 Refuge Overview: Established in 1966 through a cooperative effort with the State of Maine, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge protects ten important estuaries and salt water marshes along the southern coast of Maine. Originally named Coastal Marine Wildlife Refuge, the refuge was renamed in 1969 after Rachel Carson, respected marine biologist, environmentalist, author, and former biologist and Editor-in-Chief for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Comprised of nearly 5,000 acres (to be 7,600 acres in the future) scattered along 50 miles of the Maine coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge’s units provide vital habitat for waterfowl migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Federal Duck Stamp dollars have helped to purchase the growing refuge. John and Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS |
| Wildlife and
Habitat: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
protects a wide variety of habitats, providing critical resting
and feeding areas for migratory waterfowl traveling to and from
their breeding grounds in the north. Refuge habitats include
forested upland, barrier beach/dunes, coastal meadows, tidal
salt marsh, and rocky coast.
More than 250 species of birds can be found on the refuge, and
common waterfowl include black ducks, mallards, Canada geese, and
common eider. Mammals, such as white-tailed deer, river otter,
beaver, fox, coyote, moose, and harbor seals, and reptiles and
amphibians, such as painted turtles, spotted turtles, spring peepers,
and wood frogs, also find safe-harbor on the refuge.
In 1984, portions of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge around
the Town of Wells were turned into a national estuarine research
and education reserve, with the goal of promoting knowledge and
understanding of estuaries and their greater protection. |
| Recreation
Opportunities: Much
of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is open for public use.
Fishing and hunting (waterfowl, deer, woodcock, pheasant, and grouse)
are allowed on certain units of the refuge, and wildlife photography
and observation is a common activity throughout the refuge. At
times, there are also environmental education programs available
on the refuge. Members of the refuge
staff at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge serve as coordinators
for the Maine
Junior Duck Stamp Program, a national environmental
education and creative arts program. |
