SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Near the Great Swamp Management Area in South Kingstown now lies the new Eleanor & Maurice H. Gordon Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is named in honor of the Gordon family, who donated 67 acres of biodiverse forest and wetland habitat to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. ALSO READ: Rhode Island acquires 942 acres of forest in Burrillville The land is home to a variety of species including barred owls, great horned owls, white-tailed deer and coyotes, according to Audubon. here is also a fresh water stream and a pond on the property that supports fish, frogs, turtles and native aquatic plants. The property's proximity to the Great Swamp Management Area will further support the local wildlife. “Larger tracts of land are critical to conservation efforts, and adding to large, already protected parcels achieves many goals,” Audubon Senior Director of Conservation Scott Ruhren explained. Ruhren said large wooded areas are also more resilient to climate change. "Smaller woodlands are more exposed to wind, heat and cooling than large forests," he said. "They are also more vulnerable to invasive species.” The property will not be open to the public due to the sensitivity of the habitat. In the past, the Gordon family used a small section of the land to grow trees that were sold to landscape contractors across the region. Audubon said it may use that portion of the land in the future to cultivate valuable native plants that can then be brought to its other properties. Audubon's Executive Director Jeffrey Hall praised the Gordon family for their work to preserve the property. He noted that every acre matters when it comes to conservation. "This acquisition offers an exciting opportunity for Audubon to continue our protection of the land in their name and support the wide range of wildlife species that call it home," Hall said. "We thank the Gordon family for this extremely generous donation, and for trusting us to care for it in perpetuity.” (Courtesy: Scott Ruhren)(Courtesy: Scott Ruhren) Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News SIGN UP NOW