Nature Center

The Future Potapaug Audubon Nature Center is located at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Meadow Unit, Old Clinton Road, Westbrook, Connecticut.

Renovation of the walls of this historic Cabin log cabin has been completed. The photograph depicts the renovation in progress shortly after the first of November, 2006. First, the logs were thoroughly cleaned. Some of the logs were replaced due to rot. A stain has been applied to the logs and the building is no longer gray (see photo of original cabin below). The roof was replaced in September 2005. (New picture coming soon)

The major renovation to the building is done. The doors and windows will be installed next. Eventually, the building will be wired for electricity, heat will be installed and some landscaping will be done around the outside of the cabin.

There will be work to do inside as well. A hardwood floor will be installed and items will be obtained such as a wood-burning stove, tables, chairs, display cases and anything else which would facilitate the presentation of educational programs.

Potapaug has always felt at home in the Connecticut River Valley area since its establishment in 1978, but with this Nature Center Potapaug can put down some physical roots. Our hope is that members and the general public will come to this beautiful refuge and enjoy the natural setting and partake in the programs which will be offered, not only by Potapaug but by outside groups as well.

The public is welcome to walk the trails and take a look at the log cabin. Brand new trails are being carved out presently which are handicap-accesible. A viewing platform down by the marsh at the Menuncketesuck River has been installed and a second platform is planned. There is a viewing scope on the platform.

The refuge is open one-half hour before sunrise and closes one-half hour after sunset.

More information about Salt Meadow

The entire refuge is a lovely place to hike. The trails along the watershed areas at the refuge, which include the Menunketesuck River, are right next to the Long Island Sound. You can see, first hand, the bluebirds and tree swallows using the nest boxes provided for them. The abundance of wildlife and hiking trails are worth a trip to the refuge. This refuge is an important flyway (migration stop-over) in Connecticut.

The Log Cabin is historic

It was built for Theodore Roosevelt from trees felled by the 1938 hurricane, The log cabin on the Salt Meadow site served as a rustic refuge for landowners Elizabeth Read, an attorney, and Esther Lape, a leader in medical reform. Lape, who survived Read, gave the 274-acre property, now called Salt Meadow in Westbrook, Connecticut, to the federal government in 1971. It was established to protect feeding, nesting and resting sites for migratory birds; to encourage a natural diversity of fish and wildlife species; and to provide environmental educational opportunities to the public.

Directions

To get there: I-95 to exit 64. Go south on "Horse Hill Road" (Route 145) about 300 feet to the blinking light. Go left onto "Old Clinton Road." Go about one mile and the preserve is on the right.