Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge 111 George Street, Barrington, RI 02806

Welcome to the Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge, a serene oasis nestled on Nockum Hill in Barrington, Rhode Island. Conveniently located at 111 George Street, our refuge is a treasured park and tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore over 70 acres of pristine natural beauty.

Owned by the Town of Barrington, the refuge spans a picturesque peninsula extending into the Barrington River and Hundred Acre Cove estuary. Our public hiking trails weave through diverse landscapes, including coastal wetlands, fields, deciduous forests, and shorelines, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Nockum Hill is steeped in history, having once been home to the Wampanoag people and the site of the first Baptist meetinghouse in the New World. It is also reputedly near the location where the first shots of King Philip’s War were fired. The town acquired this historically rich land in the 1960s, designating it as a wildlife refuge in 1994. Since 2005, the Barrington Land Conservation Trust has held a conservation easement on the property, ensuring its protection for future generations.

Named in honor of Doug Rayner, a passionate naturalist and conservationist, our refuge is dedicated to preserving the area's ecological integrity. Doug was instrumental in safeguarding local marshes, upland buffers, and endangered species habitats, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to guide our conservation efforts.

The refuge is a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the only nesting site in the state for the Diamondback Terrapin. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting a diverse array of bird species, including clapper rails, seaside sparrows, and marsh wrens.

Open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, the Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge invites you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Please note that while the terrain is mostly gentle, some areas may be wet, snowy, or icy, with moderate inclines. To preserve the natural environment, dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the trails, though you may bike to the entrance. Parking is available in a grassy area near the entrance.

We invite you to visit and experience the natural and historical wonders of the Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary of peace and preservation in the heart of Barrington.