U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Kettle Pond Visitor Center

Rhode Island

National Wildlife Refuge Complex

50 Bend Road

Charlestown, RI 02813

401/364 9124

401/364 0170 FAX

Federal Relay Service

for the deaf and hard-of-hearing

1 800/877 8339

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

1 800/344 WILD

http://www.fws.gov

June 2006

Saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow

© Paul J. Fusco

For information on nature walks and 

lectures go to www.friendsnwr-ri.org.

Directions to Kettle Pond Visitor Center 

and Rhode Island National Wildlife 

Refuge Complex Office, Charlestown: 

From U.S. Route 1 in Charlestown, RI 

heading south, past Ninigret NWR 

entrance, travel .5 mile and take right onto 

Bend Road. Heading North, past the sign 

for Burlingame camping area, look on 

left side for Bend Road. Make u-turn onto 

Route 1 South, travel .5 mile, take right 

onto Bend Road.

Rhode Island

National Wildlife 

Refuge Complex
“Come forth 

into the light 

of things; 

Let nature 

be your 

Teacher.”

	 —William Wordsworth

“Come forth 

into the light 

of things; 

Let nature 

be your 

Teacher.”

	 —William Wordsworth

Willets at sunrise

© Jim Clark 
Explore Rhode 

Island’s Only 

Undeveloped 

Coastal Salt 

Pond ...

	 Trustom Pond, a 160-acre coastal salt

pond, is the centerpiece of Trustom

Pond National Wildlife Refuge. It is

the only pond near Rhode Island’s

coast that does not have a developed

shoreline. The entire refuge is 787

acres and is the second largest of the

five refuges. Its gently rolling terrain

slopes gradually to the Atlantic

Ocean, and the types of habitats

found there include beaches, red

maple swamp, grass fields, forests,

and tall shrublands.

Wintering 

Waterfowl and 

Other Wildlife

The diversity of vegetation on the

refuge and the lack of development

around the pond provide an

undisturbed home for almost 300

species of birds. Trustom Pond

National Wildlife Refuge is wellknown in southern New England as a

premiere spot to view waterfowl that

migrate in the spring and fall, as well

as those that remain for the winter.

Hooded and red-breasted mergansers,

common goldeneye, and ruddy ducks

are just a sample of the 31 species

of waterfowl that visit the pond. The

refuge is also a popular place to find

shorebirds and grassland birds, and it

is a haven for many amphibian species.

Navigating the 

Trails

Two main trails lead visitors through

the varied landscape and provide

ample opportunities for encountering

Discover Rhode 

Island’s Refuges

	 Waterfowl drift in the sea mist by

the rocky shoreline. The harmonic

calls of songbirds echo from a field

of native grasses. Pond water ripples

as a snapping turtle surfaces near

a red maple swamp. Dotted along

the state’s Atlantic coastline, Rhode

Island’s five refuges offer a wide

variety of natural settings that appeal

to both the people who visit and the

wildlife that live there.

All National Wildlife Refuges were

established for the conservation of

wild things, and Rhode Island’s five

refuges were established specifically

for migratory birds. Over 400 species

of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl,

and raptors use the refuges to rest

and feed during spring and fall

migrations. Year-round resident

birds, as well as seasonal visitors

such as the federally-threatened

piping plover, nest in the shelter

of the refuges.

Birds are not the only attraction of

Rhode Island’s refuges. Uplands,

lowlands, and coastal environments

provide a home for many species

of animals and offer any outdoor

enthusiast a richness of plant

life to explore. These protected

lands are critical as increasing

development enroaches on local,

natural spaces.

Although wildlife protection is a

principle focus, the refuges also exist

to provide visitors with a place to

learn about nature firsthand. Come

explore visitor center exhibits. Speak

with dedicated staff and volunteers.

Walk the quiet trails, and experience

the diversity that is the heart of

Rhode Island’s refuges.

This goose, designed by

J.N. “Ding” Darling, has

become the symbol of the

National Wildlife Refuge

System.

(right)

Trustom Pond 

© Sari Ecklund
Did You Know? 

