THE PRESERVE

One hundred and fifty acres of coastal woodland dotted by wetlands, ponds, and brooks comprise the Melville Pond Recreation Area. The Nature preserve within the recreation area contains over four miles of hiking trails which offer a variety of opportunities for bird watching and other forms of nature appreciation. Freshwater fishing is available at the upper and lower ponds.

HABITAT

This habitat, converted from former Navy land, consists of varied deciduous woodlands with access to a pebbled Narraganset Bay beach and several freshwater ponds. Interesting quarried rocks surround the large pond. A small waterfall carries water from the upper to the lower ponds. Red Fox, rabbits, and owls are typical residents.

ACCESS

From the Newport bridge, take the second exit for route 138. Turn left off ramp. Travel approximately 1 mile and turn left on Route 138/114. Travel approximately five and a half miles north on Route 114 until you see the turnoff for Melville Marine Center on the left side of the road. Turn left and after about 0.4 miles turn right at a sign for the Melville Recreation Area. At the end of the road turn left, then take the first right to the nature preserve.