It’s Time to get Your Boots a Little Muddy…Spring is Here!

(January 31, 2020) – With warmer weather on the way, there is not a better time to get outside! Learn all about maple sugaring and sample sweet treats, go birding with an expert, or stargaze on a cool spring night. Just pull on those boots and go!

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Audubon Winter Birding Van Trip: Cape Ann, MA
March 1, 2020, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cape Ann, Massachusetts is a historic fishing community known for a great diversity of wintering sea birds. Razorbills, Dovekies, murres, guillemots, white-winged gulls, and other species have been spotted in the past. Join Audubon for a day of exploring Cape Ann hotspots including Gloucester Harbor, Eastern Point, Andrews and Halibut Points. Dress for brisk winter seacoast weather; bring lunch and optics, including a scope if you have one.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $55/member; $65/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Nature as I See It
Photography Exhibit by Karen Johnson-Nieuwendijk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 1 – April 31, 2020; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Every photographer has favorite subject matter or style that they focus on. Some zero in on architecture, some specialize in portraits, others on abstract images. While Karen Johnson-Nieuwendijk enjoys experimenting with many styles of photography, her main focus is nature and landscapes. Come view the beauty she has observed in nature through the lens of her camera. Meet the photographer at the exhibit opening on Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 1:00 to 3:00pm.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; March 1 through April 31, 2020; 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2020; 9:00 am
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit the Audubon website (asri.org) or Facebook Page for the location. Contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2020; 9:00-11:00 am; Ages: 14+.

Attracting Cavity Nesters
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 4, 2020; 6:30-8:00 pm
From the cheery woodpecker to the sleepy porcupine and the invaluable honeybee, there are countless animals that take advantage of natural cavities in trees. Come learn about many of our native cavity nesters and find out about installing nesting boxes and other actions to encourage these wild creatures. Examples of nesting boxes will be available with schematics for those who may wish to construct their own.
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 asri.org

Bird Friendly Coffee Lecture
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 5, 2020; 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Come learn how your morning cup of coffee connects to the environment around you. Atmospheric chemist Julie Snow works with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and a Philadelphia coffee roaster to spread awareness of the impacts of coffee. Learn how coffee can bring deforestation and its connection to loss of winter habitat for migrating birds, climate change, and environmental justice issues. Ms. Snow also runs a nonprofit coffee company that she uses as an example of sustainable choice. Learn how we can help mitigate these environmental issues.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Owling Van Trip with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
March 6, 2020; 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Come to Audubon for 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 in their natural habitat. 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, please 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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 7, 2020; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join Audubon for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
March 7, 2020 – Clover
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Craft table
10:30 am: Animal Interview
11:00 am: Shamrock Stamp Craft
1:30: Animal Interview
2:30 pm: Nature Story
Activities: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Exhibit Hall: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Trails and Pollinator Garden: Dawn to Dusk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
March 12, 2020; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Come celebrate the extra daylight with an afternoon on Prudence Island! Explore whatever areas mother nature deems suitable for travel, which will likely include forest, salt marsh and shoreline. With a late afternoon low tide, we'll be sure to stop by the south end to enjoy the basking harbor seals just offshore.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org

Audubon Maple Sugaring
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 14, 2020; 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Step back in time at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge to experience the history of maple sugaring. Discover how Native Americans started maple sugaring and how to make this sweet syrup in your own backyard. Taste first hand this delectable treat over muffins and other tasty treats - all with fresh maple syrup. Tours begin every 15 minutes starting at 9:00 am. Please register in advance, this is a popular program and space is limited. Rhode Island maple syrup will be available for purchase.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.

Wicked Big Puddles: The Ecology of Vernal Pools
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 18, 2020; 6:30-8:00 pm
Mysterious springtime pools often come and go without much notice, but there are many creatures that would disappear without them. Come learn about what makes a vernal pool so special, where you can find them, and why the lives of some animals depend on them.
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 asri.org

Sip and Spa DIY!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 21, 2020; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies. There is a treasure trove of natural beauty care products that you can make yourself using simple ingredients from your kitchen's pantry! Bring a friend, enjoy a glass of wine, and create a number of terrific recipes for lips, face and body. Use these simple recipes all year long or create your own personalized gifts. Each participant will take home 3 products and recipes for more!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Felted Birdhouses Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 21, 2020; 12:30 – 4:30 pm
Create your own bird house using only colorful wool. Join Audubon educator and fiber artist Tala Wunderler-Selby to learn the traditional art of wet felting, using sheep’s wool, water, soap, and a little elbow grease. Design your bird house in a rainbow of colors or in natural hues, and then create a three-dimensional vessel. Hang your house outdoors or place it inside for a unique decoration.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $60/member; $65/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Pedal for Pongo: Film Screening
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 22, 2020; 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Come learn about the multifaceted challenges of 21st century animal conservation efforts by Joe LyonWurm and his wife on a bicycle tour from Providence to the Philadelphia Zoo. Along the way, they stop at zoos, universities and museums to interview professionals whose lives have put them on the front lines of animal conservation. Includes the amusing challenge of biking several hundred miles with 65lbs of equipment. Enjoy an introduction from the filmmaker as well as questions after the film.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $12/non-member Other. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Creating Spaces for Pollinators and Hummingbirds
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 26, 2020; 6:30-8:00 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 to save pollinators. We will look at food, nesting, and sheltering needs of pollinators and 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 asri.org

Woodcock Walk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Ma
March 26, 2020; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Spring is in the air and so are the Woodcocks! Join Audubon on a walk to observe the American Woodcock as they embark on their unique and enchanting courtship display. The hike begins at dusk, so this program is not for young children. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and warm, dark clothing. Bring binoculars, a flashlight, bug repellent and water. Flash photography is not allowed. Meet in the big white barn.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA ; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Ma
March 28, 2020; 11:00 am – 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! This class fills quickly! Advance registration is required as space is strictly limited to 10 participants.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org

Stargazing at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Ma
March 29, 2020; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Learn about the winter constellations at Caratunk and then head outdoors to view the moon, Venus and more. Francine Jackson, Staff Astronomer at Brown University will lead this evening program. There will be telescopes available, but feel free to bring your own. Please dress for the weather. Hot drinks and light snacks will be provided.
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 asri.org