Near South Kingstown’s Great Swamp Management Area, the newly established Eleanor & Maurice H. Gordon Wildlife Refuge preserves 67 acres of biodiverse forest and wetlands. Donated by the Gordon family to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, the refuge supports a variety of species, including owls, white-tailed deer, and aquatic life sustained by a stream and pond.
Audubon’s Senior Director of Conservation, Scott Ruhren, emphasized the importance of large, connected habitats in conservation and climate resilience, highlighting their ability to withstand invasive species and extreme weather. While the land remains closed to the public to protect its sensitive ecosystem, Audubon plans to cultivate native plants on a portion of the property, honoring the Gordon family’s legacy of stewardship. “Every acre matters,” said Audubon Executive Director Jeffrey Hall, thanking the Gordons for their transformative gift.