(March 5, 2026) – Audubon wildlife refuges come alive in spring! Head out on the trails for a froggy adventure, observe the amazing aerial display of the American Woodcock, bring the kids for vacation week fun, and join a celebration of woodpeckers!
Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Locations will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2026; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Full Moon Hike at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Four Dates Offered
April 1, May 1, June 29, July 29, 2026; 8:00-9:00pm
As the sun goes down, nature comes to life! Enjoy a guided evening walk under the light of the full moon as we search for nocturnal wildlife. Please bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; 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/calendar
Adult Eco-Craft Series at Audubon: Clay Pot Painting
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 2, 2026, 6:00-7:00pm
Join Audubon once a month for eco-inspired craft programs designed for adults who enjoy creativity with purpose. In April, paint your own clay pot for your summer blooms. The clay pots, brushes, and paint are provided – as well as seeds to plant in your pot once it’s dry.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Audubon Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 4, May 2, June 6, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Visit the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium to meet one of Audubon’s animal ambassadors and make your own ambassador animal craft to take home! Each month will feature a different animal ambassador. No need to register. Program is free with admission.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; 11:00am-12:00pm; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Audubon Camouflaged Egg Hunt
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 4, 2026; 9:30-1:00am
Audubon offers 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. The children trade their found eggs for a prize to take home, with special prizes going to the finders of the 'golden eggs.' Registration is required. This event is rain or shine.
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3-10. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Bristol Bi-weekly Bird Walks
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 10, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a morning stroll through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll enjoy spotting and learning about resident species and seasonal visitors. Register early and bring your binoculars!
Note there is only one walk in April due to school vacation week activities.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Fiddle Squeak, Mud Snipe and Labrador Twister!
Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
April 10, 2026; 7:00-8:30 pm
Join Audubon on an early spring evening in search of the unusual field and forest bird that goes by many names: the American Woodcock! Learn how to find this well-camouflaged bird with odd habits at Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Advance registration is required.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 13 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Studio Soirée
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
Three Dates Offered
April 10, May 1, June 12, 2026; 5:00-8:00 pm
Head to the Maxwell Mays Art Studio where local artists and musicians will gather for an Open Studio. Bring your own materials to work in the studio or 'en plein air while listening to a relaxing piece of music casually performed. Join other artists for an evening of entertainment and conversation.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Birding for Beginners
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 11, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Join an Audubon naturalist to learn the basics of birding. Start with a presentation on bird ID tips and tricks followed by a guided hike to put your new birding skills to the test! No prior experience needed, just bring your binoculars for a fun, bird-filled morning.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Walk and Watercolor Wednesdays
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
Three Dates Offered
April 15, May 6, July 8, 2026; 9:30am-1:30pm
Join a beginner watercolor painting class at the Maxwell Mays Art Studio in Coventry. Start with a short nature walk to gather inspiration for our lesson. Following the walk, you will be guided as you make a beautiful watercolor painting all your own. Meet at the Art Studio for a short walk at 9:30am. Lesson starts at 10:30am.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $35 member $40 nonmember $40/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Croaks and Cider Frog Walk with Audubon
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
April 16, 2026; 6:30-8:00 pm
With the arrival of spring, frogs and toads are coming out of brumation and becoming more active in their preferred habitats. Start by discussing the species in our area, then take an easy hike to vernal pools to identify frog calls and learn the importance of protecting their critical habitats. This program includes a taste of a fermented local cider, or the option of non-alcohol cider. Ages 21+.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Nature Tales Storytime
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 16, May 14, June 11, 2026; 10:00am-10:45pm
Join Audubon for our monthly Nature Tales Storytime designed especially for children ages 3-5. Each session features a nature-themed storybook reading followed by hands-on activities that connect the story to the natural world and encourage curiosity and nature learning.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $8/member child, $10/non-member child. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Vernal Pool Visitors
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
April 17, 2026; 7:30-9:00 pm
The sunshine in early spring warms the wet earth during the day, causing vernal pools to form! These temporary pools of water where wildlife like to gather are important for our local amphibians. Take a guided evening walk and listen to the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs found in and near these mysterious pools of water. Dress for the weather.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Froggy Night at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 17, 2026; 7:00-8:00 pm
Did you know Rhode Island is home to several species of frogs and salamanders? Join Audubon to learn about amphibians, their adaptations, and habitats. Discover how and where to look for these slippery creatures. Then head out for an evening walk to the wetland in search of native amphibians.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; 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/calendar.
NEW! Audubon Field Naturalist Series
Spring 2026; Six Sessions of Natural History Investigations
Go ahead, indulge your curiosity and delve into the complexities of the natural world.
Let the experts be your guide to the ecosystems, plants, and animals found in Southern New England. Explore Audubon wildlife refuges with scientists and skilled naturalists in six sessions with both indoor lectures and outdoor investigations. Each session provides a new layer of insight, culminating in a solid base of knowledge for beginner naturalists. For details on locations, class topics, and to register, visit www.asri.org/calendar
All participants will receive a complimentary copy of Rhode Island Birding Trails, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island guide to over 60 places to bird watch in the Ocean State.
Various Audubon Society of Rhode Island Wildlife Refuges; April 18, 25, May 9, 16, June 20, 27, 2026; 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Fee: Members $300, Non-members $350. Ages: 16 to adult. Details at www.asri.org/calendar.
