Area 3.642 km² Established 1970 | Phone +1 401-364-9124 | |
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Location Charlestown, Washington County, Rhode Island, United States Nearest city Quonochontaug, Rhode Island Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Website Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Address 50 Bend Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA Management United States Fish and Wildlife Service Similar East Beach State Beach, Ninigret Pond, Burlingame State Park, Frosty Drew Observatory, Fort Ninigret | ||
Hiking the ninigret national wildlife refuge in rhode island
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge situated along the shore of Ninigret Pond. The refuge, characterized by salt marshes, kettle ponds, freshwater wetlands, maritime shrublands and forests, is seasonally inhabited by over 250 species of birds. The area was originally used for farming, prior to being utilized in World War II as a Naval Auxiliary landing field. Upon the transfer of 27.5 acres (11.1 ha) of land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge was designated in 1970. Subsequent transfers and purchases increased the protected area to approximately 900 acres (360 ha). During the winter months, black ducks, Canada geese, and diving ducks are especially prominent on the pond, while various species of migrating raptors are also common. Wildlife refuge staff also maintain a piping plover nesting program.
The refuge encompasses land of the former Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown.