Nature in Summertime: So much to Discover!
August 2021 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(July 1, 2021) – Discover life in the meadow, search for local mushrooms on the damp forest floor, enjoy an evening twilight hike, or bring the kids along for cool critter investigations. Audubon keeps you engaged and connected with the great outdoors in August!
Advance registration is required for all programs. Visit the events calendar at www.asri.org to register.
Editor’s Note: The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI is now open for summer hours: Monday – Sunday; 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Audubon requires those who are unvaccinated, and children between the ages of 2-12 years old to wear a mask indoors.
Painting Nature in Watercolor
Two Session Program for Kids
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, MA
August 4 & 11, 2021; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Children explore watercolor techniques, learn to mix colors, and enjoy painting from nature with artist Mary Ellen Dwyer. Kids will observe and create art from sea life, insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. Recommended for children ages 5 to 10, parents or guardians must accompany children and are welcome to assist. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $35/member child, $45/non-member child. No fee for accompanying adults. Ages: 5 to10. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
White Barn Story Time: Roly-Poly Spider
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 5, 2021; 2:00-3:00 pm
Come to the big barn at Caratunk for special story time that focuses on nature! Listen to The Roly-Poly Spider by Jill Sardegna, a funny rhyming story about a tricky spider who gets herself into trouble. Afterwards, we’ll take a walk to the field area to catch and release insects and listen to the natural sounds in the field.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $8/member child; $12/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Let’s Take a Walk Preschool Series: Pond
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 10, 2021; 10:00 – 11:00 am
Join Audubon for a nature walk series for families with preschoolers. Listen to the story A Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming and take a walk to the pond to catch and release pond animals. Come prepared to get dirty or muddy. Wear old shoes or boots and protective clothing. Bug spray, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $8/member child; $12/non-member child; No fee for accompanying adults. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Herbal Plant Walk at Caratunk
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 11, 25, 2021; 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Join Maggie Hatzpanian, nurse, herbalist, and medicinal plant educator, for a walk through the woods, meadows and wetlands of Caratunk. Come and search for native New England medicinal plants. Maggie will share her knowledge of the plants, how best to ID them, their habitats, and medicinal properties. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA ; Fee: $15/member, $18/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Shore Hike with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 11, 2021; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Take a guided walk to the seashore and use nets and buckets to look for sea life. Come dressed in sturdy shoes that can get wet, wear sunscreen, and bring a water bottle. Adults must accompany children. Program is weather dependent. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member child, $14/non-member child. No fee for accompanying adults. Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Count Butterflies as They Flutter By!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 11, 2021; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Spend a morning learning about local species of butterflies and counting them as the flutter by! Led by expert naturalist and science teacher Joe Koger, this is sure to be a fun day of exploration and learning! Bring binoculars if you have them, a camera, insect spray, water and sunscreen. Dress for hiking around the fields and trails. Advance registration is required.
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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Kooky Crayfish!
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 14, 2021; 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Go on a search for amazing crayfish with Audubon! Try to net some crayfish (our pond is full of them) and then gently examine these fascinating creatures. Learn where they live, what they eat, and discover some of their amazing traits. Look for other tiny pond critters too! Wear water boots and dress for mess. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $8/member child, $12/non-member child; free for accompanying adults. Ages: 4 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
August 14, 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 Audubon for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more.
Wetland Exploration!
10:00 am to 3:00 pm – Scavenger Hunt
10:30 am and 2:30 pm – Nature Story
11:00 am – Nature Walk and Wetland Exploration
1:30 p.m. – Animal Interview
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All. No need to register.
Bird Banding with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 14, 2021; 9:15 – 11:15 am
Join Audubon for a bird banding demonstration in which experts capture, band, measure and release songbirds in order to gather data on their movements. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. 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. Bring a camera and binoculars. Please register early. Advance registration is required.