Woodpecker Wings: Exhibit Opening
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 18, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Join Audubon, Brown University, and RISD to celebrate the opening of a new Woodpecker Wings exhibit. With help from visitors last fall, Nico Moody (scientist) and Stephanie Van Riet (artist) constructed and painted giant woodpecker wings at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Come learn about these fascinating creatures on April 18, take part in woodpecker-themed activities, and look for the giant woodpecker wings along the trail! Visit www.asri.org/calendar for details.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Timberdoodles and Snickerdoodles
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 18, 2026; 7:00-8:30 pm
Join Audubon for an evening adventure to observe the captivating flight patterns of the Timberdoodle, aka the American Woodcock. Begin with snickerdoodle treats and a presentation on these unusual birds. Then head out on a hike to observe the Timberdoodle’s spring display. Advance registration is required. For families with children ages 10 and up.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Spring Cleaning Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 19, 2026; 3:30-4:30pm
Spring cleaning is here! Join Audubon and discover how to make your own eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Learn how to crochet your own eco-friendly dish scrubby and make your own to take home. Some crochet experience is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
April School Vacation Week Nature Activities
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 20-24, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Not sure what to do during school vacation week? Join Audubon for a week full of exciting nature activities! Special programs and activities available each day and are free with admission. No registration required.
10:00am-3:00pm: All day craft table
11:00am: Nature Story
1:00pm: Animal Interview
Special programs designed for children ages 6 and up:
Monday, April 20: Coastal Investigation – Take a walk along the shore and discover the incredible plants and animals that live where the land meets the sea!
Tuesday, April 21: Wetland Investigation – Discover the hidden life of wetlands! Grab a net, dip into the water, and see what creatures call the wetland home.
Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day Beach Cleanup – Join Audubon in celebrating Earth Day by helping clean our coastal habitats!
Thursday, April 23: Bug Hunt – Learn about the fascinating world of insects. Then take to the trails in search of bugs!
Friday, April 24: Build a Better Nest – Learn about how birds build their nests and get a close-up look at real birds’ nests. Then try your hand at building a nest!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Dear Treefrog: A Story by Joyce Sidman
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
April 21, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Come listen to a story about discovering a new neighborhood and a new neighbor. Enjoy both a poem about feeling new and unsure in a new neighborhood, as well as a story based on scientific understanding of tree frogs. Then meet a live tree frog! This program is for families with children ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Discover a Hidden World on Earth Day!
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
April 22, 2026; 10:00am-12:00pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for an outdoor family adventure to explore the miniature world beneath fallen and rotting logs! Become nature detectives, uncovering the fascinating insects and decomposers that play a vital role in Earth’s ecosystems. Wear shoes that can get muddy and dress for the weather.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member/child pair; $14/non-member adult/child pair. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
'Spring' on Over to Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
April 22, 2026; 9:45am-4:45pm
Come celebrate spring by exploring Prudence Island, a hidden gem in the middle of Narragansett Bay. Explore the areas Mother Nature deems suitable for travel, which will likely include forest, salt marsh and shoreline, both on foot and via passenger van. Spring birds will be arriving, so enjoy some birding time, too. Advance registration required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $12/member, $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register online, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Froggy Night at Fort Wildlife Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
April 23, 2026; 7:00-8:30 pm
Rhode Island has several remarkable amphibians that are active from late winter into mid-autumn. Join an Audubon naturalist for an evening walk and learn about amphibians and a favorite habitat: vernal pools. Learn who lives on the Fort Wildlife Refuge and when they can be heard or sometimes seen. Start with a review of some native species and then head out for a hike to the wetland areas. For children ages 10 and up.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Big Raptor, Little Raptor
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 23, 2026; 11:00am-12:00 pm
Meet two live raptors - a Red-tailed Hawk and an Eastern Screech-Owl - one of the largest hawks in Rhode Island, one of the smallest owls that can be found in our area. Explore the lives of these amazing birds of prey and touch preserved feathers, wings, and talons. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. 35 participants. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Stamp & Sip Cardmaking Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Two Dates Offered
April 23, May 28, 2026; 6:00-8:00 pm
Create handmade cards inspired by blooming landscapes, birds and the natural world. Create three designs using a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels welcome.
Advance registration is required - sign up now for this relaxing, hands-on experience.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Animal Atelier
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
April 25, 2026; 9:30am-3:30pm;
Join teaching artist, Linda McDermott, at the Maxwell Mays Art Studio and learn how to capture the likeness of your favorite pet or animal in oils or acrylics. Explore how painting shapes with subtle shifts in tone and value create form. Bring your own supplies or purchase them for an extra $10 fee. This is a full-day workshop with lunch provided.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $125/member; $135/non-member for full day class and lunch. Note: Extra $10 fee if paints and supplies are required. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
Nature's Thread: Fiber Art Inspired by the Natural World
Art Exhibit by Rhode Island Threads
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through April 30, 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Rhode Island Threads is a group of seventeen fiber artists living in the Rhode Island area and bound together by a passion for creating fiber art. Textiles are foundational to the creation of their art, often layered with painting, dyeing, photography, and stitching. Group members support, enrich and inspire each other personally and creatively. RI Threads have been getting together since 2018 and derive strength from their diversity of background, experience, style, and art training.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.
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