U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Kettle Pond Visitor Center Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex 50 Bend Road Rhode Island Charlestown, RI 02813 401/364 9124 401/364 0170 FAX National Wildlife

Federal Relay Service Refuge Complex 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

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.

Saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow © Paul J. Fusco “Come forth into the light of things; Let nature be your Teacher.” —William Wordsworth

Willets at sunrise © Jim Clark Discover Rhode Waterfowl drift in the sea mist by Explore Rhode Trustom Pond, a 160-acre coastal salt Island’s Refuges the rocky shoreline. The harmonic Island’s Only pond, is the centerpiece of Trustom calls of songbirds echo from a field Undeveloped Pond National Wildlife Refuge. It is of native grasses. Pond water ripples Coastal Salt the only pond near Rhode Island’s as a snapping turtle surfaces near Pond … coast that does not have a developed a red maple swamp. Dotted along shoreline. The entire refuge is 787 the state’s Atlantic coastline, Rhode acres and is the second largest of the This goose, designed by J.N. “Ding” Darling, has Island’s five refuges offer a wide five refuges. Its gently rolling terrain become the symbol of the variety of natural settings that appeal slopes gradually to the Atlantic National Wildlife Refuge System. to both the people who visit and the Ocean, and the types of habitats wildlife that live there. found there include beaches, red maple swamp, grass fields, forests, All National Wildlife Refuges were and tall shrublands. established for the conservation of wild things, and Rhode Island’s five Wintering The diversity of vegetation on the refuges were established specifically Waterfowl and refuge and the lack of development for migratory birds. Over 400 species Other Wildlife around the pond provide an of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, undisturbed home for almost 300 and raptors use the refuges to rest species of birds. Trustom Pond 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 as those that remain for the 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 refuge is also a popular place to find provide a home for many species shorebirds and grassland birds, and it of animals and offer any outdoor is a haven for many amphibian species. 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, ample opportunities for encountering 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.

(right) Trustom Pond © Sari Ecklund 195 24 Warwick 195 24

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4 Did You Know? 114 The refuge was established by the generous gift of Ann Kenyon138 Morse. In138 1974, she donated 365 138 acres, including TrustomNewport Pond. 95 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 Hayes/USFWS 1 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road and turn right. Follow 0.7 mile to the

Kimberly Charlestown refuge entrance on the left. From U.S. Route 1 South, make a u-turn Trustom Pond 1 NWR Contact the refuge’s wildlife. Both trails across the median and proceed North Station begin at the refuge parking lot near to the MoonstoneN Beach Road exit. the visitor contact station. A stop at Harlequin ducks the contact station offers visitors a 0 2 4 6 8 Miles 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. Block IsIslandland River otter Fusco Paul ©

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Encounter the Refuge is the place to see colorful Harlequins … 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

Clark the Atlantic coast. These can be seen along the refuge’s rocky shoreline Jim

© 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 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. 195 24 Warwick Did You Know? Sachuest 19Point5 was once an island Fusco separated from the mainland by a 24

Paul salt marsh. © Snowy owl each year. By scanning the coastline,1 Need Directions? From U.S. Route 1, take Route visitors also can spot loons, eiders, 138 exit East across Newport and gannets. More than 200 bird Bridge to Miantonomi Avenue. species visit the refuge seasonally,4 114 Travel East 0.6 mile to Green End and other occasional migrating Avenue. Without turning, follow 138 travelers include the peregrine falcon, 138 that road 1.2 miles East to Paradise northern harrier, as well as snowy Avenue. Turn right onto Paradise 138 Newport 95 and short-eared owls. Avenue (sign on right). Continue straight until the road forks and then From Military During World War II, the area that is 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 first as a rifle range and later as a Rocky coastline communications center.1 By 1970, the process of establishing a refuge had Charlestownbegun with a 72-acre donation of 1 marshlands by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. However, it was not until 1984 that a final exchange of N land between the Town of Middletown and the refuge occurred, establishing0 2 4 6 8 Miles 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 Landen where animals and plants are usually Laura

