Get a Little Muddy, Get a Little Wet, and Have the Best School Vacation Yet! Audubon Society of Rhode Island April 2017 Programs and Events for Children and Families

(March 6, 2017) – Go ahead and get a little muddy as you search for salamanders, build a bog, go on a swamp stomp and more! Remember that Audubon has tons of hands-on nature fun during April School Vacation Week. Get those kids outside and have some fun!

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. A complete listing of activities and programs are detailed in the Audubon Nature Tours and Programs, a free guide to connecting with the natural world. Register online at www.asri.org or call (401) 949-5454.


April 1, 2017Gardening is Great!
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI9:00 am – 5:00 pm
It’s time to get your hands dirty! We’re celebrating soil, plants, and gardens. Stop in for garden themed crafts, games, and activities for the whole family. Programs and admission are free thanks to Citizens Bank.

10:00 am - 2:00pm – Garden Craft Table
10:00 am -12:00 pm - Carnivorous Plants: Build-A-Bog Workshop for Kids
10:30 am & 1:00 pm - Plant Tales
11:30 am - Guided Nature Walk
1:30 pm - Animal Interview
2:30 pm – Guided Nature Walk

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.







April 1, 2017Carnivorous Plants: Free Build-A-Bog Workshop for Kids! Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Carnivorous plants use tricks and traps to catch their dinner! Join experts from the New England Carnivorous Plant Society and build your own bog filled with these fascinating plants. Kids will plant their own potted bog using a variety of local carnivorous plants. This workshop is free thanks to the URI Master Gardeners. Sign up early as space is limited! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: Free; Ages: 4+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 8, 2017Audubon Harbor Seal Walk at Rome Point
John H. Chaffee Nature Preserve
North Kingstown, RI12:00 – 2:00 pm
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. This program is appropriate for children ages 9 years and up.
John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, North Kingstown, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 9+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 8, 2017Audubon Camouflaged Egg Hunt
Three Locations Offered
Bristol, Exeter, and Smithfield, RI
9:30 – 11:00 am
Here’s a fun alternative to the same old Easter Egg Hunt! Children, ages 3 to 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 Egg Hunt will start promptly at 10:00 am and is held rain or shine. Advance registration is required.

Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Program Fee: $5/member child, $7/non-member child; Ages: Ages 3-10.

- Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
- Powder Mill Ledges, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI
- Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI


April 11 & 12, 2017Junior Naturalists for Home-schooled Families
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI1:30 – 3:00 pm
NEW - Audubon’s popular home-school program now has extended class time. That means more time for outdoor exploration, so dress for the weather!
Join other home-schooled kids to learn about nature and science. This program introduces participants to a different topic each class, with hands-on experiments and nature-based activities that are sure to foster a love of the natural world. Classes are limited to 15 children, so please register early. Adult must attend with child.
April 11 and 12, 2017: Reptiles and Amphibians on the Refuge
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $10/member child, $6/each additional member sibling; $12/non-member child, $8/each additional non-member sibling $8. Ages: 6-12. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


April 15, 2017Eco-stories and Art
Audubon Environmental Education Center Bristol, RI11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bring a snack and relax while an Audubon naturalist reads a nature story. Then create a unique work of art from different recyclable materials and found objects. Will it be a fish made from old CDs? Flowers stamped from bubble wrap and paint? Join us and find out! No registration required. All ages are welcome.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Admission plus $3 materials fee.


April 17 - 21, 2017April School Vacation Week at the
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Become a Nature Explorer! Join Audubon in a weeklong voyage to discover and test your nature skills. Take off on an expedition with an Audubon naturalist and explore our local habitats with nets, magnifying glasses, and more.

Nature crafts: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Nature stories: 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Special Program*: 11:00 am
Animal interview: 1:30 pm

*Special programs are held each day at 11:00 am and are recommended for ages 6 and up. Free with admission, no registration is required. An indoor program will be substituted in the event of rain.

Monday, April 17: Meadow Madness - The meadow is home to lots of different creatures. From insects to rodents, it’s the perfect place for a bird of prey to find its next meal! Let’s look for insects and play games to learn about raptor hunting skills.

Tuesday, April 18: Happy Birthday Audubon! Join us in a celebration of John James Audubon, American naturalist, ornithologist and painter. Meet a live bird of prey and be creative with a hands-on art project in the style of Audubon.

Wednesday, April 19: Swamp Stomp - Grab a net and head to the wetlands with Audubon to look for signs of spring! Can you spot a turtle? How about a frog? What other animals can you find with your net?

Thursday, April 20: Forest Foray - Learn about the different animals who live in this local habitat. Play nature games and work together to create fairy homes in the forest.

Friday, April 21: Earth Day Extravaganza! Help us celebrate Earth Day with eco-friendly activities. Explore the seashore with nets and buckets, make a natural craft, try your hand at an outdoor scavenger hunt on the wildlife refuge, and explore artifacts from nature at our biofact table.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.


April 18 - 21, 2017April School Vacation Week at
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges, Smithfield
and Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MASee times below

Pond Exploration
You’ve seen frogs, turtles and ducks in ponds, but have you ever looked for the smaller creatures that live in the mud or skate across the water? Come along on a search for ALL pond life. Use nets and magnifiers to look for plants and animals that often elude the naked eye. Dress for muddy wet fun! This program is designed for adults and children alike.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; April 18, 2017; 2:00-3:30 pm; Program Fee: Program Fee: $15/member adult and up to three children, $5/additional member; $20/non-member adult and up to three children, $7/additional non-member. Ages: 4+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Meet a Critter: Turtles
Rhode Island has a variety of the amazing armored beasts known as turtles! Join us to learn more about these fascinating creatures and meet some up close.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; April 19, 2017; 2:00-3:30 pm; Program Fee: Program Fee: $15/member adult and up to three children, $5/additional member; $20/non-member adult and up to three children, $7/additional non-member. Ages: 4+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Meet a Critter: Owl and Hawk
Birds of prey have unique features that help them survive. Investigate feathers, talons and wings. Compare nocturnal and diurnal hunting strategies. Meet a live owl and hawk!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; April 20, 2017; 2:00 pm-3:30 pm; Program Fee: Program Fee: $15/member adult and up to three children, $5/additional member; $20/non-member adult and up to three children, $7/additional non-member. Ages: 4+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Salamander Search at Caratunk
Take a springtime stroll with an Audubon naturalist, turn over some rocks and logs and see if you can find some salamanders.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; April 21, 2017; 2:00-3:30 pm; Program Fee: Program Fee: $15/member adult and up to three children, $5/additional member; $20/non-member adult and up to three children, $7/additional non-member. Ages: 3+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

April 22, 2017Fairy and Gnome Gardens
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI10:00 – 11:30 am
Using natural materials such as flowers, shells, seeds, moss, and stones, kids create an enchanting garden for magical guests! Fairy and gnome gardens make a unique spring decoration and are great for creative play. Children are welcome to dress in a fairy or gnome costume. Program includes all materials. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register early, space is limited.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $10/member child; $14/non-member. Ages: 5+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


April 29, 2017Great Swamp Walk
South Kingstown, RI2:30 – 5:00 pm
Join Audubon for a springtime walk into the Great Swamp Management Area. The high diversity of habitats support a 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 should be active.
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. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.