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 2018 highlights.
Click on the Upcoming Events to see what is happening at Maine Coastal Islands NWR Visitor Center in Rockland.
FUNraising Events for 2019!
Your favorite events are scheduled for 2019. Be sure to add these dates to your calendar and look for more details as we get closer to the events. Support FOMCI and support Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge while having fun!
Annual Seabird Cruise to Petit Manan Island
Sunday, July 14, 4-6 p.m. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. once again is teaming up with FOMCI to offer this spectacular trip from Bar Harbor to Petit Manan Island to view the puffins, terns, razorbills and much more.
This fundraising cruise is unique with refuge staff and Friends’ naturalists as your personal tour guides. They will help you identify birds and other wildlife, and update you on their research and seabird restoration projects. Tickets are limited to ensure that you have plenty of opportunity to learn about and see puffins, razorbills and terns, along with other sea life. Tasty hors d’oeuvres with wine and beer are included on the cruise out to the island. Have fun participating in an auction on the way back.
This cruise helps to raise awareness about our nesting seabirds and raises critical funds for the Friends’ group who support the conservation efforts of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company graciously provides their catamaran for a comfortable ride out to the island.
Tickets cost $50 per person; $40 for Friends of MCINWR and may be purchased at the Visitor Center in Rockland, Monday- Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. Get your tickets here.
Fins, Feathers & Fur – Maine Coastal Wildlife Juried Art Show
Saturday, July 27 – For art wildlife lovers, this is a fun event to participate in and view. Drop off your art in the morning or by appointment earlier in the week (donation is $25 per art piece, or $10 for students), and then come view the show at it’s opening that same evening. Those who come see the show get to vote for People’s Choice. Get creating your critter now! Any type of Maine Coastal Wildlife is acceptable including our invertebrates! Call or email for guidelines and entry form – 594-0600 x5 or info@mainecoastislands.org.
Expedition Trip to the Arctic from Svalbard
Join Rupert Pilkington, Expedition Trip Leader, Polar Bear Specialist, Naturalist & Arctic Guide for your dream trip! There are a few spaces left on the August & September 2019 trips. We also are planning trips for 2020 and beyond. Email info@mainecoastislands.org if you are interested.
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 at the Visitor Center. Join us for First Friday Art Walks in Rockland to view art that inspires and supports our conservation message. We are open from 4-7 p.m. – see us first and then head downtown. Note: Art opening for August will be Saturday, July 27, 4-7 p.m.
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.
