Attracting visitors to Rhode Island in every season are the Audubon’s scenically diverse refuges, conveniently located throughout the state. The Society owns or protects nearly 9,500 acres of wildlife habitat, making the non-profit organization Rhode Island’s largest private landholder. One refuge is situated in nearby Massachusetts. Thirteen of the refuges are open to the public and have groomed trails for hiking, bird watching, animal observation, plant and flower identification, photography and other nature activities. Additional programs are held at selected refuges for all ages and include shoreline exploration, owl prowls, stargazing, workshops, nature programs for families and more.

The refuges directly interconnect with the three focuses of the Society’s mission – land conservation, environmental education, and advocacy, but their primary allure rests with nature lovers who enjoy spending time in the beauty and peaceful solitude of the area’s natural ambience. Here is a sampling of some of the distinctive features of the thirteen refuges open to the public year round.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge

301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA (508) 761-8230

Caratunk Trail Map

  ASRI's Caratunk Refuge provides a protected and diverse habitat for native plants and animals as well as many educational programs. Camp is held here in the summer for children and public programs concerning the environment are held year-round for concerned citizens of all ages. Special programs for scout groups, senior citizens and other community groups may be arranged by reservation. Please call us at (508) 761-8230 if interested. Check out the Caratunk Program listings for upcoming scheduled events at Caratunk. Six miles of well marked trails are maintained for public use and easy walking in the quiet and natural setting. We encourage proper use of the refuge and stewardship of the gifts it offers us to enjoy. 

Owned and managed by Audubon, Caratunk was established in 1971 through the generosity of Mr. Charles G. Greenhalgh of Pawtucket, RI. The trials weave through nearly 200 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. Trails are open only to the following activities: hiking, bird watching, nature study, photography, ski touring, and snowshoeing. 

The following are prohibited from the refuge: dogs, horses and other pets; picking or collecting of anything besides litter; picnicking or camping; all vehicles (including bicycles) beyond the parking lot; excessive noisemaking; and alcoholic beverages. 

Directions to Caratunk

 From I-195, take the Broadway exit. Bear left at the bottom of the ramp, onto Warren avenue, turn left at the first set of lights, onto Route 114 north. Travel approximately 2 miles and then turn right onto Route 152 north. Continue on Route 152 across a reservoir and into Seekonk. After you pass the middle school on the left, turn right onto Brown Avenue. Caratunk is 7/10 of a mile on the right.

Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge

Davisville Road, North Kingstown, RI

Davis Trail Map

This property of woods and wetlands is located on the Hunt River in southern Rhode Island with access for canoeing. Please stay on trails; private property surrounds refuge.

Directions to Davis Memorial

Take Exit 7 (Frenchtown Road/Davisville) off Rte 4 south. Davisville Road (Rte. 403) is the left fork (follow signs toward Quonset Point/Davisville). Parking is on the right within 1/2 mile of the exit, immediately after the guardrail marking the Hunt River.

Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary

Watchaug Pond, Charlestown

 A 29 acre property gem located on the southern shore of Watchaug Pond. The land abuts Burlingame State Park and trails lead from the refuge to the state land.

Directions to Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary

Turn north off Route 1 at Prosser Trail, take the first left onto Montauk, and follow the signs to Kimball. At the bottom of the hill turn left and follow Sanctuary Road to the Nature Center.

Lathrop Wildlife Refuge

Westerly, RI

This 86-acre property situated along the northern shore of Winnapaug Pond consists of coastal shrub land, freshwater wetlands, and salt marsh. A short trail leads from the parking lot down to the pond.

Directions:

From Rte. 1 South, take a left on t Rte. 1A (follow signs to Misquamicut State Beach). Follow Rte. 1A approximately 3 miles. Look for sign off left shoulder of road.