Dyer Island (Rhode Island) facts for kids

Dyer Island is a small island located in Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, United States. It sits near the west coast of Aquidneck Island and is part of the area known as Melville. Melville is part of the town of Portsmouth. Dyer Island is found between Melville and Prudence Island. No one lives on the island. It covers about 0.12 square kilometers (which is about 29.65 acres) and is only 13 feet above the water.

Nature on Dyer Island

Dyer Island is special because it has salt marshes. These are wetlands that are flooded by salty water from the ocean. The salt marshes here are some of the last ones in Rhode Island that haven't been changed by people digging ditches to control mosquitoes. This makes them very important for nature.

Home for Shorebirds

Because of its natural salt marshes, Dyer Island is a great home for many different kinds of shorebirds. These birds depend on the island's unique environment for food and shelter.

History of Dyer Island

Dyer Island has a history that goes back to the 1600s. It was named after an important person in Rhode Island's early days.

How Dyer Island Got Its Name

In the 1600s, the island was named after a man named William Dyer. He was one of the people who helped start the colony of Rhode Island. William Dyer was married to Mary Dyer, who was a famous Quaker.

In 1638, William Dyer sailed past the island. He liked it so much that he asked for it to be given to him. His request was approved by Roger Williams, who was another important founder of Rhode Island, and other people who supported the idea.

William Dyer's Life and Legacy

William Dyer passed away in 1676 in Newport, Rhode Island. He was buried in his family's cemetery, which was on his farm in Newport, not on Dyer Island itself. After William Dyer died, the island, which was about 29 acres, was given to his son, also named William.

Dyer Island Today

In more recent times, Dyer Island became protected land.

Protecting the Island

In 2001, the state of Rhode Island bought Dyer Island. Now, it is part of the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. This means the island is protected so its natural environment and wildlife can thrive. It is also managed with JDSinc.