Calf Island Conservancy, Inc. works in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to promote beneficial public uses and habitat enhancement on Calf Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.

The Conservancy was formed pursuant to federal laws recognizing a need for local "friends" organizations and the vital role they can serve in public land stewardship. Our mission is to work with Refuge personnel to:

• Provide appropriate high-quality public uses, promote environmental education opportunities, and enhance natural habitats on the island for plants, fish, wildlife and people
• Continue, promote and enhance Calf Island's long history of public access

Incorporated in February 2004, the Conservancy is a Connecticut nonprofit membership corporation which has been granted 501(c)(3) status. Working with Refuge personnel and with the assistance of volunteers, members have made many important improvements to public access, dock, trail systems and buildings. Numerous additional projects are planned to ensure the visiting public enjoys a quality experience.

The Conservancy assists Refuge personnel by assembling volunteers for a variety of tasks, including:

• Dock maintenance. The Conservancy purchased and installed the current docks, commissions and decommissions these each year, and regularly enjoys "hammerhead" days of dock maintenance.
• Habitat restoration. The Conservancy assists in removing non-native species and replanting native vegetation.
• Debris and drift removal. The Conservancy has cleared out old floats and wreckage from the salt marsh, and regularly cleans up accumulated debris that washes ashore.
• Wildlife Inventory. Conservancy volunteers help monitor and record wildlife activity.
• Encouragement of general public use. The Conservancy assists groups in organizing visits, and seeks to educate the public on sensitive use of the Island.

The Conservancy also assists the Refuge by funding improvements that may not be funded by the refuge due to budget limitations. Current needs include:

• Interpretive signs, including a map of the trails and information covering the flora, fauna and geology of the island.
• Observation deck and photo blind, to facilitate observation of natural features of the island and native wildlife.
• Rehabilitate the main pavilion, by repairing facilities and repainting the structure.
• Tables and benches, for use in environmental education programs on the island.
• Launch or ferry service, to provide easier public access.

There is much to be done to fulfill Calf Island's potential both as a community resource and as a special place for plants, fish and wildlife. Become a volunteer and a public land steward. Reap the satisfaction of contributing toward land conservation. Please join us!