Look for Signs of Spring with Audubon!
March 2022 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
It’s time to get your boots a little muddy! Bring a friend and watch the amazing aerial display of the American Woodcock or get ready for spring migration with a virtual workshop or birding walk. And March is the perfect time to discover the wonders found on Audubon wildlife refuges when the weather begins to warm. Come join the fun this spring!
Note: Masks are required for all indoor guests ages 2 and up at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium and during any Audubon indoor programs regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Participants on Audubon van trips must wear masks and show proof of vaccination.
Visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar register for programs.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
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 2022; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Winter Wildlife on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
March 2, 2022; 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Join an all-day adventure on Prudence Island! Come observe harbor seals, which are often spotted just offshore, and a variety of waterfowl that inhabit the protected coves and ponds of Prudence. Expect to see grebes, eiders, mergansers, loons and much more. Explore of a variety of habitats including pine barrens, fields, salt marshes, and rocky shorelines. Safety Precaution: All participants, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks while riding in the van and inside Research Reserve buildings.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Program Fee: $12/member adult, $6 member child; $18/non-member adult, $9/non-member child. Ages: All. For more information in Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nature’s Light: Photography Exhibit by Carmen Rugel
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 6 – April 30, 2022; 9;30 am – 4:30 pm
Carmen Rugel is happiest when she is exploring the outdoors. Whether it’s basking in the rays of a sunrise, saying goodbye to the day at sunset, shooting the moon on a clear night, or simply marveling at how light interacts with everything around her. Carmen’s rich away of work that captures images of the natural world will be on display in March and April.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 5, 2022; 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!
Citizens Free Family Fun Day: Daylight Savings
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Take-home craft bags
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am & 2:30 pm: Animal Interviews
1:00 pm: Daylight Savings – Come learn about when and why daylight savings was invented, who uses it and who does not, and how animals adjust to the changing seasons.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Free. Ages: All.
Saturday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 5, April 16, 30, 2022; 8:30 – 9:30 am
Enjoy Saturday morning bird walks on the grounds of the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium in Bristol with Tom Younkin, founder/creator of Kingbirder, an on-line contest for birders and bird photographers. Many species can be found in the gardens, fields, and wetlands of this beautiful wildlife refuge. Walks will follow the Nature Center trails, boardwalk, and East Bay Bike Path for easy accessibility. Registration required. Walks are weather dependent.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Audubon Winter Birding Van Trip to Cape Ann
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
March 5, 2022; 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Known among birders for a great diversity of wintering sea birds, Cape Ann is a beautiful historic fishing community in Massachusetts. Razorbills, Dovekies, murres, guillemots, white-winged gulls, and other species have been spotted in the past. Join Audubon for a day of exploring area hotspots including Gloucester Harbor, Eastern Point, Andrews and Halibut Points, and others. Dress warmly for brisk winter seacoast weather; bring lunch and optics, including a scope if you have one. Trip will be cancelled due to inclement weather. Note: Proof of vaccination and masks are required for all participants on Audubon van trips.
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/calendar
Late Winter Birding
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 5, 2022; 9:00 – 11:00 am
March is the peak month for our year-round resident birds to sing, call, establish territory, and look for mates. Learn to recognize calls and songs of local species. Novice birders are welcome. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Spring Scavenger Hunt in Nature
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 6, 2022; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
A great outdoor activity for families, friends or on your own! Use clues to find nature-based items on the wildlife refuge. Some items will be easy to find, others not so much! Learn a bit about nature while you enjoy your hike. No experience is necessary to have a great time!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Beginning Birding with Audubon
See Dates and Times Below
Curious about the birds in your backyard? Interested to start birding? Join Lauren Parmelee, Audubon Senior Director of Education, for a two-part virtual introduction to bird identification. Learn about local birds through photographs that highlight key features and the variety of species found in Rhode Island. Tips for finding birds, using field guides, and buying binoculars will also be shared. Participant questions are encouraged and welcome!
VIRTUAL Workshops via Zoom:
Part 1: March 7, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00 am Repeated on March 9, 2022; 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Part 2: March 14, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00 am. Repeated on March 16, 2022; 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Fee: $20/member; $28 non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
The Providence Peregrines
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 10, 2022; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Come hear the triumphant story of how Peregrine Falcons returned to Providence 50 years after the species was nearly destroyed by pesticides. Hear the tale of “U7” and the famous nest atop the Superman building. We’ll talk about falcon natural history; meet Zephyr, our live Peregrine Falcon ambassador; and take a look at the years of successful peregrine breeding high in the skies over our capitol city.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Animal Tracking
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 12, 2022; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to identify tracks and signs left by native mammals and birds. Explore track patterns, investigate artifacts, and venture out on the trails to find evidence of wildlife. This class is geared for families with children. Wear warm footwear and dress for the weather. Bring face masks and binoculars.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Fairy Houses for Adults
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 12, 2022; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Fairies aren’t just for kids! Use natural materials such as shells, seeds, moss, and stones to create an enchanting home for magical guests. Fairy houses make a unique spring decoration and are great for a creative outlet. Program includes all materials needed to complete your magical dwelling. Registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Bristol Bird Walks
Five Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2022; 8:30 – 9:30 am
Beginning and intermediate birders will enjoy learning more about birds while exploring the grounds and trails of the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium in Bristol. An Audubon educator will guide the group and share tips for locating and identifying birds. These slow rambles are about a mile in length along relatively even ground. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. Binoculars may be borrowed from Audubon if needed. Walks are weather dependent.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Paint and Sip
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 19, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of painting hand-crafted woodland sculptures while sipping your favorite adult beverage. Participants will be provided with all materials and are encouraged to take their sculptures home. Light snacks will be provided.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