March 28, 2024

Bundle Up and Explore a Winter Wonderland!

January 2022 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Posted

(December 1, 2021) – Join the Audubon experts and search for animal tracks in the snow, join a winter beach walk, or head out on an evening on an Owl Prowl! Nature is simply beautiful in winter, head out and explore with Audubon!

Masks are required during Audubon indoor programs and van trips for those who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19, including children.

Visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar  register for programs.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
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. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2022; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Let's Take a Walk! Winter Winds
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 4, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Visit Powder Mill Ledges on a wintry morning and learn all about wind and weather in nature. Play creative outdoor games with an Audubon naturalist that spark your child’s imagination.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. No charge for accompanying adults. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Winter Big Day 2022
Birding Locations Across the State
January 8, 2022; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
How many bird species can we find? This popular program has become a Rhode Island tradition. Set out with Audubon and cover many of the state's winter birding hot spots during this day-long van trip in search of our feathered winter residents. Barrow's Goldeneye, Eurasian Wigeon, Short-eared Owl and Snow Bunting are among the birds we hope to find. Dress warmly and pack a lunch and optics.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $45/member; $55/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 8, 2022; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
Nature in Winter
10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Take-home craft bags
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am & 2:00 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Winter Nature Hike - Join an Audubon naturalist for a walk around the wildlife refuge. Look for signs of animals that are active in the winter. Weather permitting, please dress appropriately.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Free. Ages: All.

Meet a Raptor at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 8, 2022; 1:00-3:00 pm
Come to the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge to learn all about raptors! Explore biofacts like wings, skulls, feathers, and talons then meet a live raptor. Masks are required during indoor programs for those who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19, including children.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Animal Tracks and Signs for Families
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 8, 2022; 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Learn how to identify tracks and signs left by native mammals and birds. Explore track patterns, investigate artifacts, and try your hand at making plaster tracks to take home. Venture out on the trails to find evidence that wildlife has been there. Although all are welcome, this class will be geared for families with children. Wear warm footwear, and dress for the weather. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $12/member adult/child pair, $6 each additional member; $16/non-member adult/child pair; $8 each additional non-member. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Introduction to Animal Tracking
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 8, 2022; 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Audubon for an introduction to identify local mammal tracks and other animal signs. We'll start inside with a presentation, go over track patterns, terms, and track models and then take a short hike on the trails to see what kinds of tracks and signs can be found. This class will be geared for an adult audience. Advance registration is required. Please wear warm footwear and dress for the weather.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Owl Prowl at Fort Wildlife Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
January 13, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Visit Fort Wildlife Refuge on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through the forest. We never know if we'll hear or see an owl, but participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 13, 20, 27, February 2, 10, 2022; 10:00 - 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 quickly. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. To maintain an age-appropriate program, we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee for six-week series: $60/member child, $76/two member siblings; $65/non-member child, $82/two non-member siblings. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Family Winter Walk
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 15, 2022; 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Bundle up and join Audubon for a wild and wooly winter walk at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. We'll look for animal tracks and signs of the season on this easy hike. Please wear warm shoes/boots, warm gloves or mittens and a hat for this outdoor program. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Owls and Ales
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 15 & February 26, 2022; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Meet some of Audubon’s amazing owls in person! Come to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for a presentation on these fascinating birds of prey and enjoy some locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the refuge at night to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Come prepared to go outside on a chilly evening. For ages 21+.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Winter Beach Walk
Moonstone Beach, south Kingstown, RI
January 15, 2022; 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Join naturalist Bob Kenney for a mid-day winter walk along Moonstone Beach, without the summer crowds or closed piping plover nesting areas. Our visit is timed to the low tide at around 1:15 PM, perfect for some leisurely beach combing and birdwatching. Even though Moonstone is known as a “clothing optional” beach, the only option today is likely to be whether to wear three, four, or five layers. Bring your binoculars; we’ll have a spotting scope available. Expect to walk one or two miles in soft sand.
Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Owling at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
January 21, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
In a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon's live owls and review what makes these birds so special. Then head out on the trails in search of these amazing birds in their natural habitat. Fisherville is home to Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech-Owls. Pre-registration is a must. Dress warmly, meet in the Nature Center and bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Winter Birding at Fort Refuge
Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
January 22, 2022; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Walk the trails and visit the pond area at Fort Wildlife Refuge to look for signs of winter birds. Bundle up for the weather and wear sturdy, warm footwear. Program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails. Advance registration is required.
Fort Wildlife Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Tenacious Women: A History of Preservation in New England
Lecture at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 23, 2022; 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Women were at the forefront of New England's preservation movement. These women brought a passion for preservation to the communities where they lived. Yet their history has often been overlooked or lost from the record. Leigh Schoberth, Senior Preservation Services Manager at Historic New England, will trace women's participation in historic preservation and related disciplines through the late 19th and early 20th centuries and elevate their contributions in preserving New England's history.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Felting Workshop: Make an Owl!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 23, 2022; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Join fiber artist Michelle Hirsch-Solis and learn how to make an owl from wool. Participants will sculpt their piece with the technique of needle felting, using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it become solid. Beginners are welcome - no felting experience or artistic skills necessary. All materials provided. Advance registration required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Muskrat, Otter and More!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 23, 2022; 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Quietly watch wildlife as the sun sets on Muskrat Pond. Look for resident muskrat, otter and more! This program requires quiet and patience while waiting in the cold, so is best for children ages 12 and up. Dress for cold weather and wear warm boots. Bring a flashlight.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Prowl for Owls at Caratunk
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 28, February 25, 2022; 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Visit Caratunk Wildlife Refuge on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through mixed and pine woods. While we never know if we'll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Audubon Trivia Night
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 29, 2022; 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join Audubon for an evening of bird-themed trivia! Play alone or with a team, win prizes, and enjoy adult beverages and light refreshments. For ages 21+.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.

Prudence Island
Private Adventure with Friends and Family
Spend the day exploring beautiful and charming Prudence Island with education staff from the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. With over three-quarters of the island protected, and a variety of habitats to explore, there are endless options for an outdoor friends and family adventure! The experience can be designed with your group’s interests and ages in mind – activities could include birding, viewing harbor seals hauled out on nearshore rocks, beachcombing, hiking the woodland trails, learning about island history – you get to choose!

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee*: $12/member adult, $6/member child; $18/non-member adult, $9 non-member child. Contact: Maureen Dewire at Maureen.Dewire@dem.ri.gov or by phone at 401-683-1478
*Cost does not include round-trip ferry travel.

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