See extensive Tips for Birding and Birds of Interest on the Prudence Island Group webpage.

The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR) is a partnership program established between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the state of Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to promote informed management and sound stewardship of our coastal resources.  

The Reserve is located in the geographic center of Narragansett Bay with 4,453 acres of terrestrial and submerged land on Prudence, Patience, Hope, and Dyer islands. The Reserve’s headquarters and visitor center are located on the south end of Prudence Island.

The NBNERR:

• actively conducts long-term research and monitoring within the Reserve and throughout the Bay watershed.
• supports external research that relies on the long-term protection of Reserve habitats.
• actively manages Reserve lands and invasive species to preserve native communities and provide refuges for rare or threatened species.
• provides hands-on estuarine education and training opportunities for students and teachers.
• provides volunteer and outreach opportunities and provide guidance to those interested in becoming better coastal stewards.
• offers training opportunities and science-based information to natural resource managers and coastal decision-makers.

The south end of Prudence is a beautiful place to explore. Walk adjacent to the shoreline, past coastal meadows, and through forested wetlands. Along the way, interpretive panels will teach you about these habitats, the challenges facing them, and what the Reserve is doing to study and protect these special places.

Close to 85% of Prudence Island has been protected from development, including the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR).  Popular activities at many locations across the island include:

• Hiking
• Bird Watching
• Picture Post Locations
• Fishing
• Clamming
• Points of Interest
• Events

Helpful Information

• Prudence Island is accessible via ferry (vehicles and passengers), departing from Bristol.
• Bikes are a good way to get around the island, but keep in mind many of the roads are not paved; bikes with thick, wide tires are ideal.
• The only public restrooms on the island are located at the NBNERR headquarters (typically open M-F 8:30-3:30 pm)  and there is a composting toilet at the south end near the T-Wharf.
• There are no overnight accommodations or restaurants, but there is a small general store at the ferry landing.
• Free day parking in Bristol is available in a municipal lot on Thames Street directly opposite the Prudence Island ferry landing and parking lot. Please note that this lot does not provide overnight parking.

The AllTrails.com website has descriptions and maps of hikes on Prudence Island.