Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Part of the National Wildlife Refuge in August 2010
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 Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Rhode Island
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Charlestown, Washington County, Rhode Island, United States |
| Nearest city | Quonochontaug, Rhode Island |
| Area | 900 acres (3.6 km2) |
| Established | 1970 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge |
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Rhode Island, United States. It is located right along the shore of Ninigret Pond. This refuge is a protected area for many different kinds of plants and animals.
It has many types of natural areas, like salt marshes (grassy areas flooded by salty water), freshwater wetlands (swampy areas), and forests. Over 250 different kinds of birds visit or live here throughout the year.
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What is the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge?
The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Its main goal is to keep nature safe. It helps protect important habitats for many species, especially birds.
This refuge covers about 900 acres (360 ha) of land. It is a mix of different environments. You can find salty marshes, small kettle ponds (ponds formed by glaciers), and wet freshwater areas. There are also areas with shrubs and trees.
A Home for Many Animals
The refuge is a very important home for wildlife. More than 250 types of birds visit the refuge every year. Some birds stay all year, while others stop here during their long migrations.
In the colder months, many black ducks, Canada geese, and diving ducks gather on Ninigret Pond. These birds find food and shelter in the refuge's waters.
Different kinds of raptors, like hawks and falcons, are also often seen here. They are usually migrating through the area. The refuge provides a safe resting spot for them.
Protecting Special Birds: The Piping Plover Program
The staff at the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge work hard to protect certain birds. One important effort is their program for the piping plover. This is a small shorebird that is considered endangered.
The refuge helps protect the places where these plovers build their nests. This program helps more young plovers survive and grow up. It is a key part of keeping this special bird safe.
From Farmland to Wildlife Haven: A Brief History
The land that is now the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge has a long history. Before it became a refuge, parts of the area were used for farming.
During World War II, some of the land was used by the Navy. It was a Naval Auxiliary landing field, which means it was a place for planes to land. This area was known as the former Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown.
In 1970, the land was officially made a wildlife refuge. This happened when 27.5 acres (11.1 ha) of land were given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Over time, more land was added through transfers and purchases. This helped the refuge grow to its current size of about 900 acres (360 ha).
