Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex

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Discover Rhode Waterfowldrift in the sea mist by TrustomPond, a 160-acre coastal salt Island's Refuges the rocky shoreline. The harmonic pond, is the centerpiece of Trustom calls of songbirds echo froma field Pond National Wildlife Refuge. It is of native grasses. Pond water ripples the only pond near Rhode Island's as a snapping turtle surfaces near coast that does not have a developed a red maple swamp. Dotted along shoreline. The entire refugeis 787 acres and is the second largest of the This goose, designed by the state's Atlantic coastline,Rhode J.N. "Ding" Darling, has Island's five refuges offera wide fiverefuges. Its gently rolling terrain become the symbol of the variety of natural settings that appeal slopes gradually to the Atlantic National Wildlife Refuge Ocean, and the types of habitats System. to both the people who visit and the wildlife that live there. foundthere include beaches, red maple swamp, grass fields,forests, AllNational Wildlife Refuges were and tall shrublands. established for the conservation of wild things, and Rhode Island's five Wintering The diversity of vegetationon the refugeswere established specifically Waterfowland refugeand the lack of development formigratory birds. Over 400 species Other Wildlife around the pond provide an of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, undisturbed home foralmost 300 and raptors use the refuges to rest species of birds. TrustomPond and feed during spring and fall National Wildlife Refuge is well migrations. Year-round resident known in southern New England as a birds, as well as seasonal visitors premiere spot to view waterfowl that such as the federally-threatened migrate in the spring and fall, as well piping plover, nest in the shelter asthose that remain forthe winter. of the refuges. Hooded and red-breasted mergansers, common goldeneye, and ruddy ducks Birds are not the only attraction of are just a sample of the 31 species Rhode Island's refuges. Uplands, of waterfowl that visit the pond. The lowlands, and coastal environments refugeis also a popular place to find provide a home formany species shorebirds and grassland birds, and it of animals and offer any outdoor is a haven for many amphibianspecies. enthusiast a richness of plant life to explore. These protected Navigating the Two main trails lead visitors through lands are critical as increasing Trails the varied landscape and provide development enroaches on local, ampleopportunities for encountering natural spaces. Although wildlifeprotection 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 staffand volunteers. Walk the quiet trails, and experience the diversity that is the heartof Rhode Island's refuges.

(right) TrustomPond C Sari Ecklund Did You Knaw? The refuge was established by the generous gift of Ann Kenyon Morse. In 1974, she donated 365 acres, including TrustomPond.

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 TrustomPond U.S. Route 1 South, make a u-turn NWRContact the refuge's wildlife. Both trails across the median and proceed North Station beginat the refugeparking lot near to the Moonstone Beach Road exit. the visitor contact station. A stop at the contact station offersvisitors a Harkquin ducks chance to gain valuable information, such as recently-sighted species and upcoming activities, from dedicated volunteers. The trail system is approximately3 miles and leads to Otter and Osprey Points at opposite ends of Trustom Pond. Both points have viewing platformsthat offer a superb opportunity for wildlife observation and photography. River otter

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refugeis 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'srocky shoreline between November and March of salt marshlands and steep rocky shorelines around the perimeter. Most visitors enjoy year-round bird watching, and elevated observation platforms along the trails provide unobstructed viewsof 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 visitorsand provideanother perspective of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Did You Know? Sachuest Point was once an island separated from the mainland by a salt marsh. Snowyowl each year. By scanning the coastline, Need Directions? From U.S. Route 1, take Route visitorsalso can spot loons, eiders, 138 exitEast across Newport and gannets. More than 200 bird Bridge to Miantonomi Avenue. species visit the refugeseasonall y, Travel East 0.6 mile to Green End and other occasional migrating I Avenue. Without turning, follow travelers include the peregrine falcon, .J ' that road 1.2 miles East to Paradise northern harrier, as well as snowy /'---- ; Avenue. Turn right onto Paradise and short-eared owls. �ewjiortffi; Avenue (sign on right). Continue '!�Lr-'1v-i straight until the road forks and then From Military During World War II, the area that is V \ '1 bear left. At the stop sign take a left Defense now Sachuest Point National Wildlife on Sachuest Point Road. Sachuest to Wildlife Refuge was used by the U.S. military, Point NWR is at the end of the road. Protection firstas a riflerange and later as a communications center. By 1970, the Rocky coastline process of establishing a refugehad 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 refugeoccurred, establishing the current 242-acre refuge.

