 Photo Courtesy Jane Spinney
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Facilities and Activities:
| Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hunting | yes | | | Hiking Trail, miles | yes |
National Park Location Maps:
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View TOPO Maps!
National Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open
National Park Event Calendar:
volunteer positions open
Nearby Parks:
Hilton State Park (historical)
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| National Park Overview: |
 | Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Scattered along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of ten divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. It will contain approximately 7,600 acres when land acquisition is complete.
Our namesake, Rachel Carson, was a world-renowned marine biologist, author and environmentalist. She served as an aquatic biologist and Editor-in-Chief for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During her tenure, she composed a series of articles on Atlantic Coast wildlife refuges.
Ms. Carson was born in Pennsylvania in 1907. Though the mystery of the sea and its creatures captivated her at an early age, the Maine coast particularly inspired her. Beginning in 1952, she summered on Southport Island, where she studied its beach and tide pools to research The Edge of the Sea (1955).
Through tireless investigation for her greatest work, Silent Spring (1962), she linked the unrestrained use of post-World War II chemical pesticides with fearsome, biological consequences. Overcoming industry and government pressure to abandon her research, she persevered. Carson simply and convincingly explained the connections between humans and all creatures of the Earth. She alerted generations to use chemicals with utmost caution, warning that their improper use has dreadful effects on public health and the environment.
Rachel Carson died in 1964, a victim of cancer. As fitting recognition of her tireless work, this refuge, first known as the Coastal Maine National Wildlife Refuge, was renamed in her honor on October 28, 1969 and formally dedicated June 27, 1970. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
| Be the 1st to Review Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
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| Area Accommodations |
|  | Maine Stay Inn & Cottages - Kennebunkport, ME
Elegantly restored 19th century historic B&B offering romantic Victorian inn rooms & luxurious fireplace cottage suites. Spacious lawns, wrap-around porch, close to shops & harbor. Open year -round.
Price Range: $109 - $319
Web Site: http://www.mainestayinn.com |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Mainebirding - Unofficial Information about Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge - Wells - Unofficial Information about Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine. | | Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge - The Web site of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge | | About the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge - A brief description of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge | | Area Campgrounds | | Wayside Trailer Park
41 Long Beach Ave
York, ME
(207) 363-3846
| Beaver Dam Campground
551 School St
Berwick, ME
(207) 698-2267
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Eldredge Bros Fly Shop
1480 Us Route 1
Cape Neddick, ME
(207) 363-9269
| B & B Trap Co
1185 Us Route 1
York, ME
(207) 363-7297
| Breton's Bike Shop
879 Post Rd
Wells, ME
(207) 646-4255
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| Directions: |
| FROM MAINE TURNPIKE EXIT #2 (WELLS EXIT): At Exit #2, travel east on Route #109/#9 to Wells. Turn left (north) onto Route #1. Proceed approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) and turn right (east) onto Route #9. Travel 0.7 miles (1.1 km); the Refuge will be on your right. Look for the large wooden sign at our entrance.
FROM ROUTE #1 NORTH: From points north of Wells on Route #1: Proceed south on Route #1 through Kennebunk. Approximately 3.0 miles (4.8 km) south of Kennebunk, turn left (east) onto Route #9. Proceed as above.
FROM ROUTE #1 SOUTH: From points south of Wells on Route #1: Proceed north on Route #1 through Wells. Turn right (east) onto Route #9 (approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Wells Center). Proceed as above.
FROM KENNEBUNKPORT: Travel west on Route #9. Approximately 5 miles (8.1 km) from Kennebunkport Center, look for the large wooden sign at our entrance on the left. |
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