The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today it has acquired property in Kennebunk, Maine that will serve as the future location of a new visitor center and administrative offices for the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf of Maine Coastal Program.
The new facility, located at 188 Brown Street in Kennebunk, is expected to open sometime in 2022 after work remodeling the building is completed. The refuge headquarters office and visitor center are currently located in Wells, Maine.
Refuge Manager Karl Stromayer said the acquisition will “stand as a lasting tribute to the former owners of the property and to Rachel Carson, the world-renowned environmentalist, marine biologist and author.” The visitor center will house exhibits of Service conservation work and showcase the life and contributions of Rachel Carson, who lived and conducted field work in Maine and also served as an aquatic biologist and editor in chief for the Service. Carson has been credited with launching the contemporary environmental movement through her book, Silent Spring and advocated for environmental policies that would protect human health and the environment..
Stromayer said the location with frontage on the Mousam River provides excellent opportunities to provide wildlife observation, fishing, environmental education and nature interpretation. Trails and observation platforms are also planned for the property.
