Rhode Island has three distinct life zones: sandplain lowlands, rising hills, and highlands. Tulip tree, pin and post oaks, and red cedar are common trees in this region. Cattails are abundant in marsh areas, and 40 types of fern and 30 species of orchid are indigenous to the state. In 2003, the small whorled pogonia was listed as threatened while the sandplain gerardia listed as endangered.

Urbanization and industrialization have taken their toll of native mammals. Swordfish, bluefish, lobsters, and clams are found in coastal waters. Brook trout and pickerel are among the common freshwater fish. Fifteen Rhode Island animal species were listed as threatened or endangered in 2003, including the American burying beetle, bald eagle, finback and humpback whale, and four species of sea turtle.