March 28, 2024

Bundle Up and Discover the Beauty of Nature in Winter… It’s the Safest Place to Be!

January 2021 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Posted

(December 3, 2020) – Join the Audubon experts and search for animal tracks in the snow, join a winter beach walk, or head out in the evening on an Owl Prowl! Nature is simply beautiful in winter…and one of the safest places to be!

Rhode Island COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed for all programs. Small groups are led by Audubon naturalists. Family units are encouraged to participate together. Masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. Visit the events calendar at www.asri.org for safety guidelines and to register.

Audubon Private Birding and Natural History Tours
Get out in nature…it’s the safest place to be!
Let an Audubon guide take your group of up to four people on a private two-hour natural history or birdwatching tour in Southeastern New England. Tours will be designed with ages and interests in mind. Visit asri.org/private-nature-tours or contact Lauren Parmelee at lparmelee@ www.asri.org or call 401-949-5454 ext. 3111 for details and pricing.

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. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2021; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 2, 2021; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. No need to register!
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Scavenger Hunt
10:30 am and 2:30 pm: Nature Story
11:00 am: Refuge Hike (weather permitting)
1:30 pm: Animal Interview
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Tracking Animals in Winter
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 3, 2021; 12:00-2:00 pm
Take an early winter hike at Caratunk and look for track signs of animals that live on the property. Come search for footprints, feathers and fur and possibly scat. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. Dress for the weather, most of this program will be held outside.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

White Barn Story Time: Owl Babies
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 7, 2021; 2:00-3:00 pm
Come to the big barn at Caratunk for special story time that focuses on nature! Enjoy the book Owl Babies by Martin Weddell…a sweet story about owlets waiting for their mother to return home. Families listen to a story and meet an owl after the story. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $8/member child; $12/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Winter Beach Walk with Audubon
Moonstone Beach, South Kingstown, RI
January 13, 2021; 1:30 – 3:30 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 2:20 pm, perfect for some leisurely beach combing and bird watching. 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. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. If there is inclement weather, the program will run on January 30, when the tide will be almost as low.
Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Animal Tracks and Signs with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 16, 2021; 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. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. 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: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Owl Prowl at Fort Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
January 22, 2021; 7:00-9:00 pm
Visit Fort 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. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.
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.

Owl Prowl at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
January 22, 2021; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Head out on the trails for an evening of fun learning about the owls of Rhode Island. Start with a presentation on these amazing creatures and visit with one of Audubon's live owls. Then walk the evening trails in search of these intriguing birds in their natural setting. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Meet in the Nature Center.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Owls and Ales
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 23, February 27, 2021; 6:30 – 8:30 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, while enjoying 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. Leave the kids at home – this program is just for adults! Come prepared to go outside on a chilly evening. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Muskrat, Otter and More!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 24, 2021; 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Take a hike to Muskrat Pond at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge to look for resident muskrat and otter, and any other winter animals we may see! During the hike you will learn about these fascinating creatures and how to identify them in the wild. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. Wear sturdy boots and dress for the weather.
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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 16, 2021; 11:00 – 12:30 pm
Come design and create a beautiful pendant 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! Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required as space is limited.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Introduction to Animal Tracking with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 16, 2021; 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join us for an introduction to identifying 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. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. Please dress warmly.
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.

Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 2021; 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
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 very quickly. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. In order to maintain an age-appropriate program we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team. Face masks for adults and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $40/member child, $50/two member siblings; $45/non-member child, $55/two non-member siblings. Age: 18 to 36 months. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Needle Felted Owls
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 23, 2021; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Join fiber artist Tala Wunderler-Selby and learn how to make owls from wool. Participants will sculpt their own owls using the technique of needle felting, which involves using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it becomes solid. This class is for beginners – no felting experience or artistic skills necessary! Make something special to give as a gift, or to keep for yourself. All materials will be provided. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Stories in the Stars
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 29, 2020; 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Bring the family and join an Audubon naturalist to discover the legends of the night sky. Begin inside with a brief overview of astronomy and what stars and constellations are visible this time of year. Listen to some stories from different cultures explaining why the stars and the night sky look the way they do. End the evening by stepping outside to view stars and constellations. A take-home hot cocoa kit will be provided. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $6/non-member child. Age: 6+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Valentine Card Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 30, 2020; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Everyone loves getting happy mail! Make someone’s day with a beautiful handmade card for Valentine’s Day. Create four cards using a variety of design techniques. Regardless of your skill level, join the fun for a couple hours of creativity. Come alone or with a friend to de-stress, learn a new hobby or re-kindle an old one. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/members, $20/non-members. Age: 10+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Snowshoe Caratunk!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 31, 2021; 8:00 - 10:00 am
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge is a great place to snowshoe. Get some exercise while you enjoy the outdoors and learn about its historic land use. If there isn’t any snow we will hike the trails. Face masks and social distancing are required. Participants must bring their own masks. Advance registration is required. Bring your own snowshoes and dress for the 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.

Prudence Island
Private Adventure with Friends and Family
Spend the day safely 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 private adventure! The experience can be designed with your group’s interests and ages in mind. For more details and to schedule contact: Maureen Dewire, Maureen.Dewire@dem.ri.gov or
401-683-1478. Due to a limited availability, it is recommended to book this program well in advance. Ages: All.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee*:
Half Day: $8/member adult, $5/member child; $10/non-member adult, $7/non-member child
Full Day: $12/member adult, $8/member child; $15/non-member adult, $10 non-member child
*Cost does not include round-trip ferry travel ($11/person ages 12-adult and $5/person for children).

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