March 28, 2024

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate Nature!

December 2019 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Posted

(October 30, 2019) – Join the Audubon experts on a winter owl prowl or create a festive wreath that entices our feathered friends. Take a break from the holiday rush and celebrate the natural world with your family this season!

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
December 4, 11, 18, 2019; 9:00 am

Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit the Audubon website (asri.org) or Facebook Page for the location. Contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2020; 9:00-11:00 am; Ages: 14+.

Owls of New England
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 4, 2019; 6:30 – 8:30 pm

There are a number of amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own back yard! Take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their remarkable adaptations and meet a live owl.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Owl Prowl at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
December 6, 2019; 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Head out on the trails for an evening of fun learning about the owls of Rhode Island. Start with a presentation on these amazing creatures and visit with one of Audubon's live owls. Then walk the evening trails in search of these intriguing birds in their natural setting. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Meet in the Nature Center.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Audubon Holiday Craft Fair
Artisan Gifts with a Natural Flair
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 7, 2019; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

With local vendors selling a variety of nature and wildlife related wares, you are sure to find perfect gifts for the nature enthusiasts on your list. Jewelry, children's items, ornaments, stationery and other locally made treats are just a few items to choose from. Come shop, sip warm cider and enter the raffle for a chance to win a handcrafted items donated by our artisans.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Audubon Annual Tree Sale and Photos with Santa
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium
December 7, 2019; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Come to Audubon and pick a freshly cut tree from a local Rhode Island farm and have your child’s picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the event, your picture can be posted in a special addition of the East Bay Newspapers. There will seasonal crafts and activities available. Admission is free thanks to Citizens Bank.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Winter Birding Van Trip with Audubon: Waterfowl and Seabirds at the Shore
Locations Across Rhode Island
December 7, 2019; 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join Audubon for a van trip to Rhode Island's coastal habitats and ponds in search of winter waterfowl and seabirds. Stop at different birding hot spots to search for a variety of waterfowl including Barrow's Golden-eye, Canvasback, Eider and more. We'll be visiting beautiful coastal locations such as Trustom Pond, Point Judith, Quonochontaug Pond and more. Please bring a lunch and optics. Dress for the weather.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $50/member; $60/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Sea Glass Ornaments
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 8, 2019; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Come create a beautiful ornament with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! This class fills quickly, please register early.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Owl Prowl at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 8, 2019; 7:00-9:00 am

Visit Caratunk Wildlife Refuge on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through the forest. We never know if we'll hear or see an owl, but participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 9 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Wreath Making for Wildlife
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 14, 2019; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Make a winter wreath that is both beautiful and edible for birds and other wildlife. Using wire or straw wreath bases, add greens, dried flowers, seed heads, leaves, fruit and nuts to entice your feathered friends to visit. All items will dry nicely if you prefer to keep the wreath for decorative purposes. Each participant will make one wreath and materials will be provided. Participants may bring their own needle nose pliers or wire snips.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $35/member; $40/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.

Beeswax Wraps Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 15, 2019; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Single-use plastics are filling our oceans and landfills. Be part of the solution by making your own re-usable, eco-friendly lunch wraps! We’ll be using cotton fabric, bees wax, buttons, and string to create a flexible wrap that can be used to transport food, cover bowls, and protect your leftovers. It’s washable, keeps your food fresh, and it smells great. No prior sewing or crafting skills needed. All the materials will be provided to make two wraps per person. If you have a favorite fabric or button, bring it along.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

What Can I Do About It?
Green Your Home Workshop
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 18, 2019; 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Today’s global environmental problems can seem intimidating, but we can no longer avoid the facts and challenges of climate change. We all need be part of the solution by using environmentally friendly products, reducing our carbon footprint, decreasing exposure to toxins, and reducing waste. But where to start? Come to Audubon and discover simple and effective housekeeping choices that support a greener lifestyle and can save money too. Learn how to make natural cleaners and find new uses for items found in your home. Set goals and learn how to reduce your carbon footprint!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Owls of Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 22, 2019; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
There are a number of amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own back yard! We'll take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their remarkable adaptations and meet a live owl. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, Mass; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Stargazing at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 22, 2019; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Learn about the winter constellations at Caratunk and then head outdoors to view the moon, the Orion Nebula and more. Francine Jackson, Staff Astronomer at Brown University will lead this evening program. There will be several telescopes available, but feel free to bring your own. Please for the weather. Hot drinks and light snacks will be provided.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

Winter Walk in the Woods
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 29, 2019; 1:00-3:00 pm
Take a hike around Caratunk Wildlife Refuge and learn how winter affects the flora and fauna, including resident muskrat, otter, deer and Wild Turkeys. Warm drinks and snacks will be served. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your binoculars and camera. Advance registration required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 9 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

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