Friends of Outer Island
We are citizens from all walks of life with an interest in protecting the environment and serving the public. Visit, donate, or volunteer to be a Friend of Outer Island.
Our Mission is to:
- Preserve the natural resources of Outer Island
- Provide environmental education and wildlife dependent recreation
- Assist with maintenance and improvement of island facilities
All facilities at Outer Island are closed for the season
January 2020
What's It Like to Volunteer on Outer Island?
Have you been thinking about volunteering on Outer Island but have some questions before making a commitment? On January 20, from 6:30-8:00 at REI's Milford store, 1587 Boston Post Road, FOI representatives will present an overview of Outer Island and the McKinney NWR while discussing stewardship opportunities on the island and throughout the McKinney Refuge.
For more details please visit the REI website at https://www.rei.com/stores/milford.html.
Bring a friend and find out what its like to volunteer on an island!
Friends of Outer Island Event at the Yale Peabody Museum
Friends of Outer Island will again be hosting a table at the Peabody Museum in New Haven to promote Outer Island and the McKinney Refuge during the Peabody's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Friends of Outer Island members will be welcoming museum visitors on Sunday, Jan 19, 12pm-4pm and Monday, Jan 20, 10am-4pm.
PAST EVENTS
Friends of Outer Island Annual Picnic
Saturday, September 14, 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Come one, come all to our annual season-ending celebration on the island. We will provide the burgers, dogs, and libations, and you're welcome to bring a side or dessert.
Guided Paddling Tour of McKinney Refuge
On Saturday, September 14, Friends of Outer Island, in cooperation with the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, will be sponsoring a free guided paddling tour of approximately 3.5 miles round trip, down the peaceful waters of the Menunketesuck River and into Gatchen Creek. Participants will meet at 9:30 at the Kirtland Landing boat launch.
Connect with FOI on:
Purchase Smeagull the Seagull here and help support the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Smeagull is a wild herring gull. For more than 12 years now, he’s been knocking on Valerie and Mark’s sliding glass door when he wants to be fed. But of course Smeagull, being wild, can fend for himself. So Valerie and Mark did the one thing Smeagull couldn’t do for himself: They wrote a book about him! Smeagull the Seagull, A True Story is written in rhyme by Mark Seth Lender, and beautifully illustrated with full-color spreads by designer Valerie Elaine Pettis. Smeagull is intended for children of all ages - parents like it too.
Mark Seth Lender is a producer and the Explorer in Residence for Living on Earth, which is broadcast on 270 public radio stations, nationwide.
Valerie Elaine Pettis is an internationally known graphic designer.
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