Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful natural area located on Block Island, Rhode Island.


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Summary

It was established in 1973 and covers 133 acres of land and over 40 acres of pristine coastline. The Refuge is home to a variety of plant and animal species and has a rich cultural history.

One of the main reasons to visit Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is to enjoy its natural beauty. The area offers a diverse range of habitats, including coastal shrublands, grasslands, and forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing in these areas. The Refuge is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the piping plover and the common tern.

There are several specific points of interest to see in Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. The North Light is a historic lighthouse that dates back to the 1800s and is still in operation today. The Salt Pond Area is also a popular spot for visitors, as it offers a beautiful view of the pond and its surrounding marshland. The area is also home to many species of waterfowl and wading birds.

Interesting facts about the Refuge include that it was once used for military purposes during World War II. The area was used as a training ground for soldiers and was also used for radar training. The Refuge also has a rich cultural history, as it was once a popular spot for Native Americans and early settlers.

The best time of year to visit Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is from late spring to early fall. During this time, visitors can enjoy the warm weather and the beautiful scenery. The area is also home to many migratory bird species, so birdwatching is particularly good during this time.

Overall, Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and unique natural area that offers visitors a chance to experience Rhode Island's natural beauty and cultural history.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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