Sachuest Point National Wildlife
Sachuest Point's 242 acres is comprised of a range of habitats including salt and freshwater marshes, shrubland, grassland and sandy beaches and dunes. A 3-mile trail system winds through the upland areas and along the rocky shore. Observation platforms afford panoramic views of refuge lands and the surrounding ocean waters.
Occupying part of a former U.S. naval communications station, Sachuest Point provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. More than 200 bird species seasonally inhabit the refuge including many songbirds, ducks and raptors. Red fox and eastern cottontail are commonly observed from refuge trails and a walk along the shore will reveal an area rich in invertebrate life.
A visitor center features exhibits, publications, audio-visual programs and rest room facilities. Hours of operation vary. For current information phone the center at (401 ) 847-5511 or the complex office at (401) 364-9124.
Note: During the summer, heavy auto traffic to adjacent beaches may cause delays along refuge access roads.
Wildlife Calendar
Spring
(Mar-May)
| Summer
(Jun-Aug)
| Fall
(Sep-Nov)
| Winter
(Dec-Feb)
|
| - Bluefish, blackfish and striped bass move into coastal waters as temperatures rise. - Winter cress, bulbous buttercup and other wildflowers in bloom
- Common yellowthroat, American goldfinch and other songbirds in full chorus.
- Common tern arrive to nest on offshore islands.
| - Scarlet pimpernel thistles and many other wildflowers in blossom. - Fledged young of resident birds appear.
- Wood nymph, alfalfa and many other butterflies present.
| - Large flocks of tree swallows gather in late August/early September. - Monarch butterfly migration peaks in late September.
- Hawk migration best mid-September through early October.
- Harlequin, eiders, scoters and other migratory waterfowl arrive; many species winter.
| - Snowy owls, short-eared owls and rough-legged hawks often present. - Purple sandpipers and sanderlings winter along rocky shore.
|
Getting There - Sachuest Point Refuge is east of Newport in Middletown. From Route 138 travel east on Miantonomi Avenue .6 miles. Continue east onto Green End Avenue for 1.2 miles then turn right onto Paradise Avenue. Travel 1.3 miles and turn left onto Hanging Rock Road. Continue .3 miles then bear right onto Sachuest Point Road and follow it to the refuge entrance.
Go to: Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuges
|
from Away.com
