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The 28 acres of land that is now the Claire D.
McIntosh Wildlife Refuge once belonged to the DesLauriers family, who were well known in
Bristol in the early 1900s. At that time, most of the property was a family farm
where corn and other crops were grown. Claire was the second of two children,
born in 1915. She grew up in the family home at 1389 Hope Street, and also spent
most of her adult life there (the house is still in its original location, but
does not belong to ASRI). Claire's husband died long before she did and they had
no children. A licensed practical nurse and a private duty nurse, Claire had a
very strong love of animals and nature and at her death in 1992 left the 28
acres of family land to ASRI, hoping that others would enjoy its wildlife
and natural beauty as much as she did during her lifetime. Her will also created
the Norman A. DesLauriers memorial fund to endow the property. Norman, her only
brother, was killed in action in WWII.
The property now is home to the award-winning Environmental Education Center, where educational and refuge programs
are offered year-round. The fields, woods, wetlands and the boardwalk
to the shore of Narragansett Bay present the visitor with a wide
variety of habitats for nature study and observation.
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Get ready for your visit