Fisherville Brook

9/10😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

99 Pardon Joslin Road

Exeter, RI

https://asri.org/hike/wildliferefuges/fisherville-brook-wildlife-refuge.html

This was probably my favorite Audubon location. There is so much to see and the possibilities for animal sightings seem high due to the close proximity of the wooden hike planks to the water. Of course our winter visit was full of only bird sightings. But our spring visit, was full of frogs, salamanders, birds, slugs and other bugs.  We even saw some animal tracks by the water possibly deer.

We saw chewed trees from a beaver and some fun fungi in the shape of rabbit scat. It gave off a dusty powder upon crushing it- check out the video below and let me know if you know what it is.  This area is even more breathtaking when the sun and animals are out enjoying it, and when the foliage is present. Winter is not the best time to see the true beauty of a location just because it’s grey and bare, so when we returned in spring, we saw a completely different trail.  The planks looked further from the pond due to the overgrowth of vegetation which for us is one downfall of spring. 

We hiked most of the trails on the parking lot side, there is still a lot more to explore in the red trail across the street from the parking lot where the nature center is that we didn’t get to yet.  Sadly, the nature center has been closed due to COVID-19 but we intend to go there and learn more once it reopens.

On the blue trail we did see 2 small waterfalls. My son and I enjoyed those as well as the panoramic views of the pond. There is a meadow we also saw with many bird houses and plenty of happy birds whizzing around.  Most were blue jays but we also heard wood peckers.

The kids and I took an animal tracking class at the Caratuck Audubon Center in Seekonk, MA so we enjoyed putting our skills to the test! My son learned so many things that he was explaining to me today as we walked.  For example, how animals need shelter, food, water and space to survive. 😂 He’s so smart! I encourage you to check out the Audubon Centers near you to enjoy nature and learn more about the animals that are in your area! We went as a group with a 4, 6, 8 and 10 year-old and everyone left happy and informed. I think knowing what to look for expanded the kids’ love of nature👍🏼.

 

 

 

  

 

The Skinny:

• Weather :  A nice, dry day is ideal when heading here because it is an outdoor location
• Parking and Admissions : FREE admissions and parking – it looked spacious when we visited because there was only 2 other cars.  If I had to estimate, it could probably fit 15-20 cars. 
• Location : This area contains 1010 acres of fields, wetlands, ponds, streams, a waterfall and forests. It contains 5  miles of hiking trails with beautiful views.
• Hours : Sunrise to sunset everyday
• Duration : We stayed 2 -3 hours here and could have stayed longer because we didn’t finish all the trails.
• Tips and Recommendations : No dogs are allowed here so leave “Fido” at home.  There is a fenced in outhouse in the parking lot for your convenience.  The Nature Center is only open for programs and birthday party reservations.

Jamison Approved: 👍🏼

 

Jewel Approved: 👍🏼

 

 

While in the area, be sure to check out  Arcadia Management Area’s Break Heart pond, Roaring Brook Trail  and Ben Utter Hiking Trail that are also amazing.