Birds, Bats and Mushroom Caps! August 2017 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

(June 29, 2017) – Search for local mushrooms on the damp forest trails, enjoy a cool evening kayak paddle, or come along and discover the fascinating world of bats. Audubon offers plenty of nature activities to keep you cool and connected with the great outdoors in August.

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org. A complete listing of programs is detailed in the Audubon Nature Tours and Programs, a free guide to connecting with the natural world. Download a copy online at www.asri.org.


Summer at Mays
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
August 4, 2017; 9:00 – 11:30 am
There is always something to find in nature at the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. Let's explore the summer fields and forests for wildflowers, butterflies and birds. Dress appropriately with sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org


Bats at Eppley
Audubon Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, West Kingston, RI
August 4, 2017; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Join us for a rare treat to visit the Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge at night. Begin indoors with presentation about these fascinating creatures and then venture outside in search of the plentiful resident bats in this area. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent.
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.





Early Morning Breakfast and Birding River Cruise
Departs from Pawtucket, RI
August 5, 2017; 8:00 – 9:00 am
Join us for a morning river cruise exploring the spring beauty of the Seekonk River. Sip coffee and juice and enjoy delicious baked goodies as we search for wildlife along the river. Participants may wish to bring sunscreen and binoculars. The Explorer is a covered boat and runs rain or shine. Co-sponsored with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Departs from Festival Pier, 100 Tim Healey Way, Pawtucket, RI; Program Fee: $20/adult; $15/child. Ages: 7+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org



Pollinator Party
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
August 5, 2017; 9:00 am-5:00 pm
We love pollinators! Learn all about our local pollinators, search for monarch eggs and caterpillars in the meadow, learn to identify insects, and more! Programs and admission are free thanks to Citizens Bank.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Spot the honeybee! Can you find all ten honeybees hiding in our exhibit hall? Spot all ten and receive a prize to take home.
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Pollinator Craft Table
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Insect Biofact Table. Stop by the biofact table to investigate some cool insect chrysalises, hives and specimens.
10:00 am: Butterfly and Bee Stories
11:00 am: Monarch Monitoring and Insect ID in the meadow
1:00 pm: Insect Interview
2:00 pm: Guided Nature Walk
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.


Full Moon Paddle with Audubon
Barrington, RI
August 6, 2017; 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Paddle through one of Barrington’s quintessential saltwater marshes and discover the wildlife that call it home! Great Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets often dot the banks of this tidal marsh. Osprey can be seen plucking fish out the water with their talons.....and watch for Bald Eagles too! We will get out along the marsh, stretch our legs and view the cages of the terrapin turtle’s nests. Equipment is provided by EMS and included in the fee.
Departs from Walker Farm Boat Ramp, Barrington; Program Fee: $55/member; $65/non-member. Ages: 15+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org


Armchair Naturalist Lecture: Rhode Island Reptile Identification
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 9, 2017; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Come learn to identify the native snakes and turtles of Rhode Island. Hear some fun and amazing facts and meet some live scaly creatures.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



Guided Trail Walks with Audubon
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
August 12, 26, 2017; 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a leisurely walk along the trails to the coast of Narragansett Bay. Observe wildlife in field, wetland and forest habitats. We never know what we may see. Bring binoculars and a camera. This program is weather dependent.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All. No need to register.
Bird Banding with Audubon
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
August 13, 2017; 9:15 -11:15 am
Join Audubon and witness bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure and release songbirds in order to record their movements. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed. Bring a camera and binoculars.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $6/non-member child. Ages: 6+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Mushrooms of Rhode Island
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
August 16, 2017; 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Learn all about wild mushrooms and how to identify local species, including Rhode Island’s own “foolproof four.” Enjoy a presentation on mushrooms, background history and tips on working with field guides. This is a great beginner program for those without experience in identifying mushrooms. Registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org


Shorebird Van Trip with Audubon
Locations Across the State
August 18, 2017; 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hop aboard the Audubon van and with an expert guide to visit some of Rhode Island's best shorebird locations: Charlestown Breachway, Quonochontaug Breachway and Succotash Marsh. Please bring a lunch, optics, old sneakers or water shoes, towel and bug repellent. Be prepared to get wet up to your waist for this program.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Program Fee: $45/member; $55/non-member. Ages: 15+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
August 19, 2017; 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Design and create a beautiful pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it into creative jewelry using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! This class fills quickly. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org



Intro to Map and Compass
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 19, 2017; 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Learning to find your way using map and compass is a very useful skill, even in this age of ultra-high tech devices. We’ll practice techniques and talk about how to avoid common mistakes. This is a workshop for beginners. Activities will take place both indoors and outside. Bring your own compass or use one of ours. This program is appropriate for ages 10 to adult. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Program Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 10+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Mushrooms for Beginners
Prudence Island, RI
August 28, 2017; 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Learn all about wild mushrooms and how to identify the local species that grow in Rhode Island. Begin with a presentation on mushrooms, background history, and tips on working with field guides. After lunch, take a guided hike to see what mushrooms can be found in the wild. If time allows, participants will tour Prudence and discover some of the island's unique historical and cultural sights. Registration required, space is limited.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. For details on Prudence Island trips and to register online, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Birds and Non-Birds: Artwork by Rebecca Gelernter
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
Through August 31, 2017; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Scientific illustrator and avian enthusiast Rebecca Gelernter likes to draw birds and other creatures with character. Long fascinated by animal behavior, she strives to show her subjects’ personalities. In combination with rigorous scientific accuracy, this makes for artwork that fosters a connection between the viewers and animals with whom we share our world. Opening reception is Wednesday, July 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission.