Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is one of five refuges of the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This refuge, the former Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Facility is located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The glacial ice sheet and former uses have shaped this refuge's diverse landscape. It is known for its migratory bird species, and its rich history.

Beginning April 11, 2022, Kettle Pond Visitor Center will be open additional days and hour.

Kettle Pond Visitor Center is now open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm, thanks to dedicated volunteers.  Please stay tuned for spring and summer public programs located under "Visit Us".

One such program is the annual Cinder Worm Workshop, May 2, 9, and 14, 2022.  For more information and to register (space limited), please email Marisa_Podbros@fws.gov.

 

 

Latest News

A view of the ocean from land. In the distance is a water and rocky shore. In the foreground is a large rock formation and green vegetation
Recreation
The Wildlife Refuges of I-95
This story presents a state-by-state glance at national wildlife refuges where travelers seeking a nature break might stop along I-95. It includes expert tips about what a visitor might do and see during a one-hour stop at each refuge.
a flock of birds flying over a body of water on a refuge
Recreation
On Urban Wildlife Conservation Day, nature is closer than you think
The second Saturday of October marks the annual Urban Wildlife Conservation Day — a day to celebrate our connections to the outdoors and inspire people from all walks of life to experience the benefits that nature provides.
Puffer Pond at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
History and Culture
National Wildlife Refuge Names and their Native American Roots
Acknowledging and honoring the original stewards of the lands where we live and work
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Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Grey, white and black bird on sand in the foreground
      Piping Plover

      Size: 18 cm (7.25 in) in length. Color: Breeding season: Pale brown above, lighter below; black band across forehead; bill orange with black tip; legs orange; white rump. Male: Complete or incomplete black band encircles the body at the breast. Female: Paler head band; incomplete breast band....

      FWS Focus
      Species
      Kingdom
      Animalia
      Taxonomic Rank
      Species
      Brown and gray rabbit hides in the grass
      New England Cottontail
      Coney
      Wood Rabbit

      The New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) is a medium-large sized cottontail rabbit that may reach 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds) in weight. Sometimes called the gray rabbit, brush rabbit, wood hare or cooney, it can usually be distinguished from the sympatric eastern cottontail and...

      FWS Focus
      Species
      Kingdom
      Animalia
      Taxonomic Rank
      Species
      sandplain gerardia
      sandplain false foxglove
      FWS Focus
      Species