March 28, 2024

Discover Big Owls, Little Owls and a New Children’s Book on Owls! Plus February School Vacation Events at Audubon

Audubon Society of Rhode Island February 2020 Programs and Events for Children and Families

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Come get up close with big owls, little owls and meet the author of a new owl book for kids! Or head to Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk and make some valentines with things found in nature. February brings lots of frosty fun, so head to Audubon for a wild time!

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. For a complete listing of Audubon activities and programs, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org or call (401) 949-5454
ext. 3014.

Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 1, 2020; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join Audubon for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
February 1, 2020: Snow
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Nature Craft Table & Spot the Snowflake in the Exhibit Hall
10:30 am & 2:30 pm: Nature Story
11:00 am: Snowflake Paper Chain Class
1:30 pm: Animal Interview
Activities: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Exhibit Hall: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Trails and Pollinator Garden: Dawn to Dusk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Junior Naturalists for Home-schooled Families
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 5, March 4, April 1, May 6, 2020; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Join other home-schoolers to learn about nature and science. This four-session 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. Come dressed for outdoor exploration. Register early. Adult must attend with child.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee for four-week session: $40/member child ($24/additional sibling), $48/non-member child ($32/additional sibling) Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.

Nature's Valentines at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 8, 2020; 10:00-11:00 am

Do you love nature? Bring the kids to Caratunk to create valentines inspired by the natural world! Use nuts, twigs, rocks, seeds or other natural items to create one-of-a-kind valentines for someone special. We will have a variety of ideas and styles to inspire creativity. Each child will create six valentine cards.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $5/member child, $8/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.

Sea Glass Workshop for Kids
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 18, 2020; 2:00-3:00 pm

Audubon’s Sea Glass workshop is now available for kids! Come create a beautiful pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it using easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! Advance registration is required. Adult must accompany child.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member child; $12/non-member child. Ages: 8 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

February School Vacation Week
at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Don't know what to do with the kids during the school vacation break? Head to Audubon for winter fun for all ages. Nature crafts will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day, as well as a Nature Story at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 pm. Join an animal interview at 1:30 pm.

The following programs are available each day at 11:00 am for children ages 6 and up:
Monday, February 17: Audubon Treasure Hunt
Bundle up and head outside to crack some clues on this chilly adventure.
Tuesday, February 18: Nature Games
Come play a variety of nature games with Audubon!
Wednesday, February 19: Amazing Owls
Learn all about these incredible birds and find out which ones live in Rhode Island.
Thursday, February 20: Wind & Waves
Why do some things float and some things sink? Come learn all about wind and waves and see if you can build your own floating vessel.
Friday, February 21: Fantastic Fish Learn about the ancient Japanese art of fish printing and see if you can master this art form.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; February 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 2019; 10:00 am-2:00 pm; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

February School Vacation Week
at Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI

Nature Tales: The Ox Cart Man (with Colonial Games and Craft)
February 18, 2020; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Come hear the tales of the Ox-Cart Man and learn about what life was like at Powder Mill Ledges two hundred years ago. Then try your hand at some Colonial-era skills and games. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 18, 2020; 11:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Colonial Candle Making
February 18, 2020; 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Come make an old fashioned hand-dipped candle. Long ago the land of Powder Mill Ledges was a farm with a tavern on the old turnpike where travelers met at tables lit by candles and a big fire hearth. We don't have a hearth, but we can make our own hand-dipped candles the old fashioned way. We will discuss the use of beeswax and bayberry in old-time candles and each participant will create their own hand-dipped candle to take home.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 18, 2020; 2:00-3:30 pm; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

For Goodness Snakes
February 19, 2020; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Snakes are smooth, slinky, amazing animals. Come hear a fantastical tale about a very special snake, named Kartusch, who teaches some furry creatures about being patient and using their senses. After the story, we will meet a live snake visitor.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 19, 2020; 11:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Big Owl, Little Owl
February 19, 2020; 2:00-3:30 pm

Come and meet two live raptors - a Great Horned Owl and an Eastern Screech Owl. They are very different in size but equally fascinating. Find out about the lives of these amazing birds and have the opportunity to touch preserved feathers, wings and talons.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 19, 2020; 2:00-3:30 pm; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Nature Tales: Fred's TV (Story and Make a Birdfeeder)
February 20, 2020; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Fred is frustrated when his TV breaks, but in the days following, he discovers some amazing things are happening in his yard! After the story, make a bird feeder to take home.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 20, 2020; 11:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Build a Bluebird Nest Box
February 20, 2020; 2:00 – 3:30 pm

You can help bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds survive by providing them with a sturdy nesting box. Participants will learn about bluebirds and other cavity nesters, when and where to place the nest box, and how to care for it. Each adult/child pair will complete one kit. Additional kits may be purchased for $20 each. All building materials are provided, but participants should bring a hammer and safety glasses for each builder.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 20, 2020; 2:00-3:30 pm; Fee: $30 member adult/child pair; $40 non-member adult/child pair; $20 for each additional birdhouse kit. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Just a Dream (Nature Story and Planting Seeds)
February 21, 2020; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

After dreaming of a polluted future, a little boy wakes to find out it's not too late to make a difference. After the story, plant a seed to take home and watch it grow.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 21, 2020; 11:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Family Winter Walk
February 21, 2020; 2:00-3:30 pm

Bundle up and join Audubon for a wild and wooly winter walk at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Look for animal tracks and signs of the season on this easy hike. Please dress for cold weather and wear warm shoes or boots, mittens and a hat.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 21, 2020; 2:00-3:30 pm; Fee: $10/member adult/child pair; $5 each additional member; $14/non-member adult/child pair; $7 each additional non-member Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Author Meet and Greet with Mark Wilson
Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 29, 2020; 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Wildlife photojournalist and author Mark Wilson will be on hand to introduce you to several local owls as well as sign copies of his new children’s book: Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night. Mark and his wife Marcia have crisscrossed the continent to study and photograph all 19 species of owls that nest in the US and Canada. The book provides an overview of where to find these owls and how to identify them. It also explains how to dissect an owl pellet and build an owl nesting box. Mark’s book will be on sale after the presentation. Registration is required as space is limited. Note: Mark and Marcia Wilson are the popular presenters of “Eyes on Owls” at the annual Audubon Raptor Weekend.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.

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