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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Night Singers
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 16, 2021; 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Come take a walk through the forest and field and listen for crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids. Enjoy the relaxing sounds of a summer evening and learn about the insects creating this chorus. 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: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at
Summer Meadow
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
July 14, 2021; 10:00 – 11:30 am
Come explore the meadow on a lazy summer’s day. We’ll have nets and magnifiers and other fun items to explore with. We’ll look for butterflies, flowers and insects, birds, toads and other critters that live in the meadow. Wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent and lightweight long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $8/member child; $12/non-member child; No fee for accompanying adults. Ages: 3 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 22, 2021; 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Create a beautiful pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it using easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Audubon Coloring Book Workshop for Kids
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 17, 2021; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Have you seen the new Audubon coloring book? Would you like to learn how the artist created these beautiful illustrations? Kids join artist and author Jerry Shippee and learn how to draw, ink, and watercolor images of local birds! Coloring books will be available for sale during this program. Recommended for kids ages 9 to 13. Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Accompanying adults are free. Ages: 9 to 13.Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Kids Investigations: Field and Forest
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 18, 2021; 9:00 – 11:30 am
Join Audubon for an exploration of the forest and field and search for insects. Catch and release different insects that live in the various habitats. If we are lucky maybe, we’ll spot a snake or toad! Bring water, a snack, wear protective clothing, sunscreen and bug spray. A hat is recommended. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member child, $14/non-member child, no fee for accompanying adults. Ages: 8 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Summer Twilight Hike
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield RI
August 19, 2021; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Although most people don’t hike at night, it is a special time of day to be out in nature. Join Audubon for a leisurely evening hike on the Fort Wildlife Refuge. Listen for animal sounds, test your night vision, and discover what is happening on the refuge when the sun goes down. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight and dress to stay warm in the cool night air. Due to the length of this walk (approx. 1.5 miles), we recommend this program for ages 9 and up, but younger avid hikers are welcome. Advance registration is required.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 9 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Night Singers
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 20, 2021; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Take an evening walk through the forest and fields to listen for crickets, grasshoppers and katydid. Enjoy their beautiful and relaxing songs on a summer evening and learn all about these fascinating insects. A great program for families! Dress for the weather. Advance registration is required.
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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Shorebird Class – A Virtual Program
August 25, 2021; 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join Audubon for a virtual lesson and discover the shorebirds of Rhode Island! Learn about the birds found in our area, and where the hot spots are to search for them. This program pairs nicely with Audubon’s Shorebird Van Trip on August 27, 2021.
Virtual Program; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Shorebird Van Trip
Locations Across the State
August 27, 2021; 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hop aboard the Audubon van with an expert guide and visit some of Rhode Island’s best shorebird locations: Charlestown Breachway, Quonochontaug Breachway and Succotash Marsh. Please bring a lunch, optics, old sneakers or water shoes, towel and bug repellent. Be prepared to get wet up to your waist for this program. Meet at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge at 7:00 am. Advance registration is required.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $45/member; $55/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Wild Mushroom Workshop
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
August 28, 2021; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join Audubon for an introduction to mushrooms and fungus and learn how to identify mushroom groups and species that grow in the area. Start inside with a presentation on mushroom identification and view wild mushrooms on display that were collected from other areas, depending on availability. Next, venture out for a hike in the woods with an expert guide to find mushrooms growing in the wild. Wear closed-toe shoes, socks and long pants and dress for the weather. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $20/member, $30/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
The Ocean in a Cup
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 28, 2021; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you a craft enthusiast? Join Audubon to make a one-of-a-kind ocean scene in a teacup! Keep it as a desk decoration or give it as a unique gift. All supplies provided, just bring your creativity! Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; August 28, 2021; 10:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 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
Through August 28, 2021; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Karen Johnson-Nieuwendijk spent years traveling across the United States, and gradually learned how to document her experiences through the lens of a camera. Karen’s focus is on nature and landscapes. She looks to share some of nature’s beauty through her work.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Fee: Free with Admission. Ages: All.
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12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788
www.asri.org – email: audubon@asri.org