found. The refuge includes 40 acres © Block IsIslandland 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 provide a view of Ninigret Pond. Ringler/USFWS More than 250 bird species visit seasonally, and 70 species nest on the Jason property, making bird-watching and Five acres planted 1998 wildlife photography popular refuge activities. Locate the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge 195 24 Restored has a past that has not yet been Trails Through Time is a recent Warwick Runways … completely disguised. As visitors addition to the refuge that allows 195 often realize from the remnants of visitors to learn about the history asphalt runways, the area that is of the area. While hiking along 24 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, 1uses of Ninigret was established during World War Pond, and the change from airfield II to allow pilots-in-training to to refuge. simulate aircraft carrier landings. 4 114 The process of restoring the former Did You Know? 138 airfield began in 1970 when 28 acres The refuge and the pond it138 borders were transferred from the U.S. are named for Chief Ninigret, the 138 Newport Navy to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife 95 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 exit at1 the Ninigret National Layout biologists have found evidence of Wildlife Refuge sign. For the East wetland sites, which are transition Charlestown entrance, take U.S. Route 1 North zones between dry lands and 1 and follow signs to Ninigret Park. waterways. Wetlands are commonly Upon entering Ninigret Park, follow referred to as swamps, bogs, or signs for refuge parking. N

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Block IsIslandland on the Atlantic Coast. Hundreds of small ponds and fruit-bearing shrubs provide essential water and food for

Clineff more than 250 species of birds who come to rest there. Secondly, Block

Kindra Island’s international fame is that it is home to 15 rare or endangered species. For these reasons Block Council; Island was named a “Last Great Place” by The Nature Conservancy. Tourism

RI Finding the Way As with all National Wildlife Refuges, Northlight Block Island the refuge on Block Island maintains 195 24 wildlife conservationWarwick as its first Seek An Out- Block Island National Wildlife Refuge priority. However, refuge beaches are Of-The-Way is unique in several ways. Unlike open for walking, bird-watching, and 195 Adventure … Rhode Island’s other four refuges, it is on the northern parcel, visitors can 24 not located on the mainland but rather enjoy surf fishing. 12 miles off the state’s southern shore on Block Island. Totaling 129 acres, Further1 visitor opportunities are the refuge is distinctive because it being developed, and the Refuge works closely with other conservation Manager can provide more organizations in an effort to protect information4 on the status of114 the land. Most importantly, the refuge is public use plan. Visitors seeking exceptional because of its location on an out-of-the-way adventure138 will an internationally recognized island. be delighted138 by the impressive 138 landscape, the diversityNewport of wildlife, 95 A Last Great Block Island has achieved and the knowledge that they Place international conservation are experiencing an exceptional significance for at least two important environment when they visit Block reasons. Foremost, the island is a Island National Wildlife Refuge. critical migratory bird stopover point American Did You Know? burying beetle1 The rarest species found on Block Charlestown Island is the American burying beetle. It was federally listed as 1 endangered in 1989. DEM Block Island is oneN of only two RI places in the world where barn owls nest0 in2 sea4 cliffs6 rather8 Miles Raithel, than in man-made structures or inland cliffs. Chris 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

Fusco is about 4 miles from the ferry Yellow Block IsIslandland landing. Taxis and bicycle or moped Paul

warbler © rentals are all available on the island. 24

4 114 RHODE

ISLAND 138 138

138 95 Newport 2

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John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge 1 at Pettaquamscutt Cove CharlestwonCharlestown Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge d o u n Sachuest Point d S a n National Wildlife Refuge I s l o c k B l Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge A t l a n t i c O c e Rhode Island a n National Wildlife Refuge Complex

N 0 2 4 6 8 Miles Block Island Uncover the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Elusive … 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 Hayes/USFWS of black ducks that winter there. The refuge’s tidal salt marshes and Kimberly forests attract many types of birds, Kayaking and it is one of the few places in Investigating Some of the natural beauty that Behind the visitors experience at Rhode Island’s Scenes 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 Restoration activity, and it is actively occurring Fusco at Trustom Pond, Sachuest, and American Paul Ninigret Refuges. The process

