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.

American oysters chick with egg casing
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manages Sandy Point Island for Wildlife and Habitat

Sandy Point Island is managed for wildlife and their habitat, while also balancing passive public recreation that does not cause disturbance to natural resources.  The island provides important nesting habitat for piping plovers, a federally threatened shorebird protected under the Endangered Species Act as well as other species of shorebirds. You can be a part of the successful nesting season by visiting in a wildlife-friendly manner and purchasing the required beach pass at rhodeislandpermits.recaccess.com.  The fee collected helps support outreach and management of the area.  For more information, please see the news release. 

Kettle Pond Visitor Center is now open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 am - 4 pm

Join in on our free and family fun public programs:  Next ones are:

BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, August 10th, 3 pm - 4:30. Learn about pollination, migration, host plants and the survival skills of local butterflies and moths.  Make an origami moth or butterfly or design a caterpillar for our "caterpillar runway". Explore the native
pollinators along the “pollinator
pathway”.
Register at https://bit.ly/KettlePond or call anytime at 401.213.4413

Free Archery Days!  Last Archery Day is August 19, 10 to Noon.

For full list of programs, please see "Visit Us" section.

 

Latest News

Scenic view of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Habitat Restoration
Conservación y communidad - conservation and community
Hispanic Access Foundation interns connect communities to the great outdoors
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
View All News

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Grey, white and black bird on sand in the foreground

      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

      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