Who Can Find the Most Species? Bring the Brood for Birding Fun! Audubon Society of Rhode Island May 2017 Programs and Events for Children and Families

(April 7, 2015) – Birding isn’t only for adults! Bring the kids and head out on the trails with an Audubon guide for birding fun! Search for spring migrants, learn about one of the fastest-growing pastimes in the country, and hike the trails for some healthy outdoor exercise.

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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org or call (401) 949-5454.

Tales and Trails
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 3, 2017; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Join us for an hour-long story time and trail exploration just for preschoolers. Learn about the local animals that live in the habitats on the wildlife refuge - and maybe even spot a few!
May 3, 2017: Enjoy a reading of Tudley Didn’t Know by John Himmelman, learn about local turtle species and take the nature path to the wetlands to look for turtles, other reptiles and amphibians. Come dressed for the outdoors.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $5/member child, $7/non-member child. Ages: 3-6. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Migratory Bird Day at Audubon
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 6, 2017; 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Come celebrate migratory birds! Discover the importance of bird migration and the many amazing birds of that travel throughout North and South America. Programs and admission are free thanks to Citizens Bank. No need to register.


(Migratory Bird Day at Audubon continued)
10:00 am - 2:00 pm – Avian Craft Table
10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Bird Biofacts. Investigate feathers, eggs, nests, and more.
10:00 am – Bird Tales
11:00 am and 1:00 pm – Owl Interview
2:00 pm – Guided Nature Walk.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.


Bird Banding with Audubon
Four Dates Offered
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 7, June 11, 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. Programs are limited to 15 participants, please register early.
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.



Preschool Story Time at Powder Mill Ledges
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
May 10, 2017; 10:00 – 11:00 am and 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Enjoy a nature story with your preschooler each month. Programs include the reading of a nature story with hands-on activities followed by a nature craft or live animal visit. Adults must accompany children.
May 10, 2017: The Lady and the Spider by Faith McNulty
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



Spring Birding on Prudence
Prudence Island, RI
May 10, 2017; 9:45 am – 3:00 pm
Prudence Island provides an ideal stopover point for many species of songbirds during their spring migration. Travel by van around the island and stop for short birding walks (.5 to 1.5 miles.) Trails are relatively flat and we will go at an easy pace. Learn about the Research Reserve, the unique history of the island and the beautiful natural features that make Prudence a true gem in the middle of the Bay. Registration is required, space is limited.
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 details on Prudence Island Trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org.




Wetlands Exploration with Audubon
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 13, June 11, 2017; 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Take a journey to the wetlands with Audubon and discover just how important this habitat is. Keep your eyes open for turtles, frogs and ducks. We will explore the water with nets and basins, then use magnifying glasses and guide books to identify what we find. Will it be a tadpole? A dragonfly nymph? Snail eggs? Wear clothes that can get dirty. Adults must accompany children. Program is weather dependent.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $5/member child, $7/non-member child. Ages: 4+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Birding with the Kids
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
May 13, 2017; 9:00 – 11:00 am
May is the perfect time to get outdoors and try the fastest growing hobby in the country - birding. Bring some binoculars, your favorite field guide and look for some common birds to get started. Explore the wildlife refuge as you learn about using optics, spotting birds and receive tips on how to identify them. Dress for the weather. Wear sturdy, closed toe shoes.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: Other; $10/member adult-child pair; $5/each additional member; $14/non-member adult-child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 6+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Blackstone River Twilight Cruise Aboard the Explorer
Two Dates Offered
May 13, June 15, 2017; 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a relaxing evening cruise along the beautiful and historic Blackstone River. Sit back and gaze out over the Valley Falls wilderness area as we watch for birds and other wildlife that live along America's "hardest working river." Participants may wish to bring insect repellent. The Explorer is a covered boat and will go out rain or shine. Co-sponsored with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Departs from Central Falls Landing, 20 Madeira Ave, Central Falls, RI; Program Fee: $15/adult; $12/child. Ages: 7+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Spring Forest Hike with Audubon
Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
May 15, 2017; 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge offers the longest and some of the most diverse hiking trails in the Audubon Refuge system. Join Scott Ruhren, senior director of conservation, for a vigorous hike to discover what is awakening in the rolling hills of Parker. Dress appropriately in layers and wear sturdy shoes.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.




Junior Naturalists for Home-schooled Families
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 16 & 17, 2017; 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Audubon's popular home-school program now has extended class time! That means more time for outdoor exploration, so come dressed for the weather. Join other home-schooled kids to learn about nature and science. This program will introduce 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. May 16 and 17, 2017 - Wetlands Exploration
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $10/member child, $6/each additional sibling; $12/non-member child, $8/each additional sibling. Ages 6-12. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Do You Hear What I Hear?
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 20, 2017; 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Come sharpen your listening skills and learn to identify the calls of American tree frogs, spring peepers, green frogs, and bullfrogs as they usher in spring. We may even hear the call of a red fox or an Eastern Screech Owl. Children are welcome to share in the excitement that comes with listening to the natural world at night. Advance registration required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 4+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Preschool Adventures
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 2017; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Nature comes alive for children ages 3 to 5. Children will participate in games, hikes, crafts, songs, hands-on activities and more as they are introduced to the wonders of nature. Space is limited to 10 children so please register early. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. Younger siblings are not permitted to attend.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program fee for four-week session: $40/member child, $50/two member siblings; $44/non-member child, $54/two non-member siblings. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.


Li’l Peeps
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 2017; 9:45 – 10:45 am
This popular program introduces children ages 18 months to 2 years to the delights of nature through age-appropriate, hands-on activities. Along with a nature lesson, 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 as space is limited and fills very quickly. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. In order to maintain an age-appropriate program we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program fee for four week session: $40/member child, $50/two member siblings; $44/non-member child, $54/two non-member siblings. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



Memorial Day Nature Activities
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 29, 2017; 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Bring the kids for up-close animal encounters, shore explorations, crafts and games.
Nature Craft Table: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Nature Story: 10:00 am and 2:30 pm
Seashore Exploration: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm (weather permitting)
Animal interview: 1:30 pm
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission; Ages: All.



Cedar Swamps and Laurel Thickets
Audubon Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, West Kingston, RI
May 31, 2017; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audubon's Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge is a paradise of habitats from dark cedar swamps to sunny red maple groves. Join Scott Ruhren, senior director of conservation, for a mid-spring walk, botanizing and birding as we go. Please wear layers and sturdy, waterproof shoes.
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.