The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge

National Wildlife Refuge

National Wildlife Refuge is a designation for certain protected areas of the United States managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world's premiere system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants...

 situated along the shore of Ninigret Pond

Ninigret Pond

Ninigret is a coastal lagoon in Charlestown, Rhode Island in the United States, located at . It is the largest of the nine lagoons, or "salt ponds", in southern Rhode Island. It is utilized for recreational actives, as well as oyster and quahog harvesting. Found along its shores are "extensive"...

. The refuge, characterized by saltmarshes, kettle ponds, freshwater wetlands, maritime shrublands and forests, is seasonally inhabited by over 250 species of birds. The area was originally used for farming, prior to being utilized in World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

 as a Naval Auxiliary landing field. Upon the transfer of 27.5 acre (11.1 ha) of land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge was designated in 1970. Subsequent transfers and purchases increased the protected area to approximately 900 acre (364.2 ha). During the winter months, black duck

American Black Duck

The American Black Duck is a large dabbling duck. American Black Ducks are similar to Mallards in size, and resemble the female Mallard in coloration, although the Black Duck's plumage is darker...

s, Canada geese, and diving duck

Diving duck

The diving ducks, commonly called pochards or scaups, are a category of duck which feed by diving beneath the surface of the water. They are part of the diverse and very large Anatidae family that includes ducks, geese, and swans....

s are especially prominent on the pond, while various species of migrating raptor

Bird of prey

Birds of prey are birds that hunt for food primarily on the wing, using their keen senses, especially vision. They are defined as birds that primarily hunt vertebrates, including other birds. Their talons and beaks tend to be relatively large, powerful and adapted for tearing and/or piercing flesh....

s are also common. Wildlife refuge staff also maintain a piping plover

Piping Plover

The Piping Plover is a small sand-colored, sparrow-sized shorebird that nests and feeds along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America. The adult has yellow-orange legs, a black band across the forehead from eye to eye, and a black ring around the neck...

 nesting program.

The refuge encompasses land of the former Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown

Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown

Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Air Station is located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. It was a satellite airfield to the nearby Quonset Naval Air Station. It is located within the boundaries of the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.- History :...

.