The McLean Game Refuge (MGR), Connecticut’s largest private wildlife sanctuary, needs a new headquarters to continue the important work to study, maintain and preserve its 4,415 acres.
With the leadership of Director Connor Hogan, MGR has embarked on documenting the diversity of the plant and animal species in the refuge, many critical research projects and forest ranger training for college students. (Did you know that MGR has documented over 1,723 distinct species, including 634 plants, 149 birds, 31 mammals, 16 amphibians, and 12 reptiles?)
These initiatives often involve scientific collaboration with universities, governments, scientists and conservation groups. For example, MGR and its partners have been studying the Eastern coyote population, blighted chestnut trees, rare plants and the diversity of bird life.
This vital work seeks solutions to address climate change, habitat preservation and environmental threats. As such, the current headquarters building—an unheated garage with insufficient office and research facilities—no longer meets its needs. Young forest rangers who might be studying the age, health and history of trees share a small, cluttered work area housed amongst maintenance supplies.
A Force for Nature campaign will give the building a long overdue makeover. The existing bright red garage space located on Barndoor Hills Road will be renovated to have heat, woodworking, research and meeting space.
In keeping with the existing architectural ambiance, wood from MGR trees will be used in the construction. This 3,400 square foot building (as shown in accompanying sketch) will continue to be a maintenance and research space but will better accommodate the growth in volunteers and research projects. McLean will have the resources to collect, maintain and display history and artifacts, creating a vital hub for learning and discovery.
The project will include a patio that overlooks lush fields amid the sound of singing birds. The renovation project will improve trails and increase accessibility for people with limited mobility.
Become a contributor
The fundraising campaign has an ambitious goal of $850,000 to cover the renovation of the existing headquarters. Though MGR is a community resource, it is a privately funded 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Except for occasional small grants, MGR does not receive federal or state taxpayer dollars. It needs community contributions. With the generous support of 42 donors (and climbing), the campaign has met more than 50 percent of its goal.
Recently, Granby resident David Pelizzon of Squadron Capital Trust has made a substantial contribution of $200,000. Pelizzon, the president of Squadron LLC believes, “It takes more than living in a town to make it a community and the game refuge is a unique asset to the local area and is very deserving of our support. I hope the Squadron donation inspires others to donate in any amount and to also be ‘A Force for Nature’”.
McLean board members Mark Wetzel and Michael R. Paine also made generous donations of $50,000 each. Construction may begin in late 2025 if fundraising continues apace.
If you are interested in supporting this vital project, go to mcleancare.org/game-refuge/force-for-nature On the website, there are naming opportunities for larger donors. For example, with a $10,000 donation a bench made with Game Refuge wood will be placed in your name. One bench recently placed on the five-hundred-foot summit trail is shown above. Of course, any donation is appreciated! As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Submitted by Karen Young