The refuge was established by

the generous gift of Ann Kenyon

Morse. In 1974, she donated 365

acres, including Trustom Pond.

Need Directions? From U.S. Route 1 North, take the

Trustom Pond National Wildlife

Refuge exit (right) to Moonstone

Beach Road. Follow 1 mile South to

Matunuck Schoolhouse Road and

turn right. Follow 0.7 mile to the

refuge entrance on the left. From

U.S. Route 1 South, make a u-turn

across the median and proceed North

to the Moonstone Beach Road exit.

Encounter the 

Harlequins ...

	 Sachuest Point National Wildlife

Refuge is the place to see colorful

harlequin ducks, which are named

after the clowns that some people

say they resemble. In fact, the

refuge is home to the second largest

wintering population of harlequins on

the Atlantic coast. These can be seen

along the refuge’s rocky shoreline

between November and March

the refuge’s wildlife. Both trails

begin at the refuge parking lot near

the visitor contact station. A stop at

the contact station offers visitors a

chance to gain valuable information,

such as recently-sighted species and 

upcoming activities, from dedicated

volunteers. The trail system is

approximately 3 miles and leads to

Otter and Osprey Points at opposite

ends of Trustom Pond. Both points

have viewing platforms that offer

a superb opportunity for wildlife

observation and photography.

Trustom Pond 

NWR Contact 

Station

Kimberly Hayes/USFWS

© Jim Clark

River otter

Harlequin ducks

© Paul Fusco

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of salt marshlands and steep rocky

shorelines around the perimeter.

Most visitors enjoy year-round birdwatching, and elevated observation

platforms along the trails provide

unobstructed views of the refuge.

A stop at the newly-renovated visitor

center is an ideal way to begin or

end a trail walk. Volunteers, staff,

and creative exhibits are available

to visitors and provide another

perspective of Sachuest Point

National Wildlife Refuge.

Did You Know?

Sachuest Point was once an island

separated from the mainland by a

salt marsh.

Need Directions? From U.S. Route 1, take Route

138 exit East across Newport

Bridge to Miantonomi Avenue.

Travel East 0.6 mile to Green End

Avenue. Without turning, follow

that road 1.2 miles East to Paradise

Avenue. Turn right onto Paradise

Avenue (sign on right). Continue

straight until the road forks and then

bear left. At the stop sign take a left

on Sachuest Point Road. Sachuest

Point NWR is at the end of the road.

each year. By scanning the coastline,

visitors also can spot loons, eiders,

and gannets. More than 200 bird

species visit the refuge seasonally,

and other occasional migrating

travelers include the peregrine falcon,

northern harrier, as well as snowy

and short-eared owls. 

From Military 

Defense 

to Wildlife 

Protection

During World War II, the area that is

now Sachuest Point National Wildlife

Refuge was used by the U.S. military,

first as a rifle range and later as a

communications center. By 1970, the

process of establishing a refuge had

begun with a 72-acre donation of

marshlands by the Audubon Society

of Rhode Island. However, it was not

until 1984 that a final exchange of

land between the Town of Middletown

and the refuge occurred, establishing

the current 242-acre refuge.

From Shrub to 

Shore

Walking the nearly 3 miles of trails

around Sachuest Point offers visitors

the opportunity to experience

several habitats, or environments

where animals and plants are usually

found. The refuge includes 40 acres

Snowy owl

© Paul Fusco

Rocky coastline

© Laura Landen

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marshes. Returning these wetlands

to their pre-runway state is part

of an extensive restoration process,

and when it is complete, both

visitors and wildlife will enjoy a

mosaic of shrubland and wetlands.

The refuge currently is dominated

by coastal forests, and it has a

3-mile shoreline that borders

Ninigret Pond, the largest salt

pond in southern Rhode Island.

Touring the 

Terrain

Over four miles of walking trails

lead visitors around the refuge, and

portions of most of those trails

provide a view of Ninigret Pond.

More than 250 bird species visit

seasonally, and 70 species nest on the

property, making bird-watching and

wildlife photography popular refuge

activities.

Trails Through Time is a recent

addition to the refuge that allows

visitors to learn about the history

of the area. While hiking along

these trails, panels highlight glacial

history, past agricultural practices,

early Indian society, uses of Ninigret

Pond, and the change from airfield

to refuge. 

