Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge

The late Rhode Island artist Maxwell Mays donated over 295 acres of diverse wildlife habitat to Audubon in 2010. The property offers trails though upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds, and open meadow. The 11-acre Carr Pond, situated entirely within the bounds of the wildlife refuge, is the centerpiece of the property. It is home to river otters as well as many types of freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Refuge Highlights

• Habitat: forest, ponds, wetlands, streams, and open meadow
• Wildlife to watch for: deer, fox, coyote, red squirrel
• Birds commonly found: Wild Turkey, Hooded Merganser, Eastern Bluebird, Barred Owl, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole
• Offerings: Birdwatching, Programs
• Lakeside cabin rental available May - October (see below for details)
• A self-quided interpretive nature trail with accompanying science lessons and activities is available on our website for students, homeschoolers, and scouts in grades K - 8 (see below for details).

Other Offerings at Maxwell Mays

Art Studio Events

In 2024, Audubon converted Maxwell Mays's guest cottage into an art studio and teaching workshop (read the story, here!) The studio is run by Coventry artist Aileen Quinn, who has ties to the property and is a member—as was Mays—of the Providence Art Club. Join Aileen May through October for plein air painting and classes in watercolors and mixed media!

View the 2025 Events Flyer - and then register for events at asri.org/calendar.
 

Maxwell Mays Lakefront Cottage Rental

Now you can relax at an artist's retreat!

Situated on the 300+ acres, this lake cottage in western Coventry is part of the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. The property's lake and cabin are secluded, a real retreat. It is a great place for canoeing, bird watching, nature walks on the property's trails and spectacular sunsets.

This charming, beautifully furnished old-fashioned wood and field stone camp on the edge of Maxwell Mays Pond, features fireplace heat, a full kitchen, screened porch, dock, large deck overlooking the pond, outdoor gas grill, indoor plumbing, two bedrooms, one bath. Cabin sleeps 5.

Perfect for a romantic week or week-end get-a-way or a family vacation. Kids love it here! Property comes equipped with canoe and one kayak. Available from May 1 to October 30th.

Check here for availability and fees
 

Maxwell Mays Interpretive Trail

Audubon has developed a self-guided interpretive nature trail with accompanying science lessons and activities for students, homeschoolers, and scouts in grades K-8. The activities are designed to be hands-on, engaging, and inquiry based. They highlight specific natural features, flora and fauna found along the Carr Pond Trail. It is important to note that all of the outdoor classroom lessons have been developed to enhance and align with Rhode Island’s current science curriculum.

The Maxwell Mays Interpretive Trail includes seven investigative sites, each clearly marked by a numbered post. The trailhead is located to the left of the parking area. Audubon encourages teachers, homeschoolers, scout leaders and others to use this free resource and actively engage in outdoor learning.

Click Here to Access the Interpretive Trail Guide
 

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: