Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Charlestown, Rhode Island, United States
Ninigret is a wildlife refuge covering roughly 2,100 acres (850 hectares) of varied habitats including grasslands, shrublands, wooded wetlands, and freshwater ponds next to Ninigret Pond. The mix of different landscape types creates rich conditions for plants and animals to thrive.
The site served as a Naval auxiliary landing field during World War II before becoming a protected refuge in 1970. This transformation from military use to conservation marked a major shift in the land's purpose.
The refuge is named after a Narragansett chief who led the region's original inhabitants before European arrival. Today, visitors walk through landscapes that still hold traces of the people who lived here for centuries.
The refuge has four miles (6.4 kilometers) of hiking trails and an observation platform at Grassy Point open throughout the year for wildlife viewing. The mostly flat paths work well for different experience levels, though visitors should be prepared for changing weather.
The refuge is home to around 250 bird species and supports marine life including blue crabs, bay scallops, and winter flounder in its coastal waters. This rich diversity makes it especially rewarding for visitors interested in seeing a full range of nature.
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