals, including piping plovers, least terns, New England cottontail, northern long-eared bat, little brown bat, and eastern small-footed bat. The areas protected by the Refuge support not only wildlife but also critical habitat benefits for buffering our communities against a changing climate. This biologically rich area is also the most densely populated part of Maine and continues to experience rapid human growth.

The mixture of vibrant residential communities and important natural resources creates unique opportunities to engage and educate landowners and visitors about our mission of wildlife and habitat conservation. The Refuge hosts between 260,000 and 330,000 visitors per year, for wildlife viewing, hunting, enjoying the Carson and Timber Point trails, and connecting with the natural landscape.

The Friends welcomes anyone who enjoys this area for its beauty, its wildlife, or its coastal access. We are currently looking for volunteers and Board members. To request more information, email friendsofrachelcarsonnwr@gmail.com.