 When the federal government bought the island in 2003, it joined the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a collection of federally owned islands along of Connecticut coastline from Greenwich to Westbrook.The Calf Island Community Trust, Inc., opposed the transfer of the island from the Greenwich Family YMCA to the federal government, in part because a permit would be required for some activities on the island; nevertheless, the purchase was made.Calf Island Conservation, Inc., a volunteer group, helps maintain and improve the island.