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 its 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.
Hirundo offers 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.
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
Craig Colson Contractor and Journalist
Charles Day, CA(SA), CPA Treasurer Accountant,Lecturer in Accounting UMaine
Dan Day Business Administration
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
Margaret “Peggy” LeClair (MBA) Accountant
G. Radford “Rad” Mayfield, III (MS/MA) Science Teacher, Bird Bander
Peter Schilling Educator
Mary Jean "MJ" Sedlock (MFA) Technical Theatre
Rebecca Sgouros (MSc) Vice Chair Environmental Archaeology
STAFF
Tilan Copson
Executive Director
Tilan has over a decade of non-profit leadership experience in Maine, and Master’s in both Business Administration and Global Policy. She is passionate about community enrichment and creating innovative educational experiences for K-12 children.
Favorite Trail: Trail of the Senses
Favorite Season: Summer
Favorite Wildlife: Moose
Gudrun Keszöcze
Refuge Manager & Naturalist
Gudrun has been with Hirundo since 2010, maintaining the refuge, leading programs, supervising volunteers, and sharing her passion for what makes Hirundo special. A certified Maine Guide, Gudrun loves to be on the water, and believes every outdoor experience teaches something new.
Favorite Trail: Needle & Leaf
Favorite Season: Spring
Favorite Wildlife: Bloodroot
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Deanna Fahey
Volunteer Coordinator
Over the last 11 years Deanna has combined a passion for the outdoors with her passion for education to promote nature based play through education in a variety of settings. Deanna oversees Hirundo's Volunteer efforts and rental operations.
Favorite Trail: Wabanaki
Favorite Season: Fall
Favorite Wildlife: Beaver
Mackenzie Roeder
Program Coordinator
Kenzie is an integrative conservation geneticist studying the complicated relationships between organisms and their environment across evolutionary time scales. She is currently finishing her PhD at the UMaine. Outside of reserach and leading programs at Hirundo Kenzie is a bird-nerd, dedicated volunteer, and decent baker.
Favorite Trail: Field to Forest
Favorite Season: Fall
Favorite Wildlife: White-Breasted Nuthatch
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Elizabeth Brennan
Social Media
Elizabeth is a wildlife major at the University of Maine, Orono, with a particular interest in ornithology. After she graduates she hopes to work as a wildlife biologist, outdoor educator, or begin a career with the National Parks Service.
Favorite Place: Lac D'or
Favorite Season: Fall
Favorite Wildlife:
Bald Eagle
