Wildflowers, Birds and Butterflies…Summer is Here! June 2016 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

(April 25, 2016) – Start your summer off right. Join Audubon on a kayak paddle in Wickford harbor, search for birds and butterflies, or enjoy an evening solstice stroll with an expert guide on an illuminated path. Enjoy the warmer weather and get out and go with Audubon!

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.

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2016 Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Around the State 9:00 – 11:00 am
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Walks will begin at 9:00 am. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit Audubon's website or Facebook page for the location. You may also contact Laura directly at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday, weather permitting; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: Free. Ages: 14+.


June 4, 2016 Don't Dump – Donate!
Electronic Waste and Recycling Event
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island is partnering with Goodwill Industries host a one-of-a-kind recycling event. Old electronics, textiles, clothes, shoes and select household goods may be dropped off. Accepted items are listed below.

Textile items may be ripped, or stained, but must be clean and odor-free. Shoes (even singles,) clothing linens/textiles (bedding, towels, blankets, curtains,) accessories (belts, purses,) small toys (no bigger than a bread box,) computers, laptops, flat screen monitors, televisions ($10 fee per TV) peripherals, audio and video equipment, electronics, toner/printer cartridges, file cabinets, metal shelving.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI.

June 4, 2016 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 Citizens Bank.

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.

Give Back to Nature
Show planet Earth how much you care! Young and old can lend a hand in this day of environmental service. Programs and admission are free thanks to Citizens Bank.
- 10:00 am- 2:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
- 10:00 am- 12:00 pm: Grab a Shovel and a Rake…we’re improving our nature path with new wood chips. Come help out!
- 10:00 am and 2:00 pm: Nature Story
- 11:00 am and 1:00 pm: Animal Interview
- 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: Coastal Cleanup: Help keep our shoreline clean and pollution free. Take a walk down to the bay and lend a hand.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI.

June 4, 2016 Introduction to Tree Identification
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Learn to recognize major families of trees and shrubs as well as a number of common species in the wild and home landscape. Invasive species and good choices of plantings to attract wildlife will be discussed. Class will be part indoors/part outdoors. Dress for the weather.
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.

June 5, 2016 Designing the Backyard Bird Sanctuary
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Join life-long birder and gardener Rosanne Sherry for an afternoon workshop to plan your own backyard bird sanctuary. Bring photos of your existing garden spaces and a list of some of the trees and shrubs in your yard. Weather permitting, we’ll stroll the grounds around the building looking at plant uses. Registration required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult.: Adult Register online at www.asri.org.

June 8, 2016 Armchair Naturalist Lecture:
Conserving the American Kestrel
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm
The American Kestrel is North America's smallest falcon and is found here in Rhode Island. Due to pesticides and invasive species, this tiny raptor's fate is in the balance. Join Refuge Manager Kim Calcagno for a look at this "mighty mini" and see what is being done to curb its decline and what YOU can do to help. After the lecture, we will meet a live American Kestrel.
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.


June 11, 2016 Felted Flowers Family Workshop
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Be inspired by the colors of spring flowers! Adults and children will work as a team to create their own three-dimensional flowers using soft and colorful sheep’s wool, soap and a little elbow grease. Turn your flower into wearable art, put it on display or use it for creative play. No experience necessary. All materials are provided, but bring an old towel—things could get a little wet! Registration required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 6+. Register online at www.asri.org.


June 12, July 17, 2016 Bird’s Nest Pendant Workshop
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Create a beautiful bird's nest pendant using beginning wire working techniques. Participants will create their own unique piece that can be worn as a pendant or used as a decorative charm to adorn packages, floral displays or other décor. All materials will be provided. No experience necessary. Please register.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


June 12 – July 8, 2016 2015 Junior Duck Stamp Contest Winners
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The winning artwork from the US Fish and Wildlife Service 2015 Junior Duck Stamp Contest will be displayed from June 12 to July 8, 2016. This contest is designed to educate students in grades K to 12 about wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation through art.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: Free with Admission.


June 13, 2016 Woodland Wildflowers
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
Coventry, MA 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Spring and early summer are great times to look for our native wildflowers. Join Scott Ruhren, director of conservation, on a botanical hike through fields and forests to see what we can find. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for changeable weather.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 6+. Register online at www.asri.org.


June 16, 2016 Family Night Hike with Audubon
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge
North Smithfield, RI 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Join Audubon for a leisurely night hike and listen for animal sounds, test your night vision and see what is happening on the refuge when the sun goes down. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight and dress to stay warm in the cool night air. Due to the length of this walk (approx. 1.75 miles) we recommend this program for ages 8 and up.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, 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.


June 17, 2016 Audubon Sunset Kayaking Tour
of Wickford Harbor
North Kingstown, RI 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Enjoy a magical evening of paddling! Watch the sunset over beautiful Wickford Harbor and nearby marshes from your kayak. You might catch a glimpse of a Night Heron, Snowy Egret or Osprey. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome. Plan on arriving 15 minutes before departure. Bring a warm jacket and bug spray. Price includes equipment and guide. Registration required.
Departs from Wilson's Park Boat Ramp in North Kingstown; Program Fee: $60/member; $70/non-member. Ages: 16+. Register online at www.asri.org.


June 18, 2016 Summer Solstice Celebration
and Evening Illumination
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Welcome the summer with an evening of celebration! Sample local meads, ciders and snacks while meeting an owl and a Red-tailed Hawk. Then take a guided evening walk through the refuge, following a path illuminated with luminaries and the full moon! This program is for adults only. Registration required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online at www.asri.org.



June 19, July 24, August 21, 2016 Bird Banding with Audubon
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:15 – 11:15 am
Join Audubon for a bird banding demonstration on the grounds of the Environmental Education Center. Banding provides scientists with valuable information on bird migration, life span and habitat use. Experts will demonstrate how birds are captured, measured, banded and released. The life history and migratory habits of each species will be discussed. Please register early.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/ non-member adult, $6 non-member child. Ages: 6+. Register online at www.asri.org.



June 24, 2016 Introduction to the Newcomb's Wildflower Guide
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
Smithfield, RI 6:30 – 8:00 pm
In the early summer, wildflowers begin to emerge. Come to Audubon for an introduction to Newcombs Flower Guide, a great resource for identifying all types of herbaceous wild plants with or without flowers. Bring your own Newcomb's Guide or buy one here. We'll also have a couple of our library copies on hand for use in the class.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12+.. Register online at www.asri.org.





June 25 and July 23, 2016 Rhode Island Butterfly Count
Destinations Across Rhode Island 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audubon naturalists will lead teams into the field to identify and record butterfly sightings. No experience is needed. This event is part of the North American Butterfly Association's annual survey of butterflies. Tick protection, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Please register in advance

For more information and to register contact Jon Scoones at jscoones@asri.org.
or (401) 949-5454 ext. 3044. $5 per person.

Saturday June 25, 2016; 10:00 am - 12:00 pm:
Nockum Hill, Doug Raynor Wildlife Sanctuary, George Street, Barrington, RI
Audubon Touisset Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI ;

Saturday, July 23, 2016; from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm:
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI
Trustom Pond, 1040 Matunuck Schoolhouse Rd, South Kingstown, RI
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI


June 25, 2016 Fairy Gardens for Adults
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Fairies houses aren’t just for kids! Create a miniature garden for magical guests. Landscape a planter with fairy-friendly plants and natural materials, build a tiny house, and create some whimsical furniture to make your backyard fairies and gnomes feel right at home! All materials will be provided. Registration required.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online at www.asri.org.


Through June 29, 2016 Year One:
A First Year of Bird Photography By Jason Major Audubon Environmental Education Center
Bristol, RI 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
At the start of 2015 Jason Major made a resolution to improve his photography skills by capturing images of the birds that can be found in the Ocean State. He quickly learned there is an amazing variety that can be found within just a few miles of home. Jason spotted many species of birds he’d never seen before—or perhaps just never noticed—capturing them on camera.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: Free with Admission.