Sweet Maple Sugaring and Muddy Boots on the Trails… It’s Spring at Last! March 2017 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

(January 30, 2017) – It’s time to get your boots a little muddy! Head outside in the warmer temperatures and experience Audubon’s maple sugaring and pancake breakfast, observe the full moon on a crisp evening hike or enjoy a free guided birding walk. It’s spring at last!

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online 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.


March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Around the State 9:00 – 11:00 am
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry through the end of June, 2017. Walks will begin at 9:00 am. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit the Audubon's website or Facebook Page for the location. You may also contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.


March 2 and May 3, 2017 Combating Climate Change
Greening Your Home
Two Locations & Dates Offered 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Interested in reducing your carbon footprint, decreasing exposure to toxins and diminishing waste? It can all start here! Learn simple and effective choices to live greener and save money. Learn how to make alternative cleaners and to shop with an eye for the environment. We can all do our part to combat climate change – learn how!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; March 2, 2017.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; May 3, 2017.
Register online at www.asri.org.






March 4, 2017 Audubon Maple Sugaring
and Pancake Breakfast
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
Seekonk, MA 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Step back in time at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge to experience the history of maple sugaring. Discover how maple sugaring started with Native Americans and how to make this sweet syrup in your own backyard. Participants taste first hand this delectable treat over breakfast. Sample pancakes, muffins and other tasty treats - all with fresh maple syrup. Tours begin every 15 minutes starting at 9:00 am. Please register in advance, this is a popular program and space is limited.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Program Fee: $12/member adult, $6/member child; $18/non-member adult/ $9/non-member child. Ages: 5+. Register online at www.asri.org.


March 4, 2017 Awesome Amphibians, Radical Reptiles
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Gear up for the spring arrival of spring peepers, painted turtles, green spotted salamanders and more with a day dedicated to our local amphibians and reptiles! Programs and admission are free thanks to Citizens Bank.

9:00 am to 5:00 pm - Spot the Salamander: Spot all ten salamanders hidden in our exhibit hall and get a prize!
10:00 am -2:00 pm - Nature Craft Table
10:00 am - Amphibian and Reptile Stories
11:00 am and 2:00 pm – Reptile interview. Meet a turtle or snake!
1:00 pm - Amphibian and Reptile Games. Can you race like a tadpole? Can you join in our frog chorus?
2:30 pm - Guided Nature Walk. Enjoy a walk through our wildlife refuge and look for signs of spring!

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



March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2017 Intro to Beekeeping
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Looking for a way to help pollinators? In this six-session course, you'll learn the basics of keeping honey bees from local beekeeper Kevin England. From honey bee 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 Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $65/member, $72/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.






March 5 - April 30, 2017 Butterflies and Birds:
Photography Exhibit by Rufus Abdullah
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Time spent in nature is a buffer against the hectic pace of modern life. In an ever-changing environment, photographer Rufus Abdullah strives to preserve moments found in the natural world. Whether it is animal or plant life, his images are witness to his quest for serenity and balance. Meet the photographer at an opening reception on March 5 from 1:00 to 3:00pm.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission.


March 8, 2017 Audubon Armchair Naturalist Lecture:
Owls of New England
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Did you know there are several species of owls that live here in New England? You might have one living in your own back yard! We'll take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their amazing adaptations and meet a live owl.
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.

March 8, 2017 Seal Watch on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI 9:45 am – 3:00 pm
Grab the ferry to Prudence Island and 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 the cultural and natural history of Prudence, as well as some of the current research 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: All. For more details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit www.asri.org.


March 11, 2017 Explore Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Explore the various habitats, wildlife and natural beauty that make Prudence Island a unique gem in the middle of the Bay. We'll take a variety of short walks, look for seals resting on the rocks and stop at some of the island's natural and historical features.
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: All. For more details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit www.asri.org.







March 11, 2017 Full Moon Family Hike with Audubon Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Winter is coming to an end, the days are getting longer, and soon we will be “springing ahead”! Bid farewell to winter and welcome spring while we explore the refuge at night. Listen for signs of life and use the light of the full moon to look for animal tracks and signs while we pass through the meadow, the forest, and the wetlands on our nature path. An Audubon educator will lead the way.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register online at www.asri.org.


March 12, 2017 DIY: Birdseed Bag Totes or Aprons
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Plastic birdseed bags are not recyclable. Instead of sending them to the landfill, repurpose them into fashionable tote bags or aprons! Bonnie Combs from Bird Brain Designs will show you how in a Do-It-Yourself workshop! If you have a birdseed bag that you like, bring it with you. (Note: aprons require large bags).
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $5/member,$7/non-member: Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


March 14, 21, 28 & April 4, 11, 18, 2017 Birding: the Next Step Part II: Taking Flight
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Delve into the lives of our feathered friends with Audubon Society of Rhode Island Board Member and professional ornithologist Charles Clarkson. This six-week course is part two of a series. Topics will range from avian anatomy and physiology, the dynamics of migration, the newest technologies in ornithology and to how birds cope with a changing climate. Two weekend field excursions will be arranged.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $125/member, $150/non-member Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


March 16, 2017 Ecuador: A Photographic Journey Exploring the Wildlife of the Andes and Galapagos
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join Audubon Board Member Candace Powell and her husband Chris for a photographic exploration of Ecuador's wildlife, birds and unique habitats. Travel from the capital city of Quito to the snow-capped Andes Mountains to Darwin's legendary Galapagos Islands. Walk the sandy beaches with sea lions and marine iguanas. Snorkel the underwater volcanic landscape and catch a glimpse of diverse fish, fauna, sea lions and penguins. Visit sea bird nesting colonies where Albatross, Blue-footed Boobies and Frigatebirds abound. Don't miss this photographic journey!
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $5/members, $7/non-members. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.



March 18, 2017 Naked Tree I.D.
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Okay, now that I have your attention…come and learn to identify some common trees when they are 'buck nekkid' in winter. We will discuss branching patterns, bark and buds to help us determine deciduous species and will discuss evergreen species as well.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.



March 18 & April 29, 2017 Sea Glass Jewelry
Two Dates Offered
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 quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! This class fills quickly so don’t wait! Advance registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


March 25, 2017 Felted Rabbits with Audubon
March Hares and Easter Bunnies
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Join Audubon and learn how to make a rabbit from wool. Participants will sculpt their own rabbit using the technique of needle felting, which involves using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it become solid. This class is for beginners- no felting experience or artistic skills necessary! Make something special to give as a gift, or to keep for yourself. All materials will be provided.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.