Get Out There and Explore Rhode Island! April 2016 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

(February 25, 2016) – What better time of year to hit the trails with Audubon? Watch for American Woodcocks, learn to identify frog calls, search for harbor seals and more! Get outdoors and explore Rhode Island this spring.

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online at www.asri.org.
A complete listing of programs are 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.

April 2, 2016 Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center will be free on the first Saturday of every month, courtesy of a grant from Citizens Bank.

Families can explore environmental exhibits representing Rhode Island’s diverse habitats, from upland meadow and cornfields to wetlands, salt marshes and the Narragansett Bay shoreline.
Situated on the beautiful 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, visitors can enjoy nature trails.

Get Outside!
Let’s celebrate spring by heading outdoors! Join Audubon for a day filled with nature activities, guided walks, and more.
9:00 am-5:00 pm: Scavenger Hunt on the Wildlife Refuge
10:00 am to 2:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:00 am - Nature Story
10:30 am and 1:30 pm - Animal Interview
11:00 am: Family Hike, Raffle, and Book Signing with RI Families in Nature
11:00 am- 2:00 pm: Soil Testing with URI Master Gardeners
2:30 pm: Guided Trail Walk

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI.

April 2, 2016 Family Hike With
Rhode Island Families in Nature
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join Rhode Island Families in Nature director Jeanine Silversmith for a family-friendly hike. There will be journal pages available for kids to record their thoughts and sightings, as well as fun raffle prizes for participants. Jeanine will sign copies of her book "The Rhode Island Family Hiking Guide and Journal" which is available in the Audubon Nature Shop. This event is part of Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: Free. Ages: All. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 2, 2016 URI Master Gardeners Soil Testing
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Get ready for the planting season and have a master gardener check the pH level of your soil. Collect four to six samples from different locations in the area you would like tested. Dig down three to six inches to the root depth. Place the samples in an open tray, mix together well and allow the soil to air-dry overnight. Fill a small paper bag with ½ cup of your sample and label it with the location from where it was collected.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: Free.


April 2, 2016 Signs of Spring at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
Seekonk, MA 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Shake off the winter blues and head out on the trails with an Audubon naturalist to look for signs of spring. It's a treasure hunt to discover new buds bursting, flowers blooming and insects hatching. We might be treated to a concert of wood frogs croaking, peepers peeping and songbirds singing. This will be an easy to moderate hike, but be prepared for snowy, icy or muddy trails with appropriate footwear and layers of clothing. All ages welcome who can walk a mile or two on uneven terrain.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Program Fee: $8/member adult/child pair, $5/each additional member; $12/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: All. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 2, 2016 Harbor Seal Walk at Rome Point
John H. Chafee Nature Preserve
North Kingstown, RI 9:00 – 11:00 am
Harbor seals are the most common marine mammal in Rhode Island waters. These winter visitors to Narragansett Bay have become more abundant in recent years and are easily viewed at several locations. Join Audubon naturalist Laura Carberry for a visit to the largest haul-out site in the state, off of Rome Point. Our walk is timed with low tide, and we could see a hundred seals or more. It is approximately a one-mile hike each way between the parking lot and Rome Point. Good walking shoes, warm clothes, and binoculars or spotting scopes will be helpful.
John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, North Kingstown, RI on Rt. 1A across from Gilbert Stuart Road; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages: 8+. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 3, 2016 Prudence Island Tour and Seal Watch
Prudence Island, RI 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Come explore Prudence Island with a chance to see seals at one of the best haul-out spots in Narragansett Bay and learn about ecological research happening in and around the Bay. The seals will be viewed using spotting scopes and a brief presentation will provide you with information about the seals’ life cycle and migration. Participants will also tour the island by van with stops along the way to visit several unique historical and natural features.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Program Fee; $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10+. For more details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit www.asri.org.

April 5, 2016 Seal Watch on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI 9:45 am – 3:00 pm
Observe harbor seals at one of the best haul-out spots in Narragansett Bay! The seals will be viewed from land using spotting scopes and binoculars. The program includes a presentation on these amazing animals. Participants will also tour the island via passenger van learning about cultural and natural history, as well as current projects at the Research Reserve.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Program Fee; $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 8+. For more details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit www.asri.org.


April 6, 13, 20, 27, 2016 Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Around the State 9:00 – 11:00 am
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Walks will begin at 9:00 am. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit Audubon's website or Facebook Page for the location. You may also contact Laura directly at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday, weather permitting; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: Free. Ages: 14+.


April 8, 2016 Watching Woodcocks: Supper and Saunter
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Join Audubon for an evening dedicated to the mysterious American Woodcock. Begin with supper of soup, salad, and fresh bread and enjoy an introduction to this bird and its exuberant mating flights. Then venture outdoors, either at Powder Mill Ledges or at the nearby Newman Wildlife Refuge to view and listen for the mating flights and songs. Wear sturdy shoes, dress warmly and bring a bright flashlight. Program will be postponed in the event of rain or otherwise poor viewing conditions.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $25/member, $30/non-member. Ages: 9+. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 9, 2016 Paint and Sip: Signs of Spring
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Create your own beautiful painting while enjoying a glass of wine! No painting experience necessary - we’ll lead you through the creative process with step-by-step instruction. Start with a blank canvass, and leave with your own masterpiece! Registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $35/member, $40/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online at www.asri.org.