Did You Know?

The refuge and the pond it borders

are named for Chief Ninigret, the

leader of southern Rhode Island’s

Niantic nation in the 17th century.

Need Directions? There are two access points to

the refuge. For the West entrance,

take U.S. Route 1 North or South

and exit at the Ninigret National

Wildlife Refuge sign. For the East

entrance, take U.S. Route 1 North

and follow signs to Ninigret Park.

Upon entering Ninigret Park, follow

signs for refuge parking. 

Locate the 

Restored 

Runways ...

Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge

has a past that has not yet been

completely disguised. As visitors

often realize from the remnants of

asphalt runways, the area that is

now a refuge was once an airfield. It

was called the Charlestown Naval

Auxiliary Landing Field, and it

was established during World War

II to allow pilots-in-training to

simulate aircraft carrier landings.

The process of restoring the former

airfield began in 1970 when 28 acres

were transferred from the U.S.

Navy to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Service. Since that time, the refuge

has expanded to 872 acres, and the

process of converting the old airfield

into wildlife habitat is ongoing.

Learning the 

Layout

Hidden beneath the asphalt,

biologists have found evidence of

wetland sites, which are transition

zones between dry lands and

waterways. Wetlands are commonly

referred to as swamps, bogs, or

Five acres planted 1998

Jason Ringler/USFWS

0 2 4 6 

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Warwick

Charlestown

95

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on the Atlantic Coast. Hundreds of

small ponds and fruit-bearing shrubs

provide essential water and food for

more than 250 species of birds who

come to rest there. Secondly, Block

Island’s international fame is that

it is home to 15 rare or endangered

species. For these reasons Block

Island was named a “Last Great

Place” by The Nature Conservancy.

Finding the Way As with all National Wildlife Refuges,

the refuge on Block Island maintains

wildlife conservation as its first

priority. However, refuge beaches are

open for walking, bird-watching, and

on the northern parcel, visitors can

enjoy surf fishing.

Further visitor opportunities are

being developed, and the Refuge

Manager can provide more

information on the status of the

public use plan. Visitors seeking

an out-of-the-way adventure will

be delighted by the impressive

landscape, the diversity of wildlife,

and the knowledge that they

are experiencing an exceptional

environment when they visit Block

Island National Wildlife Refuge. 

Did You Know?

The rarest species found on Block

Island is the American burying

beetle. It was federally listed as

endangered in 1989.

Block Island is one of only two

places in the world where barn

owls nest in sea cliffs rather

than in man-made structures or

inland cliffs.

Need Directions? Passenger ferries run from Newport,

RI and Montauk, Long Island,

NY during the summer months.

Automobile ferry service runs from

Point Judith, RI all year. The refuge

is about 4 miles from the ferry

landing. Taxis and bicycle or moped

rentals are all available on the island.

Seek An OutOf-The-Way 

Adventure ...

	 Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

is unique in several ways. Unlike

Rhode Island’s other four refuges, it is

not located on the mainland but rather

12 miles off the state’s southern shore

on Block Island. Totaling 129 acres,

the refuge is distinctive because it

works closely with other conservation

organizations in an effort to protect

land. Most importantly, the refuge is

exceptional because of its location on

an internationally recognized island.

A Last Great 

Place

Block Island has achieved

international conservation

significance for at least two important

reasons. Foremost, the island is a

critical migratory bird stopover point

Northlight Block Island

RI Tourism Council; Kindra Clineff

Yellow 

warbler

American 

burying beetle

Chris Raithel, RI DEM

© Paul Fusco

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1

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0 2 4 6 8 Miles

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Newport

John H. Chafee 

National Wildlife Refuge

at Pettaquamscutt Cove

Block Island

Block Island 

National Wildlife Refuge

Ninigret National 

Wildlife Refuge

Sachuest Point 

National Wildlife Refuge

Trustom Pond

National Wildlife Refuge

Rhode Island

National Wildlife

Refuge Complex

B l o c k I s l a n d S o u n d

Charlestwon Charlestown

A t l a n t i c O c e a n

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R H O D E

I S L A N D
Investigating 

Behind the 

Scenes

	 Some of the natural beauty that

visitors experience at Rhode Island’s

refuges is the result of hard work

by dedicated refuge staff. These

management activities take place

behind the scenes and take several

forms.