From Shrub to Walking the nearly 3 miles of trails Shore around Sachuest Point offers visitors the opportunity to experience several habitats, or environments where animals and plantsare usually found. The refuge includes 40 acres 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 Over four miles of walking trails Terrain lead visitors around the refuge, and portions of most of those trails providea viewof Ninigret Pond. More than 250 bird species visit seasonally, and 70 species nest on the property, making bird-watching and Five acres planted 1998 wildlife photography popular refuge activities. Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge has a past that has not yet been Trails Through Time is a recent completely disguised. As visitors addition to the refuge that allows often realize fromthe remnants of visitors to learn about the history asphalt runways, the area that is of the area. While hiking along now a refuge was once an airfield.It these trails, panels highlight glacial was called the Charlestown Naval history, past agricultural practices, Auxiliary Landing Field, and it early Indian society, uses of Ninigret was established during World War Pond, and the change fromairfield II to allow pilots-in-training to to refuge. simulate aircraft carrier landings. The process of restoring the former Did YouKnow? airfieldbegan in 1970 when 28 acres The refuge and the pond it borders were transferred fromthe U.S. are named for Chief Ninigret, the Navy to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife leader of southern Rhode Island's Service. Since that time, the refuge Niantic nation in the 17th century. has expanded to 872 acres, and the process of converting the old airfield Need Directions? There are two access points to into wildlife habitat is ongoing. the refuge. For the West entrance, take U.S. Route 1 North or South Learning the Hidden beneath the asphalt, and exitat the Ninigret National Layout biologists have foundevidence of Wildlife Refuge sign. For the East wetland sites, which are transition entrance, take U.S. Route 1 North zones between dry lands and and followsigns to Ninigret Park. waterways. Wetlands are commonly Upon entering Ninigret Park, follow referred to as swamps, bogs, or signs for refuge parking. 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 internationalfame 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, Northlight Block Island the refugeon Block Island maintains wildlife conservation as its first Block Island NationalWildlife Refuge priority. However, refugebeaches are is unique in several ways. Unlike open for walking,bird-watching, and Rhode Island's other four refuges,it is on the northern parcel, visitors can not located on the mainland but rather enjoy surf fishing. 12 miles offthe state's southern shore on Block Island. Totaling129 acres, Further visitor opportunities are the refugeis distinctive because it being developed, and the Refuge works closely with other conservation Manager can provide more organizationsin an effortto protect informationon the status of the land. Most importantly, the refugeis public use plan. Visitors seeking exceptional because of its locationon an out-of-the-way adventure will an internationallyrecognized island. be delighted by the impressive landscape, the diversity of wildlife, A Last Great Block Island has achieved and the knowledge that they Place international conservation are experiencing an exceptional significancefor at least two important environment when they visit Block reasons. Foremost, the island is a Island National Wildlife Refuge. critical migratorybird stopover point American buryingbeetle Did YouKnow? The rarest species found on Block Island is the American burying beetle. It wasfederally listed as endangered in 1989. Block Island is one of only two places in the world where barn owls nest in sea cliffsrather thanin man-made structures or inland cliffs. Need Directions? Passenger ferries run from Newport, RI and Montauk, Long Island, NY duringthe summer months. Automobile ferry service runs from Point Judith, RI all year. The refuge BJ.gck Island is about 4 miles from the ferry Yellow ;i landing. Taxis and bicycle or moped G.,.) warbler rentals are all available on the island. John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge - at Pettaquamscutt Cove Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

Ninigret National D Wildlife Refuge

Sachuest Point - National Wildlife Refuge Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex

