Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Chaffinch Island Wildlife Preserve is a protected area located on an island off the southern coast of Maine, near the town of Scarborough. The preserve encompasses a variety of coastal habitats including salt marshes, rocky shores, tidal pools, and small forested areas. These environments support a diverse array of wildlife, particularly migratory and breeding seabirds such as herons, egrets, and piping plovers. The island is an important stopover point for shorebirds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway, contributing to regional conservation efforts. Historically, Chaffinch Island was sparsely used for small-scale fishing and clamming but was designated as a wildlife preserve to protect its delicate habitats from development and disturbance. Visitors to the preserve can enjoy birdwatching platforms, interpretive signage, and short walking trails that allow for quiet observation of the natural surroundings. Kayaking and paddle sports around the island’s calm inlets offer additional ways to experience this coastal environment. The preserve is especially appealing to wildlife photographers and naturalists interested in saltwater ecology and shorebird behavior. Its proximity to other protected coastal sites, such as the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, adds to its value as a public resource for conservation and outdoor recreation in southern Maine.
