Head out on the Water… or Take a Trek on the Evening Trails!

(June 1, 2017) – Looking to enjoy those warm July days, but prefer not to bask on the hot, crowded beaches? Enjoy an evening walk searching for wild edibles, bring the kids and learn all about the brightly lit firefly or get a little adventuresome and head out on a guided kayak trip or river tour. Let Audubon be your guide to Rhode Island’s natural beauty this summer.

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

Ocean Commotion
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
July 1, 2017; 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Make a commotion about the ocean! Join Audubon and learn about the many species of marine life that live in our local ocean waters, meet some live tide pool animals, and take a trek down to the seashore to explore. Programs and admission are free thanks to Citizen Bank.
10:00 am- 2:00 pm: Ocean Craft Table
10:00 am- 2:00 pm: Stop by the ocean biofact table to investigate shells, crab exoskeletons, whelk eggs, and more!
10:00 am and 2:00 pm: Ocean Stories
10:30: Explore the Shore! Take a guided walk to the seashore, and use nets and buckets to look for sea life. Come dressed in sturdy shoes that can get wet, wear sunscreen, and bring a water bottle.
1:00 pm: Animal Interview: Tide Pool Critters
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Birds and Non-Birds: Artwork by Rebecca Gelernter
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
July 5-August 31, 2017; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Scientific illustrator and avian enthusiast Rebecca Gelernter likes to draw birds and other creatures with character. Long fascinated by animal behavior, she strives to show her subjects’ personalities. In combination with rigorous scientific accuracy, this makes for artwork that fosters a connection between the viewers and animals with whom we share our world. Opening reception is Wednesday, July 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission.

Fireflies!
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
July 7, 2017; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Join Audubon for an evening celebrating the living lightshow that is the firefly. Learn about how they use their flickering lights to communicate and how to recognize them during the day. Make a glowing firefly craft to take home. End the evening by going out to the fields to watch for their blinking displays. We will call participants to reschedule in the case of inclement weather. Rain date is July 8.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 6+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org

Bird Banding with Audubon
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
July 9, August 13, 2017; 9:15 -11:15 am
Join Audubon and witness bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure and release songbirds in order to record their movements. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed. Bring a camera and binoculars.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $6/non-member child. Ages: 6+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Armchair Naturalist Lecture: Attack of the Invasive Species
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
July 12, 2017; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
The problem of 'invasive species' is rated as one of the most pressing environmental problems in the world today -- right up there with climate change. This slide presentation will introduce participants to many of the 'invasives' here in Rhode Island. Learn how the Audubon Society of Rhode Island combat these aliens on our wildlife refuges and discover what you can do to help reduce this problem on your own property.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Seekonk River Twilight Cruise Aboard the Explorer
Pawtucket, RI
July 13, 2017; 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a relaxing evening cruise along the beautiful and historic Seekonk River. Sit back and gaze out over the water as we watch for birds and other wildlife that live along the river. Participants may wish to bring insect repellent. The Explorer is a covered boat and will go out rain or shine. Leaves from Festival Pier, Pawtucket. Co-sponsored with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Departs from Festival Pier, 100 Tim Healey Way, Pawtucket, RI; Program Fee: $15/adult; $12/child. Ages: 7+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org

Guided Trail Walks with Audubon
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
July 15, 29, August 12, 26, 2017; 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a leisurely walk along the trails to the coast of Narragansett Bay. Observe wildlife in field, wetland and forest habitats. We never know what we may see. Bring binoculars and a camera. This program is weather dependent.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All. No need to register.

Wild Edibles Walk with Russ Cohen
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
July 18, 2017; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Russ Cohen is back to lead his Wild Edibles Walk—the perfect complement to his spring lecture! The Ocean State is home to over 90 species of edible wild plants, some of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Join Russ, expert forager and author of Wild Plants I have Known…and Eaten, on a two-hour ramble to encounter at least eighteen species of edible wild plants. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portions, seasons of availability and general guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Kayaking the Narrow River with Audubon
South Kingstown, RI
July 18, 2017; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Enjoy a peaceful morning kayaking the beautiful Narrow River in southern Rhode Island. Also known as the Pettaquamscutt River, this body of water is a narrow tidal inlet that opens into the Atlantic Ocean at Narragansett Beach. It is home to Ospreys, egrets, herons, ducks, shorebirds and many other species of wildlife. If time allows, participants will stop along the shore to examine shells and sea creatures that inhabit the water. Bring a snack or lunch and plenty of sunscreen and water for this three-hour guided tour.
Narrow River Pollock Ave Boat Launch, South Kingstown, RI; Program Fee: $55/member; $65/non-member. Ages: 16+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
July 22, August 19, 2017; 11:00 am-12:30 pm
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 creative jewelry using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! This class fills quickly. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org

2017 Rhode Island Butterfly Count
July 22, 2017; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Audubon for this annual citizen science project that documents butterfly species in Rhode Island. Naturalists lead teams into the field to identify and record butterfly sightings. No experience is needed. For more information, email Jon Scoones at jscoones@asri.org
or call (401) 949-5454 ext. 3044.
Program fee: $10/member, $15/non-members. Ages: Teen to Adult.

Locations:
- Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield
- Audubon Newman Wildlife Refuge, N. Smithfield
- Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter
- Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown

Prudence Island Garden Tour
Prudence Island, RI
July 26, 2017; 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Calling all gardeners! Head across the Bay in July to visit some of the best gardens on Prudence Island. Stops will include unique private gardens and the historical Farnham Farm, complete with an antique apple orchard. Due to limited space, registration is required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. For details on Prudence Island Trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Paint and Sip: Owls
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
July 29, 2017; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Create your own beautiful owl painting while enjoying a glass of wine! No painting experience necessary - we’ll lead you through the process with step-by-step instruction. Note to previous participants: we will be creating a different owl painting than last summer, so consider joining us again for a fun night out! Registration is required.  Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: Other; $35/ member $40/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org