Welcome to the Friends of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge!
We are a non-profit, community-based organization founded in 2003 by local individuals dedicated to supporting the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge in its efforts to conserve, protect and enhance the rich diversity of coastal habitats, seabirds and other wildlife. Check out our 2019 highlights.
The Visitor Center is Rockland is currently closed in the interest of public health and safety. Click on the Upcoming Events to check the status and learn about our periodic on-line programs.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
The best way to avoid getting a tick-borne disease is to prevent being bitten by a tick in the first place! The 2020 Lyme Disease Awareness Month theme this May is “Tick Tock.” This reminds us to slow down and practice great tick prevention when spending time outdoors. Click here to learn tips and to find more resources about tickborne illnesses and prevention methods.
Practice physical distancing with people and ticks! While the Visitor Center in Rockland is closed along with many other places, do get outside and enjoy the beauty of this incredible state. Check the status of the refuge trails and visitor center here: UPDATES
Artwork by: Alaina Kachnovic, grade 3, Spruce Mountain Elementary
Learn more about Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge and see why the Friends work so hard to support these wild islands.
Programs
We sponsor programs at the Visitor Center of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge at 9 Water Street in Rockland, Maine.
If you would like to receive e-alerts of upcoming programs for families and/or adults, please contact us: info@mainecoastislands.org
Art Gallery
We also manage a beautiful art gallery with a nature/conservation theme at the Visitor Center. Be sure to check out the gallery when you come to the visitor center in Rockland. The center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (except holidays) and on some evenings and Saturdays during special events. We are open for most First Friday Art Walks in Rockland.
Summer Island Interns
FOMCI supports the Refuge by contributing funds for seabird research and supporting student interns working on the seabird nesting islands during the summer. These interns are critical to the nesting success of our seabirds, protecting them from disturbance by humans and predators.
With the help of laptops that FOMCI purchased the summer island interns blog about their daily experiences. The blog can be found here.
