Look for Signs of Spring with Audubon!

(February 5, 2024) – It’s time to get your boots a little muddy! Bring a friend and watch the amazing display of the American Woodcock or take a guided walk and discover the wonders found on Audubon wildlife refuges when the weather begins to warm. Join the fun this spring!

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/calendar. 

Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 2, 2024; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Come Birding with Me!
Join a birdwatching adventure with Dr. Charles Clarkson, Audubon Director of Avian Research. Teaming with RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, he will share information about The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Rhode Island. After the program, head out for a birding walk on the wildlife refuge. Want to build your bird nerd knowledge? Visit the Nature Shop to purchase your own copy of the Atlas! Program is free, but registration is required. For ages 6+. Visit: https://forms.gle/e8i12mQBNFq8YUrF7 
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Birds and Brews
Portsmouth, Newport, Middletown, RI
March 2, 2024; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come take a ride in the Audubon Nature Tour Van for a day of birding and a stop at a local brewery! We will spend the morning visiting a variety of hot spots in Portsmouth, Newport, and Middletown. Search the coast for ducks, gulls and maybe even an owl. When you’ve had your fill of birds, head over to one of RI's local breweries to finish off the day! Bring a lunch, binoculars, and dress for the weather!
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $60/member; $72/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.  

Used Nature Book Sale
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 2 & 3, 2024; 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Audubon’s popular Used Nature Book Sale is back! You never know what treasure you may find for yourself or a friend. Looking to clean out your library or closet at home? Drop off gently used nature books at the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI from February 22-29, 2024. Field guides, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s nature books are all welcome. Books must be nature-based and in good condition.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Osprey Monitor Training
Four Sessions Offered
Are you interested in helping Audubon research the ecology of Osprey in Rhode Island? Join our team and become part of a research initiative that has been ongoing since 1977! Free training workshops are offered for volunteers to learn the natural history of Osprey, how to monitor a nest, submit data, and more. For ages 16 and up. Register online at www.asri.org/calendar. 

- Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI; March 2, 2024; 1:00 pm-2:15 pm
- South Kingstown Land Trust Barn, South Kingstown, RI. March 6, 2024; 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
- Virtual Zoom Workshop. March 13, 2024; 7:00 pm-8:30 pm.
- Virtual Zoom Workshop. March 27, 2024; 7:00 pm-8:30 pm.

