Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge
Situated on 12 acres, making it one of the smallest refuges in the United States.
Guide Sections
Use Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge Details
Difficulty
Low
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N/A
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Located outside of Muscongus Bay, Maine, Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge is situated on 12 acres, making it one of the smallest refuges in the United States. Franklin Island was once the home of one of the largest eider colonies in the state, however an outbreak of avian cholera wiped out the majority of them in the mid 1980's. As of 2003, the species has nursed back 330 pairs, and the numbers continue to slowly rise. Black-backed and herring gulls are also residents of the refuge. The Franklin Island Lighthouse, built in 1808, is still in place. During nesting season, the island is closed to the public, but it is open during the remainder of the year.