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The Ninigret refuge, off U.S. 1, covers 407 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including grassland, forest, wooded swamps, freshwater ponds and a small stretch of barrier beach.
Refuge staff are attempting to restore the native coastal sand plain grasslands - a habitat in danger of completely disappearing from the southern New England. More than 30 percent of endangered and threatened species in Rhode Island are found in this area.
There is an extensive trail system avilable to hikers that provides beautiful views of wetlands, grasslands, forest and shrub land, wooded swamps and a stretch of barrier
beach.
Ninigret Pond, at 1,700 acres, is Rhode Island's largest salt pond. It is linked to Block Island Sound by a man-made breachway.
Black ducks, Canada geese and diving ducks winter in large numbers on the pond. Osprey, harriers, kestrels and other migrating raptors frequent the refuge lands, too.
Along the beach, refuge staff are working to safeguard a threatened piping plover nesting program.
Fishing is allowed (under State regulations). Striped bass fishermen line the shores during the short cinder worm hatch in May.
Outdoor Activities |
