The fields, woods, wetlands and winding boardwalk to the shore of Narragansett Bay present visitors to the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge with a wide variety of habitats for nature study and observation. This property is also home to Audubon's award-winning Nature Center and Aquarium, where walks, shore programs, lectures and family events are offered year-round.
Dogs are prohibited. Click here to learn why and review other trail guidelines.
Refuge Highlights
- Habitat: fields, forest, fresh and saltwater marshes, rocky shore
- Wildlife to watch for: painted turtle, snapping turtle, frog, muskrat, fox
- Birds commonly found: Osprey, Green Heron, Wild Turkey, Red-tailed Hawk
- Offerings: Birdwatching, Summer Camps, Nature Center and Aquarium, Programs, Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing, Restroom, ADA certified accessible trail and boardwalk
- ADA-certified accessible trail and boardwalk are comprised of hard-packed crushed stone and a wooden boardwalk.
- Features award-winning Nature Center and Aquarium
- Boardwalk through fresh and saltwater marshes leads to Narragansett Bay
- Palmieri Pollinator Garden
- Wheelchair-Friendly Picnic Tables
- Located along the East Bay Bike Path with an access point to the trails and Nature Center
- Available for birthday parties as well as weddings and facility rentals.
All Audubon Society of Rhode Island land is protected. Our public wildlife refuges are for everyone to enjoy. Please respect the natural habitats of Audubon's refuges and avoid disturbing their inhabitants. Also, respect the rights of others when using the trails.
In order to ensure that these areas remain as healthy habitats, we ask you please to abide by these simple rules, enjoying the natural settings with quiet enthusiasm and a respectful sense of adventure. By conserving these open spaces, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, along with its members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Rhode Island.
To accomplish this, we kindly request the following:
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Permitted (and encouraged!):
• Hiking on the trails
• Observing & learning about wildlife
• Photography
• Bird watching
• Enjoying the area's natural ambiance and solitude
• Picnicking only at the designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium
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Not permitted:
• Dogs, horses and other pets
• Motorized vehicles and bicycles beyond the parking lot
• Hunting, fishing or trapping
• Picnicking (except in designated areas at the Nature Center and Aquarium)
• Camping
• Littering
• Alcoholic beverages and smoking
• Collecting plants or other natural objects
• Geo-caching or Letterboxing
• Jogging, running and excessive noise
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Dogs can be best friends, good companions and even part of the family, but dogs are not allowed on Audubon Wildlife Refuges for a number of reasons. Read More.
*Service dogs are welcome.
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