Ways to Get Involved

Here at the refuge, we love it when visitors want to get involved by becoming volunteers or joining our Friends groups!

A collage of volunteers doing various projects on the Stewart B. McKinney NWR.
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Volunteering

Volunteers perform many essential tasks that assist staff at the refuge in carrying out our diverse mission. From office work such as filing and cleaning, to building informational kiosks and bird boxes, to mowing lawns, giving interpretive tours and operating boats - the service that volunteers provide is tremendous. 

Individuals can volunteer as much or as little time as they wish, from a few hours a month to several full days each week. Regular volunteer opportunities exist in the following units of the refuge: Salt Meadow - Westbrook, Outer Island - Branford (spring and summer), Great Meadows - Stratford, Milford Point - Milford. 

Volunteers await the arrival of visitors at Outer Island
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For a list of volunteer opportunities in 2024 please click here. All dates and times listed are subject to change. Anyone interested in volunteering should email the Volunteer Coordinator at shaun_roche@fws.gov or call refuge headquarters at 860-399-2513.

Our Partners

The refuge has many Friends Groups, other partners and organizations that assist us in our mission.

Here is a list of some of our closest partners:

  • The Friends of Stewart B. McKinney NWR
  • The Faulkner’s Light Brigade
  • The Friends of Outer Island
  • The Norwalk Seaport Association