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Florence Sutherland Fort & Richard Knight Fort Nature Refuge
Florence Sutherland Fort & Richard Knight Fort Nature Refuge

Florence Sutherland Fort & Richard Knight Fort Wildlife Refuge

Address: 1445 Providence Pike (Rt. 5), North Smithfield, RI 02896
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Acres: 235
Trails: 3.5 miles
Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Restroom: Yes, portalet available in parking area.

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

Hikers and birders alike will appreciate the Fort Wildlife Refuge for its diverse habitat in Northern Rhode Island. This 235-acre property includes miles of trails that lead to three idyllic ponds. Teeming with a variety of animals as well as beautiful wetland plants, these ponds provide visitors with scenic destinations for wildlife observation and photography. In addition to hiking and bird watching, Fort Wildlife Refuge is a popular winter destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Refuge Highlights

  • Habitat: forest, ponds, wetlands
  • Wildlife to watch for: beaver, otter, muskrat, fox, deer, frog, turtle
  • Birds commonly found: Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Pine Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Duck
  • Offerings: Birdwatching, Programs, Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing

Wildlife Refuges

Fort Wildlife Refuge Self-Guided Trail

  • Use this self-guided trail guide to explore 12 different stations along the trails, each featuring highlights of this natural space.

    Instructions: On your walk, look for the QR codes at each station. Scan the codes using a smartphone to access the content. Or, click here for the printable brochure (PDF document opens in a new window.)

    This self-guided trail was created in 2017 by Troop 1 Diamond Hill for Paul-Hugo Arcand’s Eagle Project and enhanced in 2022 by Troop 1139 Slaterville for Owen Boisvert’s Eagle Project to add scan codes to the stations.

  • 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

  • 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.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Visit Rhode Island's largest nature center and aquarium. Walk the trails through meadows and marshes to Narragansett Bay. Say hello to Zach, our Common Raven.

Plan Your Trip Today →

Shop Online: Audubon Nature Shop →

Birding in Rhode Island

Stay involved with Audubon's birding programs and resources:

Audubon Events Calendar →

Audubon Avian Research Initiative →

Audubon Avian Ambassadors →

Recent Bird Sightings (eBird) →

Red-bellied Woodpecker by Jason Major

Stormwater Innovation Center

Roger Williams Park is home to the Stormwater Innovation Center. The Center has been developed by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and its partners! Learn more about the nature-based solutions we are using to learn about and protect urban water quality.

Learn More →