Connecticut's Only National Wildlife Refuge Is In Westbrook And It’s An Unforgettable Adventure
By Lisa Sammons|Published November 16, 2022
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
There are so many great places to get out and explore in the Nutmeg State, but surprisingly enough, there’s only one officially-designated National Wildlife Refuge in Connecticut. The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is a massive preserve divided up over 10 parcels. The refuge provides a vital habitat for birds and other species. For those looking to enjoy the natural bounty of Connecticut, it doesn’t get much better than a stroll through this park!
The preserve was established in 1972 and now extends over 1,000 acres of land. Everything from forests to shrubs and marshlands is here, allowing a huge array of wildlife to be supported by the refuge.
There's a great variety of trails here, with both long and short hikes available. You'll find plenty of family-friendly hikes that are perfect for getting the kids out to stretch their legs.
Several islands and beach areas are included among the preserve's 10 units. Nearly all of the units are open for public recreational use with the exception of Falkner Island.
The wildlife refuge has expanded over the last few decades as locals have begun to worry about the effects of development on native wildlife, particularly birds.
The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge is an amazing spot for exploring and it's truly one of the natural gems of Connecticut. The Nutmeg State has magnificent scenery that's so much more diverse than people would assume.