April 9, 2016 Woodcocks and Wine
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Exeter, RI 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening adventure in the fields of Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge to observe the enchanting flight patterns of the American Woodcock. If you have never witnessed the Woodcock show, you are in for a rare treat! The evening begins with a wine sampling and a presentation of fascinating facts about these unusual birds. Afterwards, we will head out on a hike to observe the Woodcock display. Be warned, spring peepers or even a coyote might serenade you! You must be at least 21 years old to register. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Meet in the Nature Center.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Program Fee: $18/member, $22/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14, 2016 Birding for Beginners
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:30 – 11:30 am
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities. Join the fun! Audubon offers a six-week class providing a basic understanding of bird biology as well as visual and by-ear identification techniques. Led by Lauren Parmelee, long time birder and Audubon senior director of education, time will be spent in both the classroom and the field (weather dependent) to practice birding skills. Please bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them, and dress appropriately for the weather. Class is limited to 15 adults, register early.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $60/member, $72/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 12, 2016 Edible Wild Plants and Mushrooms
of New England with Russ Cohen
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 7:00 – 8:30 pm
New England is home to over 150 species of edible wild plants and edible mushrooms. Some are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of “Wild Plants I Have Known…And Eaten” for a presentation covering over 70 of the tastiest species the region has to offer. Russ will provide identification tips, availability and general guidelines for safe and environmentally-responsible foraging as well as a foraged goodie to taste! Advance registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $25/member, $30/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 13, 2016 Armchair Naturalist Lecture: Cavity Nesters
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm
From the cheery woodpecker to the sleepy porcupine to the invaluable honey bee, there are countless animals that take advantage of natural cavities in trees. Come learn about many of our native cavity nesters and find out what YOU can do with nesting boxes and other efforts to encourage these wild creatures.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 13, 2016 Jamestown Salt Marshes
Jamestown, RI 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Jamestown, or Conanicut Island, has many wonderful coastal habitats. Come explore two salt marshes and a stretch of beach at low tide, a great time to look for wading birds and other wildlife of the estuary. Join Scott Ruhren, director of conservation, as we compile a species list. Please dress appropriately for wet footing and the weather.
Meet at the Jamestown East Ferry parking lot; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages: 5+. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 16, 2016 Sea Glass Jewelry
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Come 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 fun, creative jewelry using easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! Advance registration is required as space is strictly limited to 10 participants.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member, $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 16, 2016 Explore the Nature of Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Explore Prudence Island's various habitats and natural beauty while learning about the cultural history that makes this gem in the middle of the Bay so unique. Enjoy a variety of short walks and stops at some of the island's natural and historical features. There is a great diversity of habitats including salt marshes, deciduous woodlands and coastal meadows.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Program Fee; $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10+. For more details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit www.asri.org.


April 18, 2016 Waders and Water
Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge
Warren, RI 9:30 - 11:30 am
Low tide is a great time to explore the coasts of our bay and rivers. The coastal habitats at Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge are crucial for migrating and resident waterfowl and songbirds. We may see winter residents mixed with early migrants. Please dress appropriately.
Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages: 5+. Register online at www.asri.org.


April 20, 2016 Frogs and Toads By Ear
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Exeter, RI 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Spring is here and the frogs and toads are beginning to call! Have you ever wondered what is making all that noise by the pond? We will start in the barn with a visual presentation and listen to some frog calls to get started. Then we will head out onto the trails to see if we can hear some frogs or toads and identify the species. Please bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online at www.asri.org.

April 23, 2016 Natural Dyes from the Local Landscape
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Join local fiber artist Jacyln Pacheco for an exploration of natural dyes. This workshop will introduce beginners to the dyeing process and explain how to source natural materials from the local landscape. All materials will be provided. Please register in advance.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $55/member, $60/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.

April 25, 2016 Spring Flora Foray
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
Coventry, RI 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
The Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge has fields, forests, streams and wetlands that come back to life in spring. Flowers should be in bloom and frogs and salamanders should be active. Warblers fill the forest with song. Join Scott Ruhren, director of conservation, on this trail hike through the rolling hills of this beautiful wildlife refuge.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member Ages: 5+. Register online at www.asri.org.

April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2016 Friday Morning Bird Walks
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Exeter, RI 8:15 - 10:30 am
Experience spring migration at Fisherville Brook! Explore the wildlife refuge each week with an expert guide in search of new neo-tropical migrants. Observe birds like Northern Waterthrush, Prairie Warblers, Bluebirds, Scarlet Tanagers and more. You never know what birds may be spotted. Don't forget your binoculars! Meet in the parking lot.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Program Fee: Free. Ages: 12+. Register online at www.asri.org.

April 30, 2016 Great Swamp Walk
South Kingstown, RI 2:30 – 5:00 pm
Join Bob Kenney for a springtime walk into the Great Swamp Management Area. Because of the very high diversity of habitats, Great Swamp supports of large variety of both resident and migrant birds. It has been an excellent site for finding several rarities over the years. Amphibians and reptiles are also awake after their long winter naps and will be active.
The Great Swamp, 296 Great Neck Road, South Kingstown, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All ages. Register online at www.asri.org.

April 30, 2016 Party for the Peregrines
The Squantum Club
East Providence, RI 6:30-9:00 pm
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island will host a celebration of Rhode Island raptors on April 30, 2016. Live and silent auctions as well as creative cocktails and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres will be featured. Audubon’s live raptors will also be presented during the evening. Proceeds will support the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and will help to protect thousands of acres of valuable habitat for these birds and other creatures. For more information and to purchase tickets ($75/person) please visit www.asri.org.
Squantum Club, 1 Squantum Road, East Providence, RI; Tickets: $75/person; Ages: Adult.