Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge

Address: 116 Seapowet Avenue, Tiverton, RI 02878
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Acres: 50
Trails: 1.6 miles
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Restroom: Yes, portalet available at trailhead.

Trail Map
Mapa de Senderos

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Dogs are prohibited. Click here to learn why and review other trail guidelines.

The Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge is a lovely parcel of woods and salt marsh with winding trails that run along the Sakonnet River. The trail system weaves through deciduous woods and red maple swamp with many places to stop and enjoy the beautiful view of the river.

Refuge Highlights

Habitat: deciduous woods, red maple swamp, salt marsh
Wildlife to watch for: crab, deer, fox, harbor seal (off shore)
Birds commonly found: Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, Osprey, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Cooper's Hawk
Offerings: Birdwatching
Scenic views of the Sakonnet River may provide sightings of Bufflehead, Brant, Loon, Grebe, Scaup

Wildlife Refuges

Great Horned Owl Chicks by Butch Lombardi

Image by Phoenix Aviary
Image by Glenn Osmundson

Using the Trails: Refuge Guidelines

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:

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
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
Why can't I bring my dog along?*

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.