March 29, 2024

Fall is a Favorite Time at Audubon!

October 2018 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Posted

(August 31, 2018) – Crisp, cool air. Beautiful fall foliage. Winding nature trails. Fall migrants overhead. They all combine to make October a special time of year. So take a break, pull on your fleece jacket, rustle through some leaves and enjoy October the Audubon way!

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.

Saturday Nature Walks with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI*
Saturdays Throughout the October 27, 2018; 2:00-3:00 pm

Join Audubon for weekly nature walks every Saturday. Walks depart from the lobby of the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol and will be led by an Audubon guide. Please note this program is weather dependent. (Note: There will be no walk on September 8 or October 13.)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Forest Bathing Walk
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
October 3, 2018; 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Many scientific studies tell us that time in nature is key for our physical and mental health. Join Audubon for a leisurely walk of shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing. With its roots in Japan, this walk will encourage you to focus on your senses: seeing, smelling and touching. This will be a walk focused on just "being" rather than "I.D.ing" out in nature. Dress for the weather.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across the State
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 2018; 9:00 – 11:00 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 (ww.asri.org) or Facebook Page for the location. You may also contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2019; 9:00-11:00 am; Ages: 14+.


Ocean Pollution: Do You Know Where Your Litter Is?
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI*
October 6, 2018; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, animal discoveries, hikes and more.
Ocean Pollution: Do You Know Where Your Litter Is?
10:00 am -2:00 pm: Tinker Table Craft: Use recycled items to create your own special masterpiece.
10:30 am & 2:30 pm: Nature Story
11:30 am: Where’s your Litter? Can you help the oceans? Be a litter detective! Come join our fun, hands-on activities as you learn about how you can help prevent ocean litter.
Materials for this program have been provided by the North American Marine Environmental Protection Association.
1:30 pm: Animal Interview
2:00 pm: Guided Nature Walk (weather dependent)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All. No need to register.


Audubon Birding Adventure in Jamestown
Jamestown, RI
October 7, 2018; 8:30 – 10:30 am

Join Audubon birding expert Lauren Parmelee for an exploration of Conanicut Island's natural areas. Head to Godena Farm, Parker Farm and other scenic spots to look for migrating and resident birds. Beginning birders welcome! Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. Extra optics and field guides will be available.
Meet Godena Farm, North Main Road, Jamestown RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Beekeeping Basics and More!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI*
October 7, 21, 28 & December 9, 16, 23, 2018; 2:00 – 4:30 pm

In this six-session course, you'll learn the basics from honeybee health, to equipment and hive construction. This course will give you the knowledge you need to get started with backyard beekeeping. All participants will receive the book "The Backyard Beekeeper" by Kim Flottum. Find out why there is so much "buzz" about bees!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee for six week session: $65/member, $72/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Feed the Birds! Starting Your Own Bird Feeding Station
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 11, 2018; 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Fascinated by your feathered backyard visitors and want to learn how to get started feeding the birds? Come to Audubon and learn about types of feeders, seed and feeder placement as well as some tips and tricks for attracting the critters you want and deterring the ones you don't. We will also discuss water and landscape plantings. Feeders, nesting boxes and seed will be available for sale from The Nature Shop after class.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Author Meet and Greet
Return of the Sea Otter by Todd McLeish
Lecture and Book Signing
October 11, 2018; 7:00-8:00 pm; 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Join author Todd McLeish as he shares adorable photos and describes his adventures during his study of sea otters as he traveled from California to Alaska. Nearly driven extinct for their thick fur pelts, the “champions of cute” have returned to the West Coast in big numbers but are still threatened by sharks, killer whales, oil spills and native hunters. Todd’s book about sea otters, published in March 2018, will be available for purchase and signing.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


FREE Audubon Bird Walks for Beginners
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 16, 23, 30, 2018; 8:30 am – 10:00 am

Come learn the basics of birding and explore Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Discover how to identify birds through appearance, song, behavior and habitat. Start with a brief presentation in the barn and then head out on the trails to look for birds. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Weather dependent.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Free. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Geospatial Technology: Online Mapping and More!
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 18, 19, 2018; See Times Below

Have you ever thought about creating a map of your property? Where are the wetlands, what soil types are present? How has the land changed over time? In this two-day workshop, learn to utilize free online resources to visualize the land around you. Participants will learn to access the free resources and add local information. Participants will create a story map of their choosing. Bring your own device or use one of Audubon's iPads.

