Spanning 800 acres on the Southern Coast of Rhode Island, the refuge protects the only undeveloped Salt Pond in the State. From upland forests to a 1.5 mile barrier beach,the varied habitats in Trustom Pond support over 300 bird, 40 mammal,and 20 reptile and amphibian species.

A stronghold for the threatened piping plover, the refuge is home to several other rare species including osprey, least terns, and the only population of Fowler's toad in the State.

This refuge, along with the four other National Wildlife Refuges in the State, are administered by the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, headquartered in Charlestown, RI.

A new headquarters and visitor center to be located in Charlestown, scheduled for opening in 2004, will celebrate Trustom Pond and all of the other refuges in Rhode Island. This facility will include interactive exhibits, displays, a sales area, and knowledgeable people where visitors can come and explore the refuges and learn about the wildlife resources and coastal environments of each refuge.