March 28, 2024

Quiet Trails and Cool Crisp Air

November 2015 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Posted

(September 30, 2015) – Head out on the quiet, cool morning trails and search for birds and other wildlife, or hike at night in search of resident beavers on the Fisherville pond! Audubon has plenty of natural fun in store for the whole family this November. Just get out and go!

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online at www.asri.org.
A complete listing of programs are 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.

November 7 & 8, 2015 Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Bird and Wildlife Carving Exposition
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Award-winning wildlife artisans from throughout the Northeast are returning to Audubon this autumn. Unique hand-carved bird and wildlife pieces will be on display and for sale. Meet the artists, shop the carvings, observe demonstrations and enjoy the natural beauty of the Audubon Environmental Education Center in fall.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Admission: $5 per person.

November 1 – December 31, 2015 Drawing with Fire
Art Exhibit
Audubon Environmental Education Center,
Bristol, RI 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cate McCauley is a Rhode Island pyrographic artist whose illustrations are exhibited in museums, galleries and art shows across the state. Her work is meticulously hand-burned on paper using heated metal pens, a rare technique which combines sharp detail with the warmth of sepia tones. Visit www.catemcc.com for more information. Opening reception and demonstration is Sunday, November 1, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

November 4, 11, 18, 25, 2015 Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Around the State 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry through the end of January 2016. 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.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through January 2016; 9:00-11:00 am; Program Fee: Free. Ages: 14+.

November 5, 2015 Armchair Naturalist Series:
The Unhuggables
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm
In the natural world, people tend to focus on what scientists call 'charismatic megafauna.' The massive animals like whales, the cute animals like giant pandas, and the fierce animals like eagles or lions, get all the attention -- and humans rally to the cry when their survival is in jeopardy. But what about the ugly, tiny and, dare I say, stinky animals? Aren't they important too? What about the carrion beetle, the skunk, the snapping turtle? Come and find out about these 'unhuggables' and how vitally important biodiversity is to ecosystems.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 6, 2015 Mid-autumn Exploration
Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge
Tiverton, RI 9:30 – 11:30 am
The Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge offers forest, salt marsh and bay habitats that can be covered in a short amount of time on excellent trails. Dress for changeable weather and occasional wet footing on this low-tide exploration for wading birds and other wildlife. Join Scott Ruhren, director of conservation, for an introduction to this coastal refuge.
Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, Seapowet Avenue, Tiverton, RI; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member; Ages: 5+. Register at www.asri.org. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 7, 2015 Author Meet and Greet
Mike Freeman: Neither Mountain Nor River: Fathers, Sons, and an Unsettled Faith
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Author Mike Freeman reads from and presents “Neither Mountain Nor River: Fathers, Sons, and an Unsettled Faith”, reflecting on parenting, mortality, and how nature strengthens family relationships while raising unsettling spiritual questions. Suddenly a stay-at-home parent in New England after living in Alaska for ten years, he uses the bond formed with his father through nature to try and navigate his own parenting of two daughters, one of whom has severe autism. Closing chapters are set in Rhode Island, including Audubon’s Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge. No registration necessary.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; November 7, 2015; 3:00-4:00 pm; Program Fee: Free. Ages Adult.

November 7 and 21, 2015 Sea Glass Jewelry and Ornaments
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Come design and create a beautiful pendant or holiday ornament with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it 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 as space is strictly limited.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member, $35/non-members; Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 7 & 14, 2015 NEW! Family Birding
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 9:30 – 11:30 am
Enjoy birding together as a family! Parents and children over six years of age are invited to join our new beginning birding class. Learn how to locate and identify common birds. Practice using binoculars and field guides. Have a lot of fun discovering the wildlife around you!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $30/member adult, $10/member child, $40/non-member adult, $15/non-member child. Ages: Ages 6+. Register at www.asri.org. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 7, 2015 Beavers of Fisherville
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Exeter, RI 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for an evening walk and discussion about the beavers that have taken up residence in the Fisherville Pond. Observe beaver lodges, learn about their habits and habitats, and if we are lucky, watch the beavers themselves. These creatures become active at dusk, so we may get to see some of nature's engineers at work. Please bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Program Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online at www.asri.org.


Program begins November 10, 2015. See dates below Bird Biology and Field Excursions
with Dr. Charles Clarkson PhD
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Come learn everything you ever wanted to know about our amazing feathered friends from Dr. Charles Clarkson, Audubon Society of Rhode Island Board Member and professional ornithologist.

Classes will be taught in a manner that is similar to a university course. In-class instruction and guided field trips to key birding destinations are included. Come fill a notebook with information or simply listen, gleaning only those tidbits of information you choose.

Part I
Birding: The Next Step
Tuesdays, Nov 10 - Dec 15*
The basics of bird evolution, the dynamics of bird flight, how birds survive in extreme environments and avian architecture will be covered. It will be impossible to leave this course without a deeper appreciation of our feathered friends. Two weekend field trips will be arranged.

Part II
Birding: Taking Flight
Tuesdays, Jan 12 - Feb 16*
This four-week course designed to build off Part I and begin a deeper exploration of everything bird. Topics will range from avian anatomy and physiology, the dynamics of migration, the newest technologies in ornithology and how birds cope with a changing climate. Two weekend field trips will be arranged.

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee per session: $125/member, $150/non-member. Ages: Adult. *Note that two of the sessions will be held on a Saturday morning. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 12 & 19, 2015 Woodland Creatures Needle Felting
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Join Audubon educator and fiber artist Tala Wunderler-Selby and learn how to make your favorite woodland animals from wool. Participants will sculpt their own small animal using the technique of needle felting, which involves using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it becomes solid. This two-session class is for beginners- no felting experience or artistic skills necessary! Make something special to give as a gift, or make your favorite animal to keep for yourself. All materials included.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $55/member, $60/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 13, 2015 Turkey Tales
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 10:00 – 11:30 am
Each year as Thanksgiving approaches, there sure is a lot of focus on turkeys! In this class, we will read a turkey story and make a turkey craft as well as examine the wings and feathers of wild turkeys. Come learn how turkeys dance and gobble and spar. Spend a morning learning about this beautiful and interesting animal.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $5/member child, $7/non-member child. Ages: Ages 3-8. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 14, 2015 Gills Club: Shark Math
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 3:00-4:00 pm
Calling all girls ages 8 and up! Audubon partners with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to host Shark Math, part of The Gills Club learning series, which connects girls with female marine biologists. The program will use hands-on activities to teach girls how marine biologists use math to learn about and study sharks. How do scientists measure a shark in the water? How can you use one tooth to figure out just how big the shark was that it came from? Don’t miss out! Program is free but registration is recommended.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; November 14, 2015; 11:00 am-12:00 pm; Program Fee: Free. Ages: 8+. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 14, 2015 Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center will be free on the first Saturday of every month*, courtesy of a grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation.

Families can explore environmental exhibits representing Rhode Island’s diverse habitats, from upland meadow and cornfields to wetlands, salt marshes and the Narragansett Bay shoreline.
Situated on the beautiful 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, visitors can enjoy nature trails.

• 9:00 am to 5:00 pm: Scavenger Hunt on the Refuge
• 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
• 10:00 am and 1:00 pm: Nature Story
• 11:00 am to 12:00 pm: Shark Math - Find out how scientists use math to study sharks!
• 1:30 pm: Animal Interview
• 2:30 pm: Guided Nature Walk

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI.

*Free Family Fun Day for the month of November has been moved to November 14, 2015 due to the Bird and Wildlife Carving Exposition.

November 20 &21, 2015 Winter Duck Workshop
with Laura Carberry
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge
Exeter, RI See times below
This two-part class will include a workshop at Fisherville Brook and a visit to Trustom Wildlife Refuge. Friday evening enjoy a presentation on how to identify the ducks that visit Rhode Island in winter. On Saturday, take those skills out into the field and view the birds wintering in our area. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.
November 20, 2015: 6:30 pm
November 21, 2015: 9:00 am
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Program Fee: $30/member adult, $10/member child; $40/non-member adult, $15/non-member child. Ages: 14+. Register at www.asri.org. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 21, 2015 Trustom Pond Bird Walk
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge
South Kingstown, RI 1:00 – 3:00 pm
The Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown contains a variety of wildlife habitats and bird species at all seasons of the year, and is especially known for waterfowl in the fall and winter. Naturalist Bob Kenney will lead this walk exploring the refuge’s fields, woods, marshes, and ponds. A spotting scope will be available. Meet in the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge parking lot.
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, 1040 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road, South Kingstown, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 8+. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 21, 2015 Terrarium Design with Reclaimed Curiosities
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 3:00-4:00 pm
Terrariums are easy, low-maintenance and require little attention. They can be a great conversation piece, holiday gift, or centerpiece. Join Reclaimed Curiosities in this unique workshop - they specialize in terrariums made in vintage glass containers with live plants, moss- and a fun character too! Registration is required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member, $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.

November 27, 2015 Day After Thanksgiving
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Give thanks for all that nature has given us. The day after Thanksgiving is for leftovers, but at Audubon it is also a day to rediscover why nature matters though fun activities for the whole family. No registration is needed.
10:00 am-2:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:00 am and 1:00 pm: Nature Story
11:00 am: Habitat Bingo
1:30 pm: Animal Interview
2:30 pm: Turkey Trot Nature Walk: Walk off your turkey dinner (weather permitting)
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

November 28, 2015 Owls of New England
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Did you know there are several species of owls that live right here in New England? Some might live right near your back yard! During this indoor presentation we will take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their amazing adaptations, and meet a live owl.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 4+. Register online at www.asri.org.


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