Building for the Future –
The Game Refuge Headquarters
To remain a “force for nature” and to keep up with the rapidly changing environment, a new center for Game Refuge management and education is essential. The last renovation of the headquarters was 24 years ago. A professional, effective, and efficient operations center will meet the needs of today and tomorrow, in design, scale, and function.
To achieve this next stage in preserving and advancing George McLean’s legacy, the campaign for the McLean Game Refuge was launched. Throughout the history of the Game Refuge, support from donors and volunteers has helped to further this powerful legacy. Their dedication, vision, and advocacy for the land and its wildlife have made a measurable, positive impact. Each of us can be a force for nature, as guardians and supporters of Senator McLean’s legacy. We need your help to fund the next phase of work to maintain this treasure.
Building on Legacy
Since 1982, our full-time professional director has managed the essential operations of the Game Refuge from the maintenance building on Barndoor Hills Road in Granby.
During that time:
- we added nearly 1,000 acres of land
- we expanded the trail system to include 27 miles of paths open to the public
- we launched and completed numerous research initiatives
- we created and protected critical wildlife habitats
To keep up with the ever-growing demands of the Game Refuge, staff support has increased to include summer and seasonal Forest Rangers. Despite ongoing efforts to adapt the current space to the changing needs of the staff and the community, it has become clear the maintenance building is no longer adequate. The space lacks the necessary functionality, resources, and storage for essential maintenance and safety equipment required to perform our work effectively.
The need to substantially enhance and expand the workspace is critical, and the time is now. After exploring many options and locations, we determined that the most efficient, affordable, and prudent plan is to renovate the existing maintenance building.
The renovation of the 3,368-square-foot facility will be funded by the philanthropic support of our community. The goal is to raise $850,000. Additionally, endowment and planned gifts can support trail maintenance and Forest Ranger programs.
The Impact
Community
Honoring Senator McLean’s vision of safeguarding the Game Refuge for people and nature, this project will strengthen connections within the community. The campaign will expand educational opportunities, enhance trail systems, and increase accessibility for those with limited mobility. With the support of neighbors and strategic partners, we will protect this space as a peaceful sanctuary for enjoying nature—preserved for generations to experience and cherish.
Conservation and Research
This larger and better-equipped space will enable us to attract and train an expanded workforce to protect wildlife and maintain diverse ecosystems. We will conduct research, store historical and archaeological artifacts, and expand conservation efforts while enhancing the stewardship of trails and infrastructure. These improvements will strengthen our ability to preserve the region’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Connection
The renovation will create a collaborative environment for organizations, research partners, educators, and scientists—including wildlife biologists, botanists, archaeologists, and forest experts from universities and conservation groups. This space will foster the sharing of knowledge and solutions to address climate change, habitat preservation, and environmental threats. We will have the resources to collect, maintain, and display history and artifacts, creating a vital hub for learning and discovery.
A Force for Nature Campaign Committee
- Deborah Carey
- John Carmon
- William & Marilyn Cox
- Merlin Ennis
- Samantha Lewis
- Martha Murray
- Michael R. Paine
- Victor Rush
- Michael Ryan
- Mark Wetzel
- Lisa Clark
- Connor Hogan
- Alison Monteiro Swain
- Jameson Lukasiewicz
Naming Opportunities
$250,000
- Naming of renovated headquarters building
$100,000
- Meeting room
- Outdoor patio
$75,000
- Garage bays, three available
$50,000
- Director’s office – claimed
- Workshop – claimed
$25,000
- Archives
- Kitchen – claimed
- Research area/office
$10,000
- Bench, limited number available, six claimed
$1,000-$24,999
- Name on plaque, interior of Headquarters
Up to $999
- Listed in the Annual Report of Giving
Named Endowment Funds start at $25,000 and may be funded by planned gifts. Endowment funds can support:
- Forest Ranger Program
- Trail, Bridge, and Road Maintenance
- Professional and Support Staff
- Historical Building Preservation
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Make Your Gift
Interested in contributing to the McLean Game Refuge headquarters? Reach out to our Development Director,
Alison Monteiro Swain, at 860-658-3702 or at alison.swain@mcleancare.org for assistance with making your donation. You may also use our online donation form to donate.
“Stewarding this remarkable legacy requires a headquarters where we can research, collaborate, and inspire future conservation leaders.”
Connor Hogan
Director, McLean Game Refuge
