Pushaw Stream meanders from its source at Little Pushaw Pond in Hudson through the wetlands and woodlands around the northern end of Pushaw Pond. Dead Stream joins Pushaw Stream in West Old Town before the placid waters empty into the Stillwater River, a tributary of the mighty Penobscot River, at Marsh Island, after a journey of 20 miles.
It’s around the confluence of Pushaw Stream and Dead Stream that you’ll find an off-the-beaten-path kind of place known as the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, which preserves 2,460 acres of prime wildlife habitat. The name “Hirundo” is Latin for the genus of passerine birds in the family Hirundinidae, which includes swallows and martins.
More than 7 miles of trails crisscross the Hirundo property, leading through the fields and forests on both sides of Route 43 and offering a total of some 14 miles of hiking. The descriptive trail names — Pushaw Stream, Lady Slipper, White Pine, Wabanaki, Thorn Plum and Hemlock, to name just a few — give you an inkling of what you’ll discover en route.
To walk at Hirundo is to saunter and savor; to let your mind wander and your senses absorb the experience. A good place to begin is at the visitor center and boat launch. At nearly a mile, Pushaw Stream is the longest footpath, ultimately leading to lovely Lac D’Or. Wabanaki Trail continues along the stream past an ancient archaeological site.
A series of colorful interpretive displays along these and other trails will no doubt enrich your Hirundo stroll. You’ll learn about the shady hemlock forest, the silver maple floodplain, the People of the Dawnland, alewives and eels, wetlands and woodpeckers, the importance of river protection and birch bark canoes, among other interesting topics.
“Hirundo is a beautiful place. It’s peaceful here. Quiet,” said Brianna Guy, the refuge’s program director. “There’s a variety of habitats that support lots of birds and animals. We’re all about connecting the community to nature. About environmental education. Enjoyment of the outdoors. ‘Enjoy. Learn. Protect.’ is our motto that underscores our mission.”
In 1932, the Larouche family of Milo purchased a small cabin and three acres of woods on Pushaw Stream. This became a special place for the family to rendezvous to hunt, fish, recreate and relax for many years. Deeply in love with the spot, and with a purpose in mind, family members began acquiring more of the lands surrounding theirs.
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge was formally established by Oliver Larouche in 1965 “as a haven for wildlife in which to grow and be protected, an area in which they can live and survive.” In 1983, the Hirundo property was deeded to the University of Maine, which uses the facility as outdoor laboratory for a wide range of classes and student projects.
“That’s how I found out about this place. Hirundo was my go-to, not just for class work, but me personally,” said Guy, who studied wildlife management at UMaine, graduating in 2020. “I started volunteering here, and now I’m back as a staff member. I’m passionate about conservation, and Hirundo fulfills my values. I wish more people knew about it.”
The cattail-fringed Lac D’Or, the “Lake of Gold,” is the heart of Hirundo. Multiple trails converge at this small but scenic artificial pond a short distance south of Pushaw Stream. A brick-red frame cottage, the Parker C. Reed Shelter, sits on the southeast shore. Picnic tables beckon visitors to rest for a spell and enjoy the beauty. Speaking of rest, the aptly-named “Necessary House” with its toilet is nearby.
Hirundo is open to the public year-round every day from dawn to dusk. There is no fee. Pets, bikes and smoking are not allowed. In spring, summer and fall, the trails – especially along Pushaw Stream – can be wet, so do wear appropriate footwear. As an alternative to hiking, you can launch a canoe or kayak and take a pleasant paddle. In winter, you’re welcome to boot hike, cross-country ski and snowshoe on the trail system.
Hirundo offers canoe and snowshoe rentals, plus guided canoe trips and regular educational programs; check out the refuge website at www.hirundomaine.org for more information. You can also download a color-coded trail map to help get you around.
Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is the author of Beer Hiking New England, AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast and the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Follow more of Carey’s hiking adventures on Facebook and Instagram.
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