Supporting healthy and resilient coastal communities and habitats
The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves located around the country. Established to provide long-term protection of coastal lands so they can serve as platforms for research, education and recreation. The Reserve is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is part of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
The Reserve manages 63% of Prudence Island and its surrounding waters. Visit our Learning Center and explore popular hiking trails, fishing spots, bird watching, and more.
We use the best available science to maintain and restore healthy, productive, and resilient ecosystems throughout Narragansett Bay and its surrounding waters.
News and Events
2026 Wood Steward Program
Firewood update, September 2026
With support from RIDEM, NBNERR is working to bring in a contractor to cut and split the firewood.
Our intent is to have the logs piled near the schoolhouse cut to 18″ lengths and split. The firewood would be available in piles in the same location. We plan on the firewood processing to be completed before December 2026. We will share more information as the project moves forward.
Anyone taking firewood or wood chips must have signed a Wood Steward Agreement and the DEM Waiver in 2026. Those forms to sign are available at NBNERR.org and at the NBNERR office.
Wood chips continue to be available in the south end on the ‘Bunker Roads’, off of Seal Rock Road.
Contact Jon Mitchell, NBNERR Stewardship Coordinator jonathan.mitchell@dem.ri.gov or call (401)683-7369
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