The Lewis-Dickens Farm Wildlife Refuge provides beautiful panoramic views above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This 120-acre gem provides easy hiking through coastal meadows and is the perfect place to spot raptors and fall migrants. Named after Elizabeth Dickens, the "Bird Lady of Block Island" and the Lewis Family of Block Island, this property also preserves a bit of Rhode Island's farming history.

Birds commonly found: Barn Owl, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, American Kestrel, Song Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pheasant

Just off the south coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is a wildlife hotspot, providing habitat for many plants and animals that disappeared from the rest of southern New England decades ago. Today, nearly half of the island is permanently protected for people and nature. 

In 1991, The Nature Conservancy named Block Island one of 12 “Last Great Places” in the western hemisphere. This special designation highlights the island’s abundance of rare plants and animals and the community’s unique support for conservation. The Nature Conservancy set up a permanent field office on the island soon after, affirming its long-term commitment to the community. The Block Island Program manages over 2,000 acres of wildlife habitat, offers hands-on discovery programs, and supports groundbreaking scientific research in the Great Salt Pond.

Download the Block Island Trail System map from The Nature Conservancy.

Block Island is located in Block Island Sound approximately 9 miles south of the mainland and 14 miles east of Montauk Point, named after Dutch explorer Adriaen Block. It is part of Washington County and shares the same area as the town of New Shoreham. It is part of the Outer Lands region, a coastal archipelago.

Block Island is a popular summer tourist destination and is known for its bicycling, hiking, sailing, fishing, and beaches. It is also the location of Block Island North Light on the northern tip of the island and Block Island Southeast Light on the southeastern side, both historic lighthouses. Much of the northwestern tip of the island is an undeveloped natural area and resting stop for birds along the Atlantic flyway.

Popular events include the annual Fourth of July Parade, celebration, and fireworks. The island's population can triple over the normal summer vacation crowd. 

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island website has a map of a trail on the Lewis-Dickens Preserve.