Kickoff Land Trust Days 2017 with the Barrington Land Conservation Trust and the RI Land Trust Council. This late afternoon tour the Douglas Rayner Wildlife Refuge at Nockum Hill is also sponsored by: Barrington 300 and Barrington Recreation Department. View the largest regional nesting ground for the diamondback terrapin. Enjoy the gentle coastal walking trails along Hundred Acre Cove. If the evening is fair, a summer sunset across the water can be spectacular.

This is a leisurely, 2-3 mile easy hike for all ages. Due to the sensitivity of the nesting terrapin population, dogs are not permitted at the Refuge. Rain date will be Saturday, August 12th, same time. Insect precautions are recommended year-round for prevention of Lyme and other insect borne illnesses. Sunset will be 7:50 on Aug 11 and twilight will last until 8:21pm. Flashlights are optional. Insect repellant is recommended year round for prevention of Lyme Disease.

The Town of Barrington is celebrating its 300th founding anniversary throughout 2017. Learn about the pivotal role of the Pokanoket of Sowams and this immediate locale in our nation’s history. At the entrance to Nockum Hill stands a Monument to the 1663 First Baptist Church of Swansea, MA, organized by Pastor John Myles, who was a major proponent of religious tolerance in colonial America. Records show that this Meeting House, standing by 1669, was the first building of a Baptist church in North America. Nockum Hill’s fields have been farmed for over 350 years. From 1692-1848, the Allen family raised grain, corn, and cattle here.

This hike is also part of RI DEM’s Great Outdoors Pursuit which concludes on August 12th. To sign up for 2017 Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit and receive your passport, visit: http://www.riparks.com/RIOutdoorsPursuit. Be sure to bring your game card; we’ll have stickers to prove your participation.

For more information on the Barrington Land Conservation Trust, please visit the BLCT website and BLCT Facebook. For more Land Trust Day activities statewide visit the RI Land Trust website or on Meetup

Directions:
The Douglas Rayner Wildlife Refuge at Nockum Hill is on George St in Barrington. Meet at the Trailhead at the end of George St. From the north, from Route 6 in Seekonk, take Warren Ave south, turn right onto George St. From the south, take New Meadow Road in Barrington north to Warren Ave, turn right onto George St. At the large bend in George St near the stone commemorating the first Baptist Church in Massachusetts park along the street nearby. Park along a single side of the road.

Informal carpools are encouraged to reduce any potential congestion. There are many convenient spots to meet and park around Town to facilitate a carpool for your visit including the park and ride at the White Church on County Road, Hamden Meadows School on New Meadow Road, the tennis courts on Kent St and Sowams Elementary School on Sowams Road.