Who should attend? Land Trust Organizations, Conservation Commission, Conservation group members and other interested folks.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; October 18, 2018; 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Saturday October 19, 2018 9:00 - 11:00 am; Fee: $75/members, $85/non-members. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Hiking Prudence Island
Prudence Island, Rhode Island
October 18, 2018; 1:30 – 6:30 pm

Prudence Island has several miles of hiking trails that cover a wide range of habitats from forested wetlands to coastal meadow and pine barrens. Travel to the Island for what is sure to be a beautiful fall hike. Pace will be moderate and cover 3 to 4 miles over a mix of terrain. Trails are well maintained and we will avoid areas of high grass to reduce exposure to ticks.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10+. For more information about Prudence Island trips and to register online, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Taking the Mystery Out of Mushrooming
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
October 20, 2018; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join Audubon for an introduction to mushrooms and fungus, and learn how to identify mushroom groups and species that grow in the area. Start inside with a presentation on mushroom identification - view wild mushrooms on display that were collected from other areas, depending on availability. Next, venture out for a hike in the woods with an expert guide to find mushrooms growing in the wild. Afterwards, sample a couple of tasty mushroom dishes using a variety of cultivated 'wild' mushrooms. Please note: collecting mushrooms on Audubon properties is prohibited. Dress for the weather, including long pants and sturdy walking shoes.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $30/member; $40/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI*
October 20, November 17, December 8, 2018; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Come 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! Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Beeswax Wraps Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI*
October 20, 2018; 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Single-use plastics are filling up our oceans ad landfill. Be part of the solution by making your own re-usable, eco-friendly lunch wraps! With cotton fabric, beeswax, buttons, and string, create a flexible wrap to transport food, cover bowls, and protect your leftovers. Its 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 you would like to use, bring it along! Skip the plastic wrap and sandwich bags—use your sustainable and stylish beeswax wrap instead.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 16+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Fall Foliage Hike
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
October 22, 2018; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Caratunk is a beautiful place to see the seasons change. As summer melts into fall, fields and forests are ablaze with color. This is an easy hike on established trails. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 6+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Peaks and Valleys in Fall
Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge, Hopkinton, RI
October 26, 2018; 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

The high peaks at Long Pond offer amazing views of the lake and surrounding forests as hawks soar overhead. This is a fun, yet at-times strenuous, hike on established trails. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.
Long Pond Woods, North Road, Hopkinton, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 6+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


The Perfect Pumpkin Party
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI*
October 27, 2018; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join Audubon for a different kind of autumn celebration and find out just how much fun a pumpkin can be! Search for hidden pumpkins throughout the wildlife refuge, try your hand at pumpkin games then collect stickers for your own “patch.” Visit our silly photo booth for a fall family picture and purchase a pumpkin to decorate. Don’t forget to come in costume – those who do will receive a prize. The party will include favorite games from last year as well as new activities – it’s all about the big orange pumpkin! No need to register.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program is free with admission, additional fee to purchase a pumpkin. Ages: All.

Providence Raptors
Photography Exhibit by Peter Green
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI*
Through October 31, 2018; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

A photographer and graphic designer living and working in downtown Providence, Peter Green walks the city, documenting the Peregrine Falcons and other urban wildlife. These regal, powerful raptors seem out-of-place yet perfectly at home among the landscape of bricks and concrete. Meet Peter and learn more about his work at Audubon’s Raptor Weekend on September 8, 2018.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.


* Audubon Society of Rhode Island announces that the Audubon Environmental Education Center in Bristol is now called: The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. It’s a more welcoming name – one that Audubon feels better describes the exhibits, activities and visitor experience at the Center in Bristol.

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