As you walk around the Sachuest Point Refuge, you'll see a variety of management efforts from mowing, to nest boxes, to exotic plant control. All wildlife have different life requirements. Some animals require woodlands, some wetlands, some require open fields, while other animals need a mix of all of the above to survive. There are not as many natural areas available to wildlife as there used to be. Refuge lands are managed to meet the needs of as many native species of plants and animals as possible.
Plants are unable to grow when stepped on and human disturbance prevents wildlife from feeding.
Certain areas are closed to increase these species chances of survival. Mowing - Portions of refuge lands are periodically mowed to maintain open habitat, providing food and cover for such migratory bird species as woodcock and bobolink. This practice also benefits other wildlife such as hawks and white-tailed deer. Native Grassland Restoration - Most of the native grasslands in Rhode Island have disappeared. Aggressive mowing and planting of native grasses such as little bluestem and switch grass will help restore habitat and wildlife diversity to the area.