One month into this shutdown and even the most introverted folks you know are struggling with cabin fever. Luckily, some places like the bike path and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island Wildlife Refuges remain accessible for getting some much needed outdoor time. Enjoying nature has always been beneficial for mental health and spiritual well-being. Due to the present day quarantine situation, a few more steps are required before you can venture off but they are simple and well worth the effort. 

Appreciating warm temperatures and sunshine, we recently explored the George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge. Someone in an Audubon vehicle pleasantly greeted us in the parking lot. We donned masks and stepped aside for anyone we crossed paths with, maintained the recommended six foot berth or wider. There were about a dozen other hikers encountered and every one of them clearly knew the distancing protocols and politely obliged.  

Parker Woodland features a dense forest with lots of ledge and boulders. The many brooks and streams were loud and rapid due to lots of precipitation the week prior to our hike. But, if you want to appreciate these views, stop and step aside — and don’t forget to bring binoculars!

Every path we traversed (we tried the Yellow, Blue and Orange) required acute awareness as they had the added challenge of rocks, gravel and roots. This terrain has a lot of character and history! Many of the paths were created by carriages during the Revolutionary War. You can also learn about the cairns. There must be dozens here. (There are detailed signs explaining what they are.) 

George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge stretches over 860 acres and was an amazing site to practice social distancing.

About The Author

Christina is a life long Rhode Islander who has been dedicated to mission-driven human services work. A mother of two, she recycles, composts, and runs her household with solar energy. An animal lover and a world traveler, this bon vivant has jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped (twice!), run over the Newport Bridge, swum across Narragansett Bay, and penguin plunged.