Welcome to the Rhode Island Natural History Survey

The Rhode Island Natural History Survey is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1994 to gather and disseminate information on Rhode Island’s animals and plants, geology, and ecosystems, to facilitate communication among the diverse people, agencies, and organizations interested in the ecology of Rhode Island, and to support naturalists and the study of Rhode Island’s natural history.

RINHS hosts public events and publishes to highlight biodiversity and the work of researchers and naturalists. It manages BORIIS, the most authoritative database of Rhode Island’s biodiversity. RINHS undertakes ecological research and inventory projects and educational programs with partners including The Nature Conservancy and local land trusts. Membership in RINHS is open to anyone with an interest in Rhode Island’s plants, animals, geology, or ecosystems.

The RINHS office is located on the University of Rhode Island campus in Kingston, through an arrangement with the URI College of the Environment and Life Sciences. A map showing the office, our usual event venues, and parking, is available on Google. Click HERE.