Small Wonders: Art Exhibit by Katie Khan
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 3 – April 30, 2024; 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
From the lives of insects, the colors found in several seconds worth of sunset, to the texture of a bird’s feather, Katie Khan’s work focuses on things in nature that astound us when we take the time to look. Khan works in watercolor and gouache, from larger-scale landscapes to miniatures only a few inches tall.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; March 3-April 30, 2024; 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Audubon Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2024; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Designing a Wildlife Garden
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 9, 2024; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Join Audubon’s master gardener for a talk about making your space an inviting habitat for all wildlife - migrating songbirds, overwintering bumblebees, and endangered butterflies.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $12 non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Pysanky Workshop with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 9, 2024; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Come try your hand at the Ukrainian tradition of dyeing eggs called Pysanky. Participants will learn about design, planning, and dyeing eggs. Handouts will also be given regarding where to obtain Pysanky tools and dyes. All supplies are provided. Participants will create one egg. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $25/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Seals and Sea Ducks
Prudence Island, RI
March 14, 2024; 1:30-6:30 pm
Enjoy an afternoon adventure exploring Prudence Island! Start by looking for harbor seals resting on the rocks at the southern tip of the island as well as a variety of seabird species. Travel to other birding hotspots and areas of scenic beauty across the island; expect to take some short walks (1-1.5 miles each) depending on trail and road conditions. Reservations are required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. For more information and to register for Prudence Island programs, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Maple Sugaring with Audubon
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 16, 2024; 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Audubon’s popular Maple Sugaring program returns to Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in 2024! Discover how maple trees are tapped for sap, learn about the process of turning sap into syrup, and hear stories about the rich history of maple sugaring in New England. A light maple-themed breakfast will be provided. Fun for the whole family!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $15/member, $7/member child; $18/non-member adult/ $9 non-member child; Family Fee (up to 4 people): $45/member family, $55/non-member family. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Pysanky Workshop with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 16, 2024; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Come try your hand at the Ukrainian tradition of dyeing eggs called Pysanky. The traditional form of egg dying involves bright dyes and hot wax that can be used to create beautiful and intricate patterns. Participants will learn about the steps involved in this process and get to try their hand at creating one unique egg to take home. All supplies are provided. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Stamp and Sip!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 19, 2024; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Don't you love opening the mailbox to find a card from a friend? Join an adult card-crafting workshop and create some hand-made cards that can be used to brighten someone's day! Create three cards using a variety of stamping techniques. All materials will be provided, and all skill levels are welcome. Come alone or bring along a friend to de-stress, learn a new hobby, or re-kindle an old passion. Wine, light snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Woodcocks and Wine
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
March 22, 2024; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join Audubon for an evening adventure in the fields of Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge to observe the enchanting flight patterns of the American Woodcock. Begin with a wine sampling and presentation of fascinating facts about these unusual birds. Then 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. Advance registration is required.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Pools, Swamps, and Cabbage
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
March 22, 2024; 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
As winter ends and snow melts, some of our earliest flowers emerge. Explore forests and wetlands to observe this annual phenomenon. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Audubon Camouflage Egg Hunt
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI
March 23, 2024; 9:30 – 10:30 am
Children, ages 3-10, hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage.  Prizes are awarded to all children, with grand prizes given to the finders of the “golden eggs.”  Please bring a basket. Check-in will begin at 9:30 am. The Camouflaged Egg Hunt will start promptly at 10:00 am and is held rain or shine, please dress for the weather. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.  Fee: $7/member-child, $9/Non-member child. Ages 3 – 10.

Signs of Spring Discovery Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 24, 2024; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a spring discovery walk. Look for signs of the changing season around Audubon's Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge and try your hand at a scavenger hunt. A fun activity for all ages! Advance registration required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; 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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Nature Discovery Series for Young Children
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2024; 2:00-4:00 pm
Young children ages 3 to 6 explore the wonder of spring through an eight-week nature discovery series. Outdoor explorations, stories, art, and play are all included in these delightful classes lead by Laura Rosenthal, an experienced teacher with a background in early childhood environmental education. Together, children and their caregivers use their senses and simple tools to investigate the natural world, have fun playing games and singing songs, and make new friends!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $80/member adult and child, $60 each additional child; $130/non-member adult and child, $100 each additional child. Ages: 3-6. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 28, April 4, 11, 25, May 2, 9, 2024
This popular program introduces children ages 18 months to 2 years to the delights of nature through age-appropriate, hands-on activities. Activities may include nature walks, crafts, songs and stories. This is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends with the other children and parents. Registration is required. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI;10:00-11:00 am; Fee: $60/member child, $75/two member siblings, $70/non-member child, $85/two non-member siblings. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Timberdoodles and Treats
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 29, 2024; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join Audubon for an evening adventure to observe the captivating flight patterns of the Timberdoodle; a.k.a. the American Woodcock. The evening begins with sweet treats and a presentation about these unusual birds. Then head out on a hike to observe the Timberdoodle’s spring display. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight. Advance registration is required. These programs are designed for families with children ages 10 and up.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12/member adult, $7/member child; $16/non-member adult, $9/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Emerging Spring Walk
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
March 30, 2024; 1:00-3:00 pm
Visit a pond and a vernal pool to scoop and observe invertebrate animals. Walk through the wildlife refuge and learn about the emerging signs of spring, the order of nature appearing and regrowth. We’ll keep our eyes and ears open for salamanders, frogs and spring bird migrants like Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and Eastern Phoebes.
Fort Wildlife Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; March 30, 2024; 1:00-3:00 pm; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 30, May 11, 2024; 1:00 – 2:30 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 using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! Advance registration is required.