•N 0 2 4 6 8Miles John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refugeat 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 specificallyto protect the population of black ducks that winter there. The refuge'stidal salt marshes and forests attract many types of birds, Kayaking and it is one of the few places in 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 Habitat restoration is one such 8 Restoration activity,and it is actively occurring & at Trustom Pond, Sachuest, and American � Ninigret Refuges. The process black ducks @ of restoration attempts to return land to its natural state, prior Rhode Island that is home to the salt to the effects of agriculture and marsh sharp-tailedsparrow. development. Locating Many visitorsare able toview the A notable example of habitat the Hidden peripheryof the refuge asthey canoe restoration is the Sachuest Point Salt Treasure the Narrow River. Although there is no Marsh Project. The existing 45-acre refuge trailsystem, visitors can gain Sachuest Salt Marsh was once part a vantage point of the refugefrom the of a much larger salt marsh system. Middle Bridgepull-out and Sprague The construction of a reservoir Bridge on Route 1A Designated during the early twentieth century fishingaccess pointsalso provide converted most of the original marsh visitorsan opportunity for shoreline into a freshwater lake. The waste fishing. VISitors can find parking across dumping, as well as road and military the street on town property. construction that followedin later years, furtherreduced the tidal flow Did YouKrww? into the marsh. Salt marsh species Chafee National Wildlife gradually declined, and the habitat Refugeused to be known as was altered dramatically. Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge. It was renamed in In 1997, restoration of the Sachuest 1999 and dedicated to the memory Salt Marsh began. The restoration of U.S. Senator John H. Chafee, project involved installing pipes who proposed the legislation that and deepening creeks in order to created the refuge. reconnect the salt marsh with the most of the refuges. This plant offers poor nutritional value to local wildlife and killsother wetland plants by robbing them of room to grow.

� 00 ;:i Phragmites control 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 Piping species foundon Rhode Island's plover refuges include Asian bittersweet and phragmites. Asian bittersweet, brought to the area because of its Protecting the In 1986, the Atlantic piping plover attractive color, can be found on 80% Piping Plover population was listed as threatened of the land at Sachuest Point Refuge. under the Endangered Species Act. The battle with phragmites, also At that time, it was estimated that Asian called common reed, is occurring on there were less than 1,000 pairs bittersweet remaining. Beginning in early spring, Rhode Island's beaches become breeding grounds fora small portion of the plover population. Piping plovers nest on fourof the state's fiverefuges 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 � ] • • • • * l § � ·c � [il .... � �...., @ • • • * Plover exclosure around individual nests. These allow i/;l the adult birds to come and go but prevent predators fromentering. Additionally,nesting beaches are monitored daily by diligent ...., volunteers and biologists. -�� • ....i::e • * • • * * Some beaches, such as Moonstone � Beach on Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, are closed to the public from April 1 to September 15 each year. Beach closure is necessary as humans can unintentionally crush

nests or chicks and stress parent <:I) birds causing them to abandon � • * • their nests. The beach closure � also benefitsother shorebirds Posting that migrate in the fall. boundary PatrickRoche/ The protection provided by the Rhode USFWSvolunteer Island restoration program hasbeen a success. During the last 10 years, the Ill ] number of pairs returning toRhode Q) � • • Island's beaches increased from10 = �� 0 to44, and the number of chicks that cci ..... survived to adulthood increased from .en � 20 to 90. "'Cl= C'CI ]! Everyday fromsunrise to sunset, Q) bO "Cl i:::: 0 bO visitors enjoy a variety of activities Cl .s -t- bO '.'3 i:::: ;Q bO at National Wildlife Refuges. cc-= c:'3 ;Q rn :§ c:'3 i:::: However, not every refuge offers -C'CI c; -t- -t- :§ ::s rn Q) � bO rn Cl rn bO ti:: ..c:: the same opportunities. The C � ...0 .....i:::: 0 i::s ..c:: Q) � h t 0 rn i:::: activities permitted at Rhode C) :§rn .s bO .S rn I ti:: :.::l .B Island's five refuges are listed in Ill :§ Q) rn rn ti:: Q) i... = = -� 0 Q) rn i... Q) - 0 = i:::: C) 0 't: � the table opposite. ;g c:'3 C) i... ::s ..c:: ..c:: � � ..c:: ] C) c:'3 C) rn rn rn � More About A night fishingpermit system exists office for a list of open areas and Fishing at Sachuest Point National Wildlife current regulations. Refuge.Visitors should contact the Sachuest Point Visitor Center Wildlife First Because all National Wildlife Refuges at (401) 847-5511 to inquireabout were established for the protection of obtaining a permit. Surf fishing wildlife, activities that are not wildlife spots can be accessed by foot or by dependent (those that do not require motorized vehicle on refuges where the presence of wildlife or that pose a they are allowed. Block Island's threat to wildlife) are not permitted. Beane Point is closed to motorized They include:

• dogs, horses, and other domestic pets; • collecting, removing,or damaging plants or animals; • camping; • bicycling, in-line skating, skate- boarding, and roller-blading; • swimming and sunbathing; • kite flying; • jogging; • feedingwildlife; • littering; • wandering fromdesignated trails.

