So Much to be Thankful for in Nature!

(October 4, 2023) – Give thanks for all that nature provides! Head out in the evening and learn all about owls and other nocturnal wildlife. Bring the younger crew for a Turkey Tea Party or an autumn nature walk to look for wildlife nests and burrows. Get outside, learn about the wonders of nature, and enjoy the spirit of the season with Audubon!

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. 

Audubon Society of Rhode Island 
Wildlife Carving and Art Exposition
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
November 4 & 5, 2023; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
New this year! In addition to bird and wildlife carvings, this annual event will showcase work by talented photographers, painters, illustrators, and other nature-inspired artisans from across the Northeast. Exquisite art featuring songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and other wildlife will be on display and for sale. Come browse, shop, meet the artists and discover unique works of art
that reflect the natural world. For more information, visit the events calendar at asri.org.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; November 4 - 5, 2023; 10:00 am-4:00 pm; Fee: $6.00 per person. Children 3 and under are free. Ages: All.

Sparrows & Sweets
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
November 4, 2023; 8:00 – 10:00 am
Join Audubon and learn all about the wide diversity of sparrows that call Caratunk home. Though they may look similar at first glance, each of these species is unique in their own special way. Start the morning with light pastries and coffee in the barn as we discuss these birds and how to identify them in the field. Then enjoy a leisurely hike along the trails and put your new skills into practice, observing the sparrows and other wildlife on the refuge.
For ages 12 +. Please dress for the weather. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from us.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $5/member child, $7/non-member child $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.  

Nests, Dens, and Burrows at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
November 4, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Take a hike with an Audubon naturalist to look for evidence of birds, mammals, and insects that are preparing for the winter months. Search for what wildlife has built or what they left behind!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Fisherville Brook Gravestone Conservation Project
Lecture and Walk with Betty and Carol Mencucci
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
November 4, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Come learn about the preservation of gravestones in the John Gardner lot – a historical cemetery located at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge. Recently completed by Betty and Carlo Mencucci, join the couple for a discussion of how the stones were cleaned and reset, and broken stones were repaired. They will explain the types of gravestones found in historical cemeteries and the complexities encountered when conserving different types of stones. The Mencuccis will also share their story of the constant companionship they had with several Tree Swallows near the cemetery. Following their indoor presentation, take a walk to this historic cemetery and view the repairs that were made.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

ReWilding: A Call to Nature
Art and Photography by Jennifer Moore
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
November 6 – December 30, 2023; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This collection of work by Jennifer M. Moore has been curated to inspire a return to the natural world. It is a reminder that we can become devoted stewards of the environment and of each other by connecting with the intricacies of nature. Containing a range of media, the work showcases the vast beauty and interconnectedness of nature. Jennifer M. Moore is a multimedia artist specializing in sculpture. She holds a BFA from Lyme Fine Art Academy and has trained with the Florence Art Academy.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023
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 2024; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Turtle Races
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
November 11, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us on Veteran’s Day 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: Turtle Races: How fast - or slow - will they go? Learn all about Audubon’s diamond-backed terrapin and spotted turtle, then cheer them on as they wander down a turtle track!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Turkey Tea Party
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
November 11, 2023; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Thanksgiving is approaching! Join Refuge Manager Kim Calcagno for an afternoon tea party in honor of the majestic wild turkey. Listen to a turkey story, examine the wings and feathers of wild turkeys, and make a turkey craft. Families will learn how turkeys dance and gobble and spar as they sip fruit teas and enjoy some tasty tidbits! Turkeys use their feathers to show off and stand out, so there will be a prize for the human 'turkey' who comes with the most colorful, showy outfit!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $8/member adult/child pair, $5/each additional member; $12/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Owls and Ales at Fisherville
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
November 17, 2023; 6;30 – 8:30 pm
Meet one of Audubon’s amazing birds of prey in person! Come to the Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge for a presentation on owls while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the wildlife 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! Dress for a chilly winter evening and bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Story Time at Caratunk: Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
November 18, 2023; 10:00 - 11:00 am
A chill is in the air and Bear knows it is time for her winter nap. But first, she must tell Snail. An Audubon Naturalist presents Denise Fleming’s warm-hearted story about animals of the forest settling down for their winter nap. Richly illustrated in fall colors, Time to Sleep is prefect for preschoolers. After the story, guests will meet an Audubon Animal Ambassador. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $5/member child, $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Day After Thanksgiving Activities
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
November 24, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Give thanks for all that nature has given us! The day after Thanksgiving is always for leftovers, but at Audubon it is also a day for fun bird-themed activities for the whole family. No registration required.
10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am & 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Turkey Trot Nature Walk: Walk off your turkey dinner and learn about the wildlife (weather permitting) at the Nature Center and Aquarium
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Explore Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
November 29, 2023; 9;45 am – 4:45 pm
Enjoy a late fall day exploring Prudence Island. Take several short walks, look for harbor seals hauled out on the rocks, search for returning sea ducks, and visit many of the Reserve's properties. Expect to walk about 4 miles over the course of the day. Due to limited space, reservations are required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. For more information and to register for Prudence Island programs, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Owl Prowl at Fort Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
November 30, 2023; 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 follow trails through the forest. While we never know if we'll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Advance registration is required.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.