Hirundo Wildlife Refuge is 2,460 acres of conserved woodlands and wetlands just West of Old Town, Maine dedicated to preserving nature while providing educational, and recreational opportunities to the public.
Hirundo offers 7+ miles of marked trails, river access, public programs, and free rental opportunities for canoes, kayaks, and snowshoes. Our universal access trail, the Trail of the Senses, offers sensory and mobility impaired communities as well as the elderly an opportunity to access and experience nature.
With our proximity to the University of Maine campus in Orono, the Refuge acts as a living laboratory for a wide range of University classes and student projects.
We offer environmental educational programs to schools and the public throughout the year and is dedicated to cultivating a love of nature in local youth and fostering future generations of environmental stewards.
We’re proud to be a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner, joining a global network of organizations advancing environmental solutions worldwide.
MISSION STATEMENT
To enjoy, understand, and protect Hirundo's natural and cultural environment
for the mutual well-being of our human and wildlife communities.
In Short: Enjoy, Learn, Protect.
VISION STATEMENT
Everyone living in balance with nature.
VALUES
We believe that there is a mutually beneficial relationship between the people and the natural
communities in which they live.
We believe that an understanding of nature stimulates an active involvement in stewardship.
We believe that all people regardless of origin, age, abilities or financial resources can benefit from
an intimate association with nature.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Trustees Title Background
Dick Andren (EdD) Educator
Dan Day Business Administration
Scott Friedlander Treasurer Key Bank Branch Manager
Madeleine Landrum Student Trustee UMaine PhD Candidate
Roxane Larouche (RN, MSN, ANP) OR Nurse, Birder
Stephanie Larouche (MD) Chair Clinical Research
Veronica Larouche (MA) Hospital Russian Translator
Laura Lewis Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Diane Norris Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Margaret “Peggy” LeClair (MBA) Accountant
G. Radford “Rad” Mayfield, III (MS/MA) Science Teacher, Bird Bander
Bob Pomeroy History Teacher
James Rohrbaugh Healthcare Executive and Financial Officer
Laura Sanborn Retired Penobscot County Commissioner
Peter Schilling (PhD) University Liason Educator, UMaine Innovation Center for Teaching + Learning
Rebecca Sgouros (MSc) Vice Chair Environmental Archaeology
Judy Walker (PhD, CCC-SLP) UMaine Professor Emerita, Speech Language Path
Kailey White Military Family Outdoor Programs Manager
Brianna Guy
Program
Director
Brianna is a UMaine alumna and former Hirundo volunteer who now serves as Program Director. With experience at Maine Audubon, she brings a passion for birds, ecology, and community connection to her work at Hirundo.
Favorites
Outdoor Activity: Birding
Season: Spring
Wildlife: Herring Gulls
Howard Corbett
Refuge
Manager
Howard has experience in forestry, arboriculture, and land management, including work in national forests, and plays a key role in maintaining Hirundo’s trails and preparing the refuge for visitors.
Favorites
Outdoor Activity: Canoeing
Season: Autumn
Wildlife: Otter
Kristen Buck
Community Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator
Kristen has a love for protecting natural landscapes. She brings over a decade of land management experience to Hirundo, where her mission is to connect people and businesses to nature at the Refuge.
Favorites
Outdoor Activity: So many!
Season: Monsoon Season
Wildlife: Lynx
Jody Stevenson
Grants
Consultant
Jody is a former social worker who discovered a passion for grant writing. After becoming a nonprofit development director, she started a grant consultancy firm to help organizations like Hirundo carry out their missions.
Favorites
Outdoor Activity: Hiking
Season: Autumn
Wildlife: Finches
Debbie Hoyle
Marketing & Communications Consultant
Debbie loves spending time in nature and is passionate about mission-driven organizations like Hirundo. She brings nearly two decades of marketing and communications to her consulting role at the Refuge.
Favorites
Outdoor Activity: Hiking
Season: Summer
Wildlife: Bobcat
MEET OUR STAFF
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Trustees Title Background
Dick Andren (EdD) Educator
Dan Day Business Administration
Scott Friedlander Treasurer Key Bank Branch Manager
Madeleine Landrum Student Trustee UMaine PhD Candidate
Roxane Larouche (RN, MSN, ANP) OR Nurse, Birder
Stephanie Larouche (MD) Chair Clinical Research
Veronica Larouche (MA) Hospital Russian Translator
Laura Lewis Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Diane Norris Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Margaret “Peggy” LeClair (MBA) Accountant
G. Radford “Rad” Mayfield, III (MS/MA) Science Teacher, Bird Bander
Bob Pomeroy History Teacher
James Rohrbaugh Healthcare Executive and Financial Officer
Laura Sanborn Retired Penobscot County Commissioner
Peter Schilling (PhD) University Liason Educator, UMaine Innovation Center for Teaching + Learning
Rebecca Sgouros (MSc) Vice Chair Environmental Archaeology
Judy Walker (PhD, CCC-SLP) UMaine Professor Emerita, Speech Language Path
Kailey White Military Family Outdoor Programs Manager
