News from the Game Refuge

For the safety of all, please read important information.

This winter beavers began building a new dam on Bissell Brook just south of where the Creek Trail footbridge crosses the brook. Due to their alterations of the stream bed and flooding of the area, we have closed the trail. Once the beavers complete their dam, the brook’s hydrology may stabilize, and we might decide to reestablish the footbridge. As we are a wildlife sanctuary, we prioritize the habitats of plants and animals, and that sometimes means that visitor access will alter or change throughout the year.

February 24, 2020 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Insects, diseases, invasive plants, and climatic factors influence the health of trees and forests. Director Connor Hogan will speak about managing forestland resources in the face of these stressors. Learn the basics of forest health. Read More…

In the summer of 2017, a new director, Connor Hogan, came to McLean Game Refuge. He is new in terms of the historic longevity of game refuge directors: In its 87 years of operation, Connor is only the fourth director. For Connor, this is a dream job, which may be the reason its past directors have stayed so long. Read More…

The new visitor parking access along Barndoor Hills Road is open.
We have constructed a new parking lot for the Barndoor Hills Road entrance to the Game Refuge. It is similar in size and character to the current parking lot at the Route 10/202 entrance to the Game Refuge. The new parking is located alongside Barndoor Hills Road just south of the access road that leads to the former lot by the brook. We have decommissioned the old lot and restored native vegetation on the site.