Discover the Wonders of Spring with Audubon March 2023 Program Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

(February 1, 2023) – With warmer weather on the way, there is not a better time to get outside! Head to Audubon and experience the charming courtship display of the American Woodcock, head out on a birding walk with an expert, or take a guided trail walk to look for signs of spring.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023; 9:00 – 11:00 am
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 2023; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 4, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public on the first Saturday of every month. Join Audubon for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes, and more. No need to register!
10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Marvelous Marine Mammals: Learn about local marine mammals, explore biofacts, and discover adaptations that help these amazing animals survive.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.





Eagle Cruise on the Connecticut River
Essex, CT
March 4, 2023; 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Join Audubon for a birding trip on the Connecticut River to search for eagles, hawks, waterfowl, seals and other mammals. The RiverQuest boat has a heated cabin, but dress very warmly because the best views are from the deck. Binoculars will be available, as well as complimentary tea and coffee. After the tour, visit to the Connecticut River Museum and enjoy the Eagles of Essex exhibit. Bring a lunch, camera, and optics if you have them. NOTE: Due to the RiverQuest's age requirements, children must be at least 12 years old to attend.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $80/member, $90/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 



Life on the Wing: Photography by Ryan McAssey
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 5 – April 28, 2023; 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Ryan McAssey (RJM Captures) is a photographer with over a decade of experience who turned his primary focus of the lens towards wild birds and ornithology in 2019. This exhibit will showcase both environmental interactions and detailed portraits of birds in the greater New England region. Through the work displayed, Ryan hopes to provide visitors with an opportunity to take pause and enjoy the subtleties of the varied avian diversity found throughout our local ecosystem. Meet the artist at the exhibit opening on March 5, 2023, from 2:00-4:30pm.
His exhibit will run through April 28, 2023.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.


Audubon Owling Van Trip
Locations Across the State
March 10, 2023; 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Join an owling adventure! Hop aboard the Audubon van with an expert guide to visit several locations around the state to look for these amazing birds. This unique program provides opportunities see or hear several species including Snowy, Short-eared, Barred, Screech and Great Horned Owls. Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring a bagged dinner to enjoy along the way. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars and cameras! Space is limited, register early.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $50/member; $60/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Native Seed Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 11, 2023; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Come to Audubon and learn how to start your wildlife/pollinator garden from seed! Learn about native plants and which species are best to use. Discover where to find native seed and what they need to grow. A demonstration on how to sow native seeds will be provided, and each participant will have a chance to plant seeds to take home.
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: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 



New! Wild Lives at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
Six-Week Wildlife Class for Children
March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 15, 22, 2023
Wild Lives is a six-week class for children that explores the secret lives of wild animals living nearby. Students work together to ask and answer their own questions about the unseen aspects of nature around them. The classes are based around the same tools and techniques used by trackers and field biologists, simplified to an age-appropriate level, and put directly in the hands of students. Students will work in the classroom, workshop, and outdoors to learn the basics of tracking wildlife, build their own tools to find and film animals in their natural habitat, and use their own voices to share stories about what they find. If your child has a powerful curiosity about the natural world and likes being around other, like-minded children while exploring nature, this is the class for them!
Nestling: Ages 4 - 6: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Yearling: Ages 7 -11: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Fee for six-week series: $140/Members, $160/Non-members. See ages above. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Spring Scavenger Hunt with Audubon
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 12, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Use clues to find nature-based items on the wildlife refuge - some will be easy to find, others not so much! Learn a bit about nature while you enjoy this hike. A great program for families with children ages 6 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: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Lecture: Creating Spaces for Pollinators
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 15, 2023; 7:00 – 8:30 pm
The pollinators of the world are losing ground at an alarming rate. Discover what you can do on your property to encourage, assist, and help save pollinators. Review the food, nesting, and sheltering needs of pollinators (including hummingbirds) as well as simple changes you can make to your gardens, maintenance schedule, and use of pesticides to encourage these vital little beings.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 18, April 22, May 20, 2023; 1:00 – 2:30 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! This class fills quickly so don’t wait! Advance registration is required.
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/calendar. 


Pysanky Workshop
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 18, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Come try your hand at Pysanky, the Ukrainian tradition of dyeing eggs. This traditional art uses bright dyes and hot wax to create beautiful and intricate patterns. Participants will learn about design, planning and dyeing eggs. Handouts will be provided regarding where to obtain Pysanky tools and dyes. All supplies are provided. Participants will create one egg. Wear clothes that can get messy as dyes are permanent.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $25/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Signs of Spring at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 19, 2023; 8:00 – 10:00 am
Join naturalist Joe Koger on an easy trail walk exploring the fields and forests of Caratunk. Look for emerging plants, nesting birds and animals along the way. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Don't forget your camera and binoculars if you have them.
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. 


Li’l Peeps: Nature Class for Young Children
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 23, 30, April 6, 20, 27 May 4, 2023; 10:00 – 11:00 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 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. (No class on April 13 due to school vacation week.)
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. 


Timberdoodle Talk and Walk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 24, 20236:30 – 8:30 pm
Join Audubon for a walk on an early spring evening to observe the unique and enchanting courtship display of the American Woodcock (also known as a timberdoodle.). Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
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. 





Spring Arrives at Maxwell Mays
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
March 24, 2023; 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
The Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge boasts wonderful trails through fields and forests. Come learn about the spring plants that will be emerging and the vernal pools that attract frogs and salamanders. Scott Ruhren, Audubon senior director of conservation will lead this easy walk through the woods.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member. Ages: 8 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Emerging Springtime Walk at Fort Refuge
Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
March 25, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Visit a pond and a vernal pool to scoop and observe sample invertebrate animals. Walk through Fort Refuge and discuss the emerging spring and the order of nature appearing and regrowth. Keep your eyes and ears open for salamanders and frogs and spring bird migrants like Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and Eastern Phoebes.
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. 


Pysanky Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 25, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Come try your hand at Pysanky, the Ukrainian tradition of dyeing eggs. This traditional art uses bright dyes and hot wax to create beautiful and intricate patterns. Participants will learn about design, planning and dyeing eggs. Handouts will be provided regarding where to obtain Pysanky tools and dyes. All supplies are provided. Participants will create one egg. Wear clothes that can get messy as dyes are permanent.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.