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583 Third Beach Road. Middletown, RI 02842 401-846-2577 info@normanbirdsanctuary.org [Refuge, Habitat, and Facilities] [Programs, Trails, Tours, and Membership] [Trail Map] [Identifying Bird Songs] [Related Books] [Official Site] |
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Programs, Trails, Tours, and Membership | |
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
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TRAILS AND TOURSThe Sanctuary maintains over 8 miles of walking trails. These pass through pastures, old fields, forests, and over ridges and swamps.
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TRAIL DESCRIPTIONSQuarry Trail:This trail passes through open fields and wildlife plantings. Fields are mowed regularly to attract small mammals (mice, rabbit, fox) and birds including pheasant, woodcock, and the field nesting song birds. The old slate quarry is now a pond in the wet seasons. Distance: .4 miles. Woodcock Trail: A level, grassy trail through shrublands, small clearings, and forest stands of black cherry and black locust. Trail ends by the Gardiner family cemetery plot in the community gardening area. Distance: .5 miles. Hanging Rock Trail: The most popular hike at the refuge, this rocky walk out the first of the Sanctuary’s four ridges provides excellent views of the ocean, Gardiner’s Pond, and the marshlands. The highest elevation of the rock is 70 feet above sea level. Distance: 1 mile. Difficult Red Fox Trail: This second ridge trail, passing over a stony ridge vegetated by pine, red cedar and hickory gives frequent views of hanging rock and the ocean. Stone walls and small swaths of grassy meadow are evidence of its past use as pastureland. Distance: 1.2 miles. (A short connector trail links the end of this trail to Nelson Pond Trail). Difficult Nelson Pond Trail: This third ridge trail skirts above the east side of Nelson Pond. The view from the cliffs edge for bird watchers and photographers is ideal. Distance: 1.4 miles. Difficult Gray Craig Trail: This trail leads across Paradise Brook to property that is managed by the Sanctuary for the Town of Middletown. The view from this fourth ridge looks back over the Sanctuary and out to Sachuest Point. Distance: 1 mile. Difficult Woodland Trail: This trail runs North to South through red maple/black gum woodland characteristic of this island. Part of the trail follows the route of an old bridle path. The trail is frequently used for Cross-country skiing when conditions permit. Distance: 1.1 miles. Valley Trail: A shady secluded walk through an undisturbed forest community of oak, beech, maple, cherry, and holly. Valley trail dead ends at a cat tail marsh. Distance: From barn to end of trail 1.2 miles. Warbler Meadows: Across the street from the parking lot, a maze of short trails through shrubby wet meadow growth and wildlife clearings lead to Cerio Duck Pond. Indian Rock Trail: The quartz veins in this rocky outcrop just off the main trail is said to have been used for arrowhead construction by the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Distance . 1 miles. Blue Dot Trail: This trail connects Quarry and Hanging Rock trails as it passes through a shady glade of red maples, and over a branch of Paradise Brook. Distance .25 miles |
 The Barn and Gift Shop  Stone Walls  Boardwalks  An Inviting Trail  A Tranquil Pond  Pond Hiding Places |
MEMBERSHIPThe Norman Bird Sanctuary would love you to join them! They are supported entirely from their own resources: Endowment, program fees, memberships, and donations. Your membership entitles you and your family to the following:
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Related Books(The Tomorrow Fund, A Rhode Island based Nonprofit Charity For Kids with Cancer, Gets a Portion of Each Book Sold) | |
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Walks and Rambles in Rhode Island: A Guide to the Natural and Historic Wonders of the Ocean StateWalks and Rambles in Rhode IslandBy Ken Weber A Rhode Island hikers resource for over ten years, Walks and Rambles provides descriptions of forty natural areas including maps, driving directions, and descriptions of sights on the trail. Other important information such as degree of difficulty, time, and best time of year to visit are described as well, making Walks and Rambles a knapsack necessity. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is featured on page 163. |
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More Walks and Rambles in Rhode Island:More Walks and Rambles in Rhode IslandBy Ken Weber If you enjoyed his original Walks and Rambles in Rhode Island, you'll enjoy this companion book with forty additional walks described. These walks include more of the hidden gems of Rhode Island you wouldn't want to miss. |
