Birds and Nests and Speckled Eggs! April 2017 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

(February 28, 2017) – It’s spring! Head outside in the warmer temperatures and search for seals, watch for Woodcocks, and join a birding walk. Or get a little messy and create your own decorative nests and eggs. April is an awesome time at Audubon!

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.

April 1, 2017 Gardening is Great!
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:00 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 -12:00pm - 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, 2017 URI Master Gardeners Soil Testing
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Get ready for the planting season and have a master gardener check the pH level of your soil. Collect four to six samples from different locations in the area you would like tested. Dig down three to six inches to the root depth. Place the samples in an open tray, mix together well and allow the soil to air-dry overnight. Fill a small paper bag with ½ cup of your sample.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free.


April 1, 2017 Watching Woodcocks: Supper and Saunter Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Join Audubon for an evening dedicated to the mysterious American Woodcock. Begin with a soup and salad supper and an introduction to this bird and its exuberant mating flights. Then venture outdoors, either at Powder Mill Ledges or nearby Newman Refuge to view and listen for the mating flights and songs. Wear sturdy shoes, dress warmly and bring a bright flashlight. Program will be postponed in the event of rain or otherwise poor viewing conditions.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 9+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.




April 2, 23, 30, 2017 Silent Spring:
A Tribute to Rachel Carson
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Join Audubon for a four-part series in which we tie Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, to a series of documentaries that explore the impact of her work and legacy.
April 2, 2017: The University of California's “Silent Spring Series” explores Rachel Carson’s work and how we can use the knowledge of Silent Spring to combat climate change and emerging infectious diseases.
April 23, 2017: ”Dying to be Heard” is a documentary about Michigan State University Professor George J. Wallace and his study on pesticides and bio-accumulation. After the documentary we will explore the impact Wallace has had on the environmental movement as we celebrate Earth Day.
April 30, 2017: TED Talks. View a series of three TED talks that explore the impact of modern day pesticides on our food supply. Each TED TALK is under 15 minutes long. We will then discuss what we can do to mitigate the impacts we have on the Earth.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $5/member; $7/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.




April 5, 12, 19, 26, 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.








April 7, 2017 Woodcocks and Wine
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Exeter, RI 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening adventure at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge to observe the enchanting flight patterns of the American Woodcock. Begin with a wine sampling and a presentation of fascinating facts about these unusual birds before heading out on a hike to observe the Woodcock display. Be warned, spring peepers or even a coyote might serenade you! You must be at least 21 years old to register. Bring a flashlight, dress for the weather and meet in the Nature Center. Advance registration is required.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Program Fee: $18/member, $22/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 8, 2017 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 8, 2017 Harbor Seal Walk at Rome Point
John H. Chaffee Nature Preserve
North Kingstown, RI 12:00 – 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.
John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, North Kingstown, RI; April 8, 2017; 12:00-2:00 pm; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 9+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 8, 2017 Felted Eggs and Nests Workshop
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Join Audubon educator and fiber artist Tala Wunderler-Selby and learn how to make eggs and a nest from wool. Participants will learn the technique of wet felting, using beautiful wool roving, water and soap to sculpt soft yet solid shapes. Make eggs inspired by nature, or get creative and create a nest of colorful patterned eggs perfect for spring. Felted nests make a beautiful decoration, gift, or toy for creative play. No experience necessary. All materials provided.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 12, 2017 Audubon Armchair Naturalist Lecture:
Water, Water Everywhere
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Water is one of our most precious resources. Not only do we need it for survival but we use it for so many household, industrial and recreational activities. In this illustrative and humorous workshop, learn about your local watershed, easy ways to conserve water and discuss some of our local water issues.
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.


April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 2017 Birding for Beginners
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:30 am – 11:30 pm
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities. Join the fun! Audubon offers a six-week class providing a basic understanding of bird biology as well as visual and by-ear identification techniques. Led by Lauren Parmelee, long time birder and Audubon senior director of education, time will be spent in both the classroom and the field (weather dependent) to practice birding skills. Please bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them, and dress appropriately for the weather. Class is limited to 15 adults, register early.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee for six-week session: $84/members, $102/non-members. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 15, 2017 Pysanky Egg Workshop
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Come try your hand at the Ukrainian tradition of dyeing eggs called Pysanky. Learn how to design, plan and dye eggs. Handouts will available regarding where to obtain Pysanky tools and dyes to continue the tradition at home. All supplies are provided. All participants will create one egg. Wear clothes that can get messy as dyes are permanent.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 12+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 26, 2017 Edible Wild Plants and Mushrooms
of New England with Russ Cohen
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 7:00 – 8:30 pm
New England is home to over 150 species of edible wild plants and edible mushrooms. Some are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of “Wild Plants I Have Known…And Eaten” for a presentation covering over 70 of the tastiest species the region has to offer. Program includes identification tips and general guidelines for safe and environmentally-responsible foraging as well as a foraged goodie to taste! Registration required.
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.



April 27, 2017 A Walk Back in Time:
The History of Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Dive into the history of Prudence Island, led by local history expert Joe Bains. Enjoy a brief indoor presentation and then tour of the island, stopping at various historical places throughout the day. Prudence has a varied history ranging from 17th and 18th century farming to occupancy by the British during the Revolutionary War to a thriving early summer resort colony and more.
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: Teen to Adult. For more details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 28, May 5, 12, 26, 2017 FREE Friday Morning Bird Walks
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Exeter, RI 8:15 – 10:30 am
Experience spring migration at Fisherville Brook! Each week explore the refuge with an expert guide in search of new neo-tropical migrants. Observe birds like Northern Waterthrush, Praire Warblers, Bluebirds, Scarlet Tanagers and more. You never know what birds may be spotted. Don't forget your binoculars! Meet in the parking lot. Note: There is no walk on May 19.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Ages: 12+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 29, 2017 Sea Glass Jewelry
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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 29, 2017 Paint and Sip - Signs of Spring
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Create your own beautiful painting while enjoying a glass of wine! No painting experience necessary - we’ll lead you through the creative process with step-by-step instruction. Start with a blank canvass, and leave with your own masterpiece! Registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $40/member; $45/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.



April 29, 2017 Great Swamp Walk
South Kingstown, RI 2:30 – 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.




Through 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.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission.