Welcome to Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. Hirundo is a 2,402 acre nature preserve, spanning Pushaw and Dead Streams, Lac D'Or (lake), vast wetlands, including domed bog and maple and juniper swamps, and mixed hardwood and evergreen forests. Only 10 miles from the University of Maine, Orono Campus, visitors paddle canoes free of charge and watch playful river otters, breeding Wood Ducks, Bald Eagles, and Osprey in the tranquil beauty. While hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing, one might encounter moose, deer, red and gray fox, muskrat, beaver, black bear, bobcat, pine marten, fisher, and ermine.

Birdwatchers enjoy such breeding and migrating birds as Virginia Rail, Sora, Yellow Rail, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Goshawk, Northern Harrier, Blackburnian and Nashville Warblers, Common Snipe, Woodcock, Barred Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Waterthrush, Barn, Cliff, and Tree Swallows, and Olive-Sided, Yellow-Bellied, Alder, and Least Flycatchers (see birds) and (see birding).

Hirundo is the Latin word for swallow. Scores of tree swallow nest boxes attract flocks, breeding in the Spring. Hirundo Wildlife Refuge was founded by Oliver Larouche from his parents' 3 acre camp in 1976, expanding to its present 2,402-acre size. In 1982 the Refuge was donated as a trust to the University of Maine. It is not supported financially by the University of Maine or any other institution. Hirundo is a living laboratory, where much past research and scientific studies continue.

The public is welcomed to visit Hirundo Wildlife Refuge 7 days a week 9 AM to 4 PM. Visitors should register with the Superintendent, June Larouche at Gate 3 or with the Caretaker, Dennis Atkinson at Gate 2. There are no charges, admission fees, or membership, but donations are strongly encouraged. The public should call ahead for canoes. There is a clearly marked trail system on 300 acres. Trail maps are available at Gates 3 or 2 and may be downloaded (see maps).