Refuge 

Restoration

Habitat restoration is one such

activity, and it is actively occurring

at Trustom Pond, Sachuest, and

Ninigret Refuges. The process

of restoration attempts to return

land to its natural state, prior

to the effects of agriculture and

development.

A notable example of habitat

restoration is the Sachuest Point Salt

Marsh Project. The existing 45-acre

Sachuest Salt Marsh was once part

of a much larger salt marsh system.

The construction of a reservoir

during the early twentieth century

converted most of the original marsh

into a fresh water lake. The waste

dumping, as well as road and military

construction that followed in later

years, further reduced the tidal flow

into the marsh. Salt marsh species

gradually declined, and the habitat

was altered dramatically.

In 1997, restoration of the Sachuest

Salt Marsh began. The restoration

project involved installing pipes

and deepening creeks in order to

reconnect the salt marsh with the

Uncover the 

Elusive ...

	 John H. Chafee National Wildlife

Refuge at Pettaquamscutt Cove can

be elusive to many human visitors.

However, it is well-known to the

migratory waterfowl that rely on it,

including the largest population of

black ducks in Rhode Island. In fact,

the 368-acre refuge was established

specifically to protect the population

of black ducks that winter there.

The refuge’s tidal salt marshes and

forests attract many types of birds,

and it is one of the few places in

Rhode Island that is home to the salt

marsh sharp-tailed sparrow. 

Locating 

the Hidden 

Treasure

Many visitors are able to view the

periphery of the refuge as they canoe

the Narrow River. Although there is no

refuge trail system, visitors can gain

a vantage point of the refuge from the

Middle Bridge pull-out and Sprague

Bridge on Route 1A. Designated

fishing access points also provide

visitors an opportunity for shoreline

fishing. Visitors can find parking across

the street on town property.

Did You Know?

Chafee National Wildlife

Refuge used to be known as

Pettaquamscutt Cove National

Wildlife Refuge. It was renamed in

1999 and dedicated to the memory

of U.S. Senator John H. Chafee,

who proposed the legislation that

created the refuge.

American

black ducks © Paul Fusco

Kayaking

Kimberly Hayes/USFWS

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most of the refuges. This plant offers

poor nutritional value to local wildlife

and kills other wetland plants by

robbing them of room to grow.

Protecting the 

Piping Plover

In 1986, the Atlantic piping plover

population was listed as threatened

under the Endangered Species Act.

At that time, it was estimated that

there were less than 1,000 pairs

remaining. Beginning in early spring,

Rhode Island’s beaches become

breeding grounds for a small portion

of the plover population. Piping

plovers nest on four of the state’s

five refuges as well as other public

and private beaches in southern

Rhode Island.

Rhode Island’s plover restoration

program began in 1991, and it

employs several techniques in order

to protect the birds during nesting

season. Exclosures, which are

similar to cages, are constructed

waters of Narragansett Bay. The

result is an improved habitat for

wildlife that more closely resembles

the original salt marsh conditions. 

Uninvited Guests Another activity occurring behind

the scenes involves removing plant

species that are not native to this

geographic ecosystem. These

invasive species have been introduced

as a result of both unintentional and

intentional human activity. Once

established, invasive species often

crowd out native plant species.

Some examples of invasive plant

species found on Rhode Island’s

refuges include Asian bittersweet

and phragmites. Asian bittersweet,

brought to the area because of its

attractive color, can be found on 80%

of the land at Sachuest Point Refuge.

The battle with phragmites, also

called common reed, is occurring on

USFWS

Asian 

bittersweet

Phragmites 

control

USFWS

Piping 

plover © Paul Fusco
 Things to Do at Rhode Island’s Refuges

Block Island Chafee Ninigret Sachuest Point Trustom Pond

hiking trails • • •

wildlife observation • • • • •

canoeing/kayaking

access * *

cross-country skiing • • •

surf fishing† • • * •shell fishing† *shoreline fishing† * *

waterfowl hunting • *

* From designated access points only

† Beaches are closed April 1 through September 15 above the mean high water line for the protection of migratory birds.

around individual nests. These allow

the adult birds to come and go but

prevent predators from entering.

