Fresh Swamp Preserve

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The preserve is an important feeding area for the state endangered barn owl.

Although one of the most widespread of all the owls, the Barn Owl in Rhode Island is locally rare and is on the state endangered species list. © David Harvey

About

Birds, like the Chestnut sided warbler, stop at Block Island while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. © Scott Comings

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.

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Go north on Lakeside Drive for .75 miles, trailhead is on right marked by a stone engraved with Greenway.

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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