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Fresh Swamp Preserve
Located in the middle of the southern part of the island this preserve is composed of meadow and upland shrub habitat. The Fresh Swamp is an aquifer recharge area and the site of the Town of New Shoreham well fields. This preserve was conserved by The Nature Conservancy with the help the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
Plants
The preserve has butterfly weed—a rare milkweed species on Block Island. Other species that occur on the property include arrowwood, high bush blueberry, shadbush, little bluestem, switch grass, and many different types of wildflowers.
Animals
The preserve is an important feeding area for the state endangered barn owl. The state endangered northern harrier nests on the property. Other species of interest that occur on the property are the Block Island meadow vole, savannah sparrow, and the federally endangered American burying beetle.
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
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With your help we can save the natural character of the Block Island landscape before it's too late.