Additionally, nesting beaches

are monitored daily by diligent

volunteers and biologists.

Some beaches, such as Moonstone

Beach on Trustom Pond National

Wildlife Refuge, are closed to the

public from April1 to September 15

each year. Beach closure is necessary

as humans can unintentionally crush

nests or chicks and stress parent

birds causing them to abandon

their nests. The beach closure

also benefits other shorebirds

that migrate in the fall.

The protection provided by the Rhode

Island restoration program has beena

success. During the last 10 years, the

number of pairs returning to Rhode

Island’s beaches increased from 10

to 44, and the number of chicks that

survived to adulthood increased from

20 to 90.

Understanding 

Refuge Rules

	 Everyday from sunrise to sunset,

visitors enjoya variety of activities

at National Wildlife Refuges.

However, not every refuge offers

the same opportunities. The

activities permitted at Rhode

Island’s five refuges are listed in

the table opposite.

Posting 

boundary

Patrick Roche/

USFWS volunteer

Plover 

exclosure

© Paul Erickson
office for a list of open areas and

current regulations.

Wildlife First 	 Because all National Wildlife Refuges

were established for the protection of

wildlife, activities that are not wildlife

dependent (those that do not require

the presence of wildlife or that pose a

threat to wildlife) are not permitted.

They include:

	 dogs, horses, and other

domestic pets;

	 collecting, removing, or damaging

plants or animals;

	 camping;

	 bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, and roller-blading;

	 swimming and sunbathing;

	 kite flying;

	 jogging;

	 feeding wildlife;

	 littering;

	 wandering from designated

trails.

This list is not comprehensive.

Visitors are asked to learn and follow

the regulations of the refuges they

visit. The wildlife thank you for your

cooperation.

More About 

Fishing

	 A night fishing permit system exists

at Sachuest Point National Wildlife

Refuge. Visitors should contact

the Sachuest Point Visitor Center

at 401/847-5511 to inquire about

obtaining a permit. Surf fishing

spots can be accessed by foot or by

motorized vehicle on refuges where

they are allowed. Block Island’s

Beane Point is closed to motorized

vehicles. State laws and regulations

apply to shell fishing. Visitors should

contact the refuge office for

more information. 

More About 

Hunting

Waterfowl hunting is permitted at

Trustom Pond National Wildlife

Refuge on a 20-acre upland site

administered by the Rhode Island

Department of Environmental

Management and primarily

targets resident Canada geese.

Hunting is not permitted on the

pond itself. Waterfowl hunting at

Chafee National Wildlife Refuge

is available by boat access only.

Visitors should contact the refuge

Officer 

assisting 

a young 

visitor

Lynda Bogdahn/USFWS volunteer

© Carletta

Birdwatching 

DeProspo

is a popular 

activity at 

the refuges.
Searching by 

Season: Nature’s 

Calendar

Spring

The breeze stirs recently green trees

as songbirds raise their voices in full

chorus. Wild strawberries bloom, while

turtles, salamanders, and frogs emerge

from freshwater ponds. Osprey return

to the nesting platforms they use each

year. Woodcocks dance in courtship

flights, and the beaches becomea

breeding ground for the piping plover

and least tern.

Summer

Wildflowers are in full blossom,

providinga vibrant background

for numerous species of butterflies.

Blueberries ripen as the fledged

young of resident birds make their

first appearances. Flocks of swallows

soar over fields of tall grasses, and

osprey can be seen fishing the waters

of Trustom Pond.

Fall

As the leaves transform from green

toa stunning array of rich reds,

oranges, and yellows, wildlife also

experiencea seasonal rotation. From

mid-September through early October,

the hawk migration can be witnessed.

The monarch butterfly migration

proceeds through the area in late

September, as goldenrod and asters

bloom.A variety of waterfowl come

to raft on ponds and the ocean waters,

and the Block Island migratory bird

diversity reaches spectacular status.

