With social distancing requirements and a desire to stay healthy, it has become increasingly difficult to find things to do while at school. For students who have multiple online classes, the idea of leaving their rooms seems foreign. One of the most important things college students need to do is take a break. When that break time comes, it can be beneficial to physically leave the work aside.

One of the activities that students can safely participate in is going outside. When outside, it might seem difficult to find something to do. One of the exciting things about Rhode Island is the diverse array of wildlife. Rhode Island has many locations to view the different species that call this small state home.

Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge

Students don’t need to go far for this refuge. Located at 1401 Hope St. in Bristol, the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge contains 28 acres of protected land with one mile of an easy trail. This area consists of forest, fields, wetlands and the shore. It is a great place to find foxes, muskrats, frogs and painted turtles. This refuge is open year-round and the trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge

A place to capture harbor seal sightings is the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge located at 99 Touisset Road in Warren. This refuge boasts 66 acres of land with an easy one-mile trail that is open from sunrise to sunset. This area is a great way to see the Kickemuit River and all the species it contains.

Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge

Another location close to campus is the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge located at 116 Seapowet Avenue in Tiverton. The area consists of 50 acres and 1.6 miles worth of trail that is open from sunrise to sunset. This refuge is home to crabs, deer and foxes, and offers beautiful views of the Sakonnet River.

Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary

Located at 1580 RI-114 in Barrington, the Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary is home to 42 acres of preserved land and offers 1.5 miles of an easy trail that is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This area is located along the shore of the Barrington River’s Hundred Acre Cove and offers the ability to be witness to a diverse group of wildlife. It is great for birdwatching, and when in season, trail-goers may be able to see horseshoe crabs hatching on the shore.