William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge

William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge is a nature preserve on Staten Island comprising salt marshes, woodlands, and freshwater wetlands. The landscape spans about 814 acres where two creeks meet and supports diverse plant and animal communities throughout different seasons.

The refuge began as a small preserve through the efforts of a naturalist and the Audubon Society in the early period. It expanded gradually over the decades to become one of the state's larger protected areas.

The refuge is named after a local naturalist whose work helped preserve this landscape for future generations. Today, school groups and nature enthusiasts visit to learn about the importance of wetlands and their role in supporting wildlife.

The preserve is accessed through maintained walking trails and offers parking for visitors. These paths let you explore the different habitats and watch for wildlife throughout the year at your own pace.

The site hosts more than a hundred bird species, including rare saltmarsh sparrows and several owl types. This variety makes it an important stopover for migrating birds and a valuable spot for bird watchers.

Location: Staten Island

GPS coordinates: 40.59500,-74.17440

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06