Winter

As the snow settles, tracks of local

mammals such as coyote, whitetailed deer, and river otter can be

seen. Short-eared, great horned, and

snowy owls area welcome winter

presence. Some waterfowl also choose

to winter at the refuges, including

loons and grebes.A layer of ice often

creeps across the ponds, causing the

waterfowl to gather in the dwindling

space and providinga more accessible

view for those visitors who are

undaunted by the winter conditions. Oystercatcher

© Jim Clark 
Getting Involved Valuable Volunteers

The National Wildlife Refuge

System enjoys a legacy of dedicated

volunteers. The Rhode Island Refuge

Complex is no exception, and those

willing to share their time and talents

are always welcome. Volunteers are

involved in a variety of important

activities, including:

	 staffing visitor centers;

	 conducting trail walks and

environmental education programs;

	 monitoring and maintaining trails;

	 using carpentry skills around the

refuges;

	 participating in research studies

and wildlife surveys.

Visitors who are interested in the

local volunteer program should

contact the Volunteer Coordinator at

the Rhode Island National Wildlife

Refuge Complex Headquarters.

Friends Find a 

Way

	 The Rhode Island National Wildlife

Refuge Complex is continuously

involved in activities that preserve

and expand essential wildlife

habitat. In an effort to aid the

Refuge Complex, a group of citizens

established a nonprofit association

called Friends of the National Wildlife

Refuges of Rhode Island. The

association supports the refuge staff

with projects that meet the Refuge’s

conservation goals.

Fulfilling the 

Promise

	 Rhode Island’s Refuge Complex has

been dedicated to the preservation

of wildlife and habitat for more than

thirty years, but the National Wildlife

Refuge System has a much longer

history. That history officially began

in 1903, when President Theodore

Roosevelt established the first

National Wildlife Refuge on Pelican

Island in Florida.

Public concern for wildlife protection

had mounted by the early twentieth

century, as the nation witnessed the

devastation of well-known species

such as the bison and passenger

pigeon. After feather hunters had

driven numerous bird species to near

extinction, Pelican Island attracted

attention as the last breeding

ground for brown pelicans along the

entire east coast of Florida. Using

an Executive Order to establish the

tiny island as a refuge, President

Theodore Roosevelt set in motion

a promise to preserve America’s

wildlife heritage for future

generations. 

Since that time, the National Wildlife

Refuge System has grown to include

more than 94 million acres on over

540 refuges. National Wildlife

Refuges can be found in all 50 states

and several U.S. territories, and

they conserve a diverse display of

the nation’s lands, including deserts,

forests, great rivers, marshes,

prairies, and coral reefs.

National Wildlife Refuge visitors

are often greeted by the sign of

the flying blue goose, which is the

symbol of the System. The lands

behind those signs are critical

not only to the wildlife who live

there but also to our nation. Those

lands are a timeless connection to

the natural world, and they fulfil

the promise made to generations

yet to come. 

Investing in Our 

Future

	 Rhode Island’s five refuges provide

both a home for the wildlife who live

there and a rich natural environment

for visitors to enjoy. These protected

lands are especially valuable as

increasing development reduces local,

natural spaces.

For this reason, the conservation effort

that visitors witness on the refuges

and the work that happens behind

the scenes are vital. From habitat

restoration and land acquisition to

community involvement and scientific

research, the Rhode Island Refuge

Complex strives to enhance Rhode

Island’s wildlife heritage.

Visitors to Rhode Island’s Refuges

enjoy a wildlife heritage that includes

a diversity of landscapes, hundreds

of animal and plant species, and

year-round guided nature walks and

environmental programs. Come and

experience the Kettle Pond Visitor

Center located at the northern unit of

Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.

The Center features exhibits and

educational programs, highlighting

the connection between wildlife,

people, and the environments that

they both share. Inside the Visitor

Center and out on the refuges, visitors

will discover the lessons nature offers

and the importance of protecting

Rhode Island’s natural resources.

Kimberly Hayes/USFWS

Volunteers provide assistance in numerous ways.

USFWS

USFWS