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Lathrop Wildlife Refuge
Lathrop Wildlife Refuge

Lathrop Wildlife Refuge

Address: 102 Shore Road, Westerly, RI 02891
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Acres: 86 (To protect wildlife and habitat, please avoid walking through the wetlands and marsh.)
Trails: Less than 1 mile
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Restroom: No

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

Audubon's Lathrop Wildlife Refuge protects 86 acres along the northern shore of Winnapaug Pond, in the seaside town of Westerly. This refuge consists of coastal shrub land, freshwater wetlands, and salt marsh.  A short and gentle trail leads from the parking lot down to Winnapaug Pond, offering wonderful opportunities for bird watching.

Refuge Highlights

  • Habitat: coastal shrubland, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh
  • Wildlife to watch for: horseshoe crab
  • Birds commonly found: Willet, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole
  • Offerings: Birdwatching
  • Scenic views of Winnapaug Pond

Wildlife Refuges

  • 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 →