Officer This list is not comprehensive. assisting Visitors are asked to learn and follow a young the regulations of the refugesthey visitor visit. The wildlife thank you for your cooperation. vehicles. State laws and regulations apply to shell fishing.Visitors should contact the refuge officefor more information.

More About Waterfowl hunting is permitted at Hunting Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refugeon 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 Birdwatching Chafee National Wildlife Refuge is a popular is available by boat access only. activity at Visitors should contact the refuge the refuges.

Fulfilling the Rhode Island's Refuge Complex has Investing in Our Rhode Island's five refuges provide Promise been dedicated to the preservation Future both a home for the wildlife who live of wildlife and habitat formore than there and a rich natural environment thirty years, but the National Wildlife for visitors to enjoy. These protected Refuge System has a much longer lands are especially valuable as history. That history officially began increasing development reduces local, in 1903, when President Theodore natural spaces. Roosevelt established the first National Wildlife Refuge on Pelican For thisreason, the conservation effort Island in Florida. that visitors witness on the refuges and the work that happens behind Vo lunteers provide assistance in numerous ways. Public concern for wildlife protection the scenes are vital. From habitat had mounted by the early twentieth restorationand land acquisition to GettingInvolved Va luabk Vo lunteers century, as the nation witnessed the communityin volvement and scientific The National Wildlife Refuge devastation of well-known species research, the Rhode Island Refuge System enjoys a legacy of dedicated such as the bison and passenger Complex strivesto enhance Rhode volunteers. The Rhode Island Refuge pigeon. After feather hunters had Island's wildlife heritage. Complex is no exception, and those driven numerous bird species to near willing to share their time and talents extinction, Pelican Island attracted Visitors to Rhode Island's Refuges are always welcome. Volunteers are attention as the last breeding enjoy a wildlife heritage that includes involved in a variety of important ground forbrown pelicans along the a diversity of landscapes, hundreds activities, including: entire east coast of Florida. Using of animal and plant species, and an Executive Order to establish the year-round guided nature walks • staffingvisitor centers; tiny island as a refuge, President and environmentalprograms. Soon • conducting trailwalks and Theodore Roosevelt set in motion visitorsalso will be able to experience environmental educationprograms; a promise to preserve America's a Visitor Center located near wildlife heritage for future Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. • monitoring and maintaining trails; generations. • using carpentry skillsaround the The Center will feature exhibits and refuges; Since that time, the National Wildlife educational programs, highlighting • participatingin research studies Refuge System has grownto include the connection between wildlife, and wildlife surveys. more than 94 million acres on over people, and the environments that 540 refuges. NationalWildlife they both share. Inside the Visitor Visitors who are interested in the Refuges can be found in all 50 states Center and out on the refuges, visitors local volunteer program should and several U.S. territories, and will discover the lessons nature offers contact the Vo lunteer Coordinator at they conserve a diverse display of and the importanceof protecting the Rhode Island National Wildlife the nation's lands, including deserts, Rhode Island's natural resources. RefugeComplex Headquarters. forests, great rivers, marshes, prairies, and coral reefs. Friends Find a The Rhode Island National Wi ldlife Way RefugeComplex is continuously National Wildlife Refugevisitors involved in activities that preserve are often greeted by the sign of and expand essential wildlife the flyingblue goose, which is the habitat. In an effortto aid the symbol of the System. The lands RefugeComplex, a group of citizens behind those signs are critical established a nonprofit association not only to the wildlife who live called Friends of the NationalWildl ife there but also to our nation. Those Refuges ofRhode Island. The lands are a timeless connection to association supports the refugestaff the natural world, and they fulfil with projects that meet the Refuge's the promise made to generations conservation goals. yet to come.