Cool Off! Audubon Offers Nighttime Nature Walks in August

(June 29, 2023) – Join a cool evening exploration when the sun goes down. Listen for harmonies of crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids, watch for nocturnal wildlife, or join an Audubon expert on the trails under the super blue moon in August. Audubon naturalists say that the evening is a special time to explore nature – come find out why!

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/calendar. 

Family Night Hike with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 4, 2023; 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Evenings are wonderful time discover nature on a wildlife refuge. Join an Audubon naturalist for a leisurely night hike at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield. Listen for animal sounds, test your night vision, and see what is happening when the sun goes down. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight and dress for the cool night air.
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: 9 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Citizens Free Family Fun Day
What’s all the Buzz About? Pollinators!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 5, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Audubon 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. No need to register!
10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: What’s all the Buzz About? Pollinators! Join Audubon naturalists, learn all about local pollinators and take a discovery walk through the pollinator garden in bloom. Discover the plants that pollinators need and see how many of these fascinating insects you can find!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 6, 2023; 10:00 – 11:30 am
Join Audubon naturalist and herbalist Tina Lidano and explore the edible and medicinal herbs along the trails of the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI. This program will take place rain or shine, so please come dressed for the weather.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/members, $14/Non-members. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Where Does All That Stormwater Go?
Walking Tour of the Stormwater Innovation Center
Stormwater Innovation Center, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI
August 9, 2023; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Did you know that Roger Williams Park in Providence has over 30 green infrastructure projects? These are important tools that filter stormwater and help stop harmful pollutants from entering ponds and waterways. Green infrastructure investments made by the Providence Parks Department work to improve water quality in this city park that sees over a million visitors each year. Join a walking tour and learn about how these projects work and get stormwater-friendly landscaping tips for your own yard. It might just change the way you think about rainstorms! Meet at the Seal House in RWP (near the Japanese Garden and Carousel.)
Departs from the Roger Williams Park Seal House. Free. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Proactive Conservation: Managing Audubon Properties for Bird Populations
Lecture with Dr. Charles Clarkson, Director of Avian Research
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 10, 2023; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Now more than ever, there is an urgent need to understand the habitat and nutritional requirements of birds. The first step to understanding how bird populations are being affected by climate change is to establish a baseline of abundance and distribution within a given study area. Join Dr. Charles Clarkson and learn about the new baseline data set that has been collected across Audubon properties, and how the organization will begin conservation efforts to bring back declining bird populations. This talk will provide an overview of current data and identify conservation work that is planned.
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: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Nightlife at Ruecker
Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, Tiverton, RI
August 10, 2023; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Join Audubon at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge for a spectacular evening of nocturnal exploration. A naturalist will be your guide as you listen for and observe the various wildlife that call this refuge home.
Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, Seapowet Avenue, Tiverton, 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. 

Audubon Bird Banding in Bristol
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 12, 2023; 9:15 – 11:15 am
Come to Audubon and experience bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds in order to record their movements. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in the shrubby habitats on the grounds of the Nature Center and Aquarium. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed.
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: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Discovering Moths: Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard
Author Meet and Greet with John Himmelman
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 12, 2023; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Meet the beautiful, fascinating, and underappreciated cousins of the butterflies…moths! Less than 1% of the over 11,000 species of moths in North America are considered pests. The rest show an amazing variety of color, shape and behavior missed by many of us, as we tend to be indoors at night when most (not all) are active. While you will learn about a couple of the pests and how they got here, this program will mostly be celebrating the vast array of bewitching and beneficial species with whom we share our yards. John Himmelman is the author of the book bearing the title of this program and he will be selling signed copies after the lecture.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Other; $12 members, $16 non-members Other. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Night Singers at Parker Woodland
Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
August 17, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm
Come take a walk through the forest and field and listen for crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids. Enjoy the beautiful and relaxing sounds of a summer evening and learn about the insects creating these harmonies. Dress for a cool night and bring a flashlight. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring bug spray and a flashlight. Park your vehicle and meet in Parking Lot #1 on Maple Valley Road. This program is appropriate for ages 12+.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar 

Night Singers at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 18, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm
Come take a walk through the forest and fields to listen to frogs, toads, crickets, and katydids. Enjoy the beautiful and relaxing songs of a summer evening and learn about the animals creating this chorus. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring bug spray and a flashlight. This program is appropriate for age 10+
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/calendar. 

Tea-Time and Fairy Houses for Children
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
August 19, 2023; 10:00 – 11:30 am
Do you love fairies or small little woodland critters? Come create a "Fairy House" with natural materials that your favorite small friend can visit. After working hard to build your house, we visit the Children's Garden at Fisherville for some tea and snacks. Families will have the chance to visit with some fluffy creatures: a bunny, a chick, and a duck! Please be prepared to hike a small distance into the woods.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $10/member child; $14/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Sea Glass Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 19, 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, 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. 

Summer Craft Table
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 19, 2023;1:00 – 3:00 pm
While visiting Audubon's Nature Center and Aquarium, stop by our summer craft table for some free creative fun!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

South County Shorebird Tour
Audubon Van Trip to Locations Across Rhode Island
August 23, 2023; 6:30 am – 1:30 pm
Hop aboard the Audubon van for a trip along the beautiful shores of Rhode Island's South County. On this full-day expedition, plan to make many stops along the shores, saltmarshes, and ponds to observe the amazing diversity of shorebirds that can be found in these habitats. We may enjoy a break at one of the stops, so bring a lunch to enjoy! Participants should bring sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, lunch, and water. Meet in the parking lot at Audubon's Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield, RI.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: Other; $56/Member, $71/Non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Wild Mushroom Workshop: Take the Mystery Out of Mushrooming
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 26, 2023; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join Audubon for an introduction to mushrooms and fungus! Learn how to identify mushroom groups and species that grow in the area. Start with a presentation on mushroom identification and view wild mushrooms that were collected from other areas, depending on availability. Then venture out for a hike in the woods with an expert guide to find mushrooms growing in the wild. Afterwards, sample a couple of tasty mushroom dishes using a variety of cultivated 'wild' mushrooms. Please note: Collecting mushrooms on Audubon properties is prohibited. Wear closed-toe shoes, socks and long pants, and dress for the weather.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $30/member; $40/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Super Blue Moon Walk
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 31, 2023; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist during August’s Super Blue Moon at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Observe the last of the summer birds as they search for food as some ready to migrate during the nighttime hours. We’ll listen to insects, amphibians, and are occasionally able to hear owls. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring bug spray, binoculars, and a flashlight. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; August 31, 2023; 7:30-9:00 pm; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Foraged Art
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through August 31, 2023;9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Rebecca Reddy creates her foraged art pieces using items from nature. Nothing is glued or taped in place, it's all a balancing act. The pieces are photographed, then most items end up in her compost bin, while others are dried and saved for use in future pieces, there are no originals. Sometimes Rebecca has a plan, other times she lets the flowers inspire her. Rebecca’s art will be on display from July 2 through August 31, 2023.   Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.