Norman Bird Sanctuary > a 300+ acre wildlife refuge near Newport RI, offering over 7 miles of hiking trails.

Established under the will of Mabel Norman Cerio in 1950, the Norman Bird Sanctuary constitutes the largest area of preserved open space in Newport County. A wildlife refuge, NBS encompasses over 300 acres and seven miles of trails that wind through diverse habitats. Nearly 30 acres are maintained as hay fields. Woodlands are the most prominent plant community, and four ridges provide spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and ponds. Located next to the Visitor's Center and gift shop, the Sanctuary's 19th Century Barn Museum features natural history displays and a children's area with interpretive murals and hands-on exhibits.

Educational Programs

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a leader in Rhode Island environmental education, offering place-based science and nature programs to diverse audiences at our scenic wildlife refuge and in classrooms across the state.

Each year, thousands of students participate in the Sanctuary's innovative school programs for grades PreK-12. Educators can select from over 75 engaging and inquiry-based classes, which highlight animal adaptations, wildlife conservation, and New England's unique natural resources. A variety of opportunities are available, ranging from on-site fieldtrips, in-school outreach, teacher training programs, and afterschools.

NBS public programs are also designed to reach learners of all ages. From age-appropriate preschool courses to Saturday Explorers clubs, Family Nature Nights, and a Wildlife Speaker Series, the Sanctuary features hands-on environmental education for children, families, and adults. Popular camp programs, offered throughout the summer months and on school holidays, are available for grades PreK-8.

Special Events

Each May, at the height of spring migration, the Norman Bird Sanctuary hosts its annual Birds & Breakfast event. An enjoyable morning of guided bird walks followed by a scrumptious breakfast buffet, Birds & Breakfast includes children's entertainment that is enjoyed by kids of all ages.

In October, the Sanctuary holds its largest fundraiser of the year, the annual Harvest Fair. You won't find any carnival rides or moonwalks at this fair. The Harvest Fair maintains an old-time country fair flavor with hay and pony rides, high ropes challenges, homemade crafts, live entertainment, a wide selection of food vendors, and the ever-popular mud pit. Our Events Page provides information about these and additional events.

Membership

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a private non-profit organization supported solely through membership dues, trail and program fees, and our fundraising efforts. We invite everyone to join and receive the benefits our members enjoy: free access to the trails ($6.00- Adults, $3.00- Children for non-members), a subscription to our quarterly newsletter, discounts on all of our programs, and a 10% discount in our gift shop. Membership is also required for our popular summer camp and birthday parties. Please select membership from our online catalog to join or call the Sanctuary office for more information at (401) 846-2577. Reach us via e-mail at info@normanbirdsanctuary.org