Update: Rachel Carson Center for People and Wildlife

We are excited about opening the new Rachel Carson Center later this year at 188 Brown Street in Kennebunk. This will be a visitor center, educational destination, community hub, and nature store to welcome many of the 300,000 people who visit this special wildlife refuge every year. There will be a “Sense of Wonder” trail along the Mousam River with amazing birding, photography, and recreation opportunities. Stay tuned for more details as construction is completed and we prepare to open the doors!

Credit: Tom Wall/FWS

Credit: Tom Wall/FWS

Credit: Matt Poole/FWS

Make a difference for wildlife…Apply for important Learning Experiences at the Refuge!

The Friends exist to support the Refuge’s mission: to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

One of the ways we do this is by providing funding and other support for internships and work experiences that promote science, local community engagement, and recreation. There are some amazing opportunities at the Refuge this summer. Find out more here.

Credit: Matt Poole/FWS

Please Take the National Wildlife Refuge System "Mission Alignment" Survey

We are asking our partners, members, and supporters to stand up for the Refuge and vote for wildlife! In December, Brian Nesvik, US Fish & Wildlife Service Director, issued an order to identify National Wildlife Refuges that are no longer “in alignment with their original mission.”

Our President Bill Durkin is responding on behalf of the Friends of Rachel Carson. We are asking everyone who cares about the amazing wildlife, waters, and lands along our magical Maine coast to speak up and complete the survey in support of the Rachel Carson Refuge.

The deadline is February 6. Here's the link…answer “Yes” to question 3 to complete the full 10-question survey:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=urWTBhhLe02TQfMvQApUlOvYbyvLAT9JmNl3cgBECdtUNEFBU05RUk5XVVZCQVNXVkwxM0oyVFhNUC4u

Credit: Matt Poole/FWS

Special illustrated map of the Refuge by local artist now available just in time for the holidays!

Looking for interesting art as a gift for friends and family, while supporting our amazing natural lands, waters, and wildlife? You’re in luck! Southern Maine illustrator Hannah Rosengren created this wonderful illustrated map of the Refuge and is generously donating a portion of proceeds from sales to Friends of Rachel Carson. You can learn more about Hannah and this project on her blog and you can find posters and prints for sale in her shop. We are delighted to share her work and we are grateful for her support of the Refuge!

In times like these, Rachel Carson spoke up and defended our natural world to protect wildlife and people. Please join us now!

PLEASE DONATE!

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is nearly 6,000 acres of precious southern Maine coastal habitat. It's where bald eagles soar overhead, snowy egrets track fish in the shallows, and red-winged blackbirds sing in the cattails.

This beautiful place is under threat from climate change, pollution, invasive species, and funding cuts. Friends of Rachel Carson are appealing to you - neighbors, friends, and others who care - to help fund our work. Our target by the year end is $25,000 and one very generous supporter has already contributed $5,000. Can you help us find the rest? Even $20 will be put straight to work, as will every gift large or small.

Photo credit: Ryan Schain/Macaulay Library

Your contributions will fund new education internships for young scientists and conservationists at our Refuge, and at the new Rachel Carson Center for People and Wildlife which will open in Kennebunk in 2026. These young people will assist our committed Refuge staff in their mission to protect a sanctuary for animals and plants and to ensure its security - and our enjoyment of it - long into the future.

All contributions are fully tax deductible. Let's keep the saltmarsh sparrow singing.

Help Protect Our Refuge! Shutdown Update

We are writing with an update on the federal government shutdown and its impact on the Refuge.

  • Refuge staff have been placed on furlough status, meaning they are effectively unemployed during the shutdown.

  • The Refuge manager, two wildland firefighters, and one law enforcement officer are still working. Interns and partners continue to work while supervised by Refuge staff.

  • Refuge buildings are closed to the public. 

  • Our wonderful walking trails - Cutts Island, Carson Trail, Timber Point, Goosefare Brook – remain open. Observation platforms and outdoor restrooms are open.

  • Hunting and fishing will continue, but all public events and meetings have been canceled.  

As you visit, we ask that you please pack in, pack out, and leave no trace so this special place stays protected for wildlife and for you and other visitors. (Like this osprey, keep your nest very tidy!)

And please help us keep the Refuge strong for wildlife and people by donating. You can give here. Thank you!

Photo credit: Matt Poole/FWS

RIP Dr. Jane Goodall: "We must let local wisdom and science be our guides"

Dr. Jane Goodall, one of the world’s most respected conservationists, has died. She said in 2020: "I read Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and was inspired by her courage in battling with pharmaceutical companies, the government, and scientists about the danger to the environment of DDT. She wrote for the general public, letting people know the truth, challenging the belief that scientists were above criticism." Two pioneers and icons in the protection of our natural world. RIP Dr. Goodall.

Credit: Joel Saget/Agence France-Presse

Friends Now Accepting Pre-Orders for Highly Anticipated 2026 Wall Calendar

The calendar features winning entries from the annual 2025 “Sense of Wonder” photography contest. Proceeds from calendar sales enable the Friends to support the Refuge’s fieldwork and applied science, engage the public in conservation education and programming, and advocate for strong policies locally, across Maine, and nationally to preserve land that supports migratory birds and other wildlife. You can place your pre-order here.

Credit: Steven Wells