black ducks © of restoration attempts to return 24 land to its natural state, prior Rhode Island that is home to19 the5 salt to the effects of agriculture and Warwick marsh sharp-tailed sparrow. development. 195 Locating Many visitors are able to view the24 A notable example of habitat the Hidden periphery of the refuge as they canoe restoration is the Sachuest Point Salt Treasure the Narrow River. Although there is no Marsh Project. The existing 45-acre refuge trail system, visitors can gain Sachuest Salt Marsh was once part 1 a vantage point of the refuge from the of a much larger salt marsh system. Middle Bridge pull-out and Sprague The construction of a reservoir Bridge on Route 1A. Designated during the early twentieth century 4 114 fishing access points also provide converted most of the original marsh visitors an opportunity138 for shoreline into a fresh water lake. The waste 138fishing. Visitors can find parking across dumping, as well as road and military 138 the street onNewport town property. construction that followed in later 95 years, further reduced the tidal flow Did You Know? into the marsh. Salt marsh species Chafee National Wildlife gradually declined, and the habitat Refuge used to be known as was altered dramatically. Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge. It was renamed in In 1997, restoration of the Sachuest 1 1999 and dedicated to the memory Salt Marsh began. The restoration Charlestown 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 1 N

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Block IsIslandland 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. USFWS 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. Fusco Some examples of invasive plant Piping species found on Rhode Island’s Paul 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 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

USFWS similar to cages, are constructed © Paul Erickson USFWS Patrick boundary Posting exclosure Plover

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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. More About A night fishing permit 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 inquire about 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;  feeding wildlife;  littering; volunteer  wandering from designated trails.

Officer This list is not comprehensive.

assisting Bogdahn/USFWS Visitors are asked to learn and follow a young the regulations of the refuges they

visitor Lynda visit. The wildlife thank you for your cooperation. vehicles. State laws and regulations apply to shell fishing. Visitors should contact the refuge office for more information.

More About Waterfowl hunting is permitted at Hunting 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 Birdwatching DeProspo Chafee National Wildlife Refuge is a popular is available by boat access only. activity at Carletta

Visitors should contact the refuge the refuges. © Searching by Spring Season: Nature’s The breeze stirs recently green trees Calendar 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 become a breeding ground for the piping plover and least tern.

Summer Wildflowers are in full blossom, providing a 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 to a stunning array of rich reds, oranges, and yellows, wildlife also experience a 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, white- tailed deer, and river otter can be seen. Short-eared, great horned, and snowy owls are a 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 providing a more accessible view for those visitors who are Oystercatcher undaunted by the winter conditions. © Jim Clark 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 for more 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 Hayes/USFWS National Wildlife Refuge on Pelican For this reason, the conservation effort Island in Florida. that visitors witness on the refuges

Kimberly and the work that happens behind Volunteers provide assistance in numerous ways. Public concern for wildlife protection the scenes are vital. From habitat had mounted by the early twentieth restoration and land acquisition to Getting Involved Valuable Volunteers century, as the nation witnessed the community involvement 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 strives to 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 for brown 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 and  staffing visitor centers; tiny island as a refuge, President environmental programs. Come and  conducting trail walks and Theodore Roosevelt set in motion experience the Kettle Pond Visitor environmental education programs; a promise to preserve America’s Center located at the northern unit of wildlife heritage for future Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.  monitoring and maintaining trails; generations.  using carpentry skills around the The Center features exhibits and refuges; Since that time, the National Wildlife educational programs, highlighting  participating in research studies Refuge System has grown to include the connection between wildlife, and wildlife surveys. more than 94 million acres on over people, and the environments that 540 refuges. National Wildlife 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 USFWS will discover the lessons nature offers contact the Volunteer Coordinator at they conserve a diverse display of and the importance of protecting the Rhode Island National Wildlife the nation’s lands, including deserts, Rhode Island’s natural resources. Refuge Complex Headquarters. forests, great rivers, marshes, prairies, and coral reefs. Friends Find a The Rhode Island National Wildlife Way Refuge Complex is continuously National Wildlife Refuge visitors involved in activities that preserve are often greeted by the sign of and expand essential wildlife the flying blue goose, which is the habitat. In an effort to aid the symbol of the System. The lands Refuge Complex, a group of citizens behind those signs are critical established a nonprofit association not only to the wildlife who live called Friends of the National Wildlife there but also to our nation. Those Refuges of Rhode Island. The lands are a timeless connection to association supports the refuge staff the natural world, and they fulfil with projects that meet the Refuge’s the promise made to generations conservation goals. yet to come. USFWS