National Wildlife Refuge Stewart B. Mckinney

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The National Wildlife Refuge Stewart B.


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Summary

McKinney is located in the state of Connecticut and has several reasons to visit. This refuge is spread over 70 miles of coastline and offers breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. Visitors can also spot a wide range of migratory birds, including ospreys, bald eagles, and great blue herons. The Stewart B. McKinney refuge also offers a variety of trails for hiking, bird watching, and fishing.

One of the most popular attractions of this refuge is the 3-mile-long Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Trail, which offers scenic views of the salt marsh, tidal flats, and coastal forest. Visitors can also take a tour of the historic Faulkner Island Lighthouse, which is located at the western end of the refuge.

Interesting facts about the Stewart B. McKinney refuge include that it was established in 1972 and named after a former Connecticut congressman who was a champion of environmental conservation. The refuge has been designated as an Important Bird Area and is an important breeding ground for several bird species.

The best time to visit the Stewart B. McKinney refuge is during the spring and fall when migratory birds are passing through the area. Summer is also a good time to visit, as visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. However, winter can be harsh in the area, with snow and cold temperatures, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Overall, the National Wildlife Refuge Stewart B. McKinney is a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, and other outdoor activities while taking in the stunning views of the Long Island Sound.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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