Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge is located in Exeter, Rhode Island, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.


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Summary

The refuge is spread over 937 acres and features a mix of forest, wetlands, and grasslands that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Visitors to the refuge can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and hunting.

One of the main reasons to visit Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge is to see the diverse range of wildlife that lives in the area. The refuge is home to over 50 bird species, including the great blue heron, bald eagle, and red-tailed hawk. The forested areas of the refuge are also home to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes.

One of the most popular points of interest at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge is the Brockton Nature Trail. This trail takes visitors through a variety of habitats and includes interpretive signs to help visitors learn about the plants and animals that live in each area. Another popular trail is the Beaver Pond Trail, which leads to a beaver pond where visitors may be able to see beavers at work.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Fisherville Brook was once used to power a grist mill in the early 1800s. The mill building still stands today and is a popular spot for visitors to take photos. The refuge is also part of the larger Arcadia Management Area, which is the largest state-owned recreational area in Rhode Island.

The best time of year to visit Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge depends on what activities visitors are interested in. In the spring, birdwatching is at its best as migrant species pass through the area. In the summer, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The fall is a popular time for hunting and the changing foliage is a beautiful sight to see. In the winter, visitors can take part in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the refuge's trails.

       

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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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