The Ray Preserve
Atlantic Avenue, Misquamicut (14 acres).
Offering a mix of barrier beach and wetland habitats, The Ray Preserve provides 14 pristine acres that will never be developed on Winnapaug Pond. This gorgeous property stretches between Atlantic Avenue and the pond in Misquamicut offering a setting with predominantly native plants growing with few invasive species once you have walked beyond the roadside edge. Zoned for 34-35 houses in the 1960s, The Ray Preserve is now home to both migratory wetland birds and resident songbirds, as well as native mammals and butterflies. According to Atlantic Coast Joint Venture, this beautiful coastal marshland is a habitat for saltmarsh sparrows, a bird found here and in serious decline. In fact, with its mix of both coastal uplands and wetlands, this property rates among the best habitats for the saltmarsh sparrow, particularly following the marsh restoration work completed by WFC in 2016 in partnership with Save The Bay. Protected by WFC ownership and a conservation easement with the RI Department of Environmental Management, this unspoiled scenic property is open for hiking and nature observation.
