A sandy beach on Prudence Island. The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, much of it on Prudence Island, is the beneficiary of $292,000 in federal money that will be used to upgrade buildings and enhance outdoor education opportunities.

The Providence Journal / Tom Meade

Because of its presence in the middle of the Bay, the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of the more difficult places to visit. With much of it on Prudence Island, visitors can only get there by ferry or private boat. One day, thanks to a planned series of federal grants, there will be more there for the visitors who do make it.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced Thursday that $292,000 in federal money has been authorized to upgrade buildings and “enhance outdoor education opportunities” at the reserve.

The plan is to strengthen “green education” initiatives and broaden the range of experiences for people visiting the reserve, according to W. Michael Sullivan, director of the state Department of Environmental Management, which manages the complex.

The reserve was created in 1980 in a partnership of DEM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which manages a number of coastal programs and provides much of the financing for the state’s coastal regulatory agency, the Coastal Resources Management Council. The reserve also receives operational and support services from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

It is 1 of 27 reserves around the country included in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.

The reserve includes 2,353 acres at both the north and south ends of Prudence Island and all of Hope and Patience Islands.

There is a research center and exhibit room in a complex at the south end of Prudence that is open from January to May for visiting school groups and throughout the year for visiting scientists.

Another exhibit called the Estuary-Ed Shed is open during the summer near the T-wharf at the island’s south end.

Initial improvements will focus on the research center. Plans call for construction of a covered pavilion, information kiosks, paths and walkways to showcase native plants in meadow and wetland habitats.

Recycled and renewable materials will be used as much as possible.

The pavilion will be powered by renewable energy, either a wind turbine or solar panels. A rain garden will be developed to prevent erosion and serve as a demonstration project.

Two information kiosks will be erected to explain the construction techniques designed to improve the quality of nearby waterways.

A master plan has been completed and work will continue in phases as money become available.

Governor Carcieri said in a statement: “Narragansett Bay is one of Rhode Island’s greatest treasures, and the reserve is a key link in protecting our Bay to ensure that it is available for generations to enjoy. This funding will improve the educational programs the Reserve offers thousands of children and families each year.”

For more information about the reserve, go to the state Web site at: http://www.nbnerr.org/index.html or the federal Web site at: http://nerrs.noaa.gov/NarragansettBay/PrudenceIsland.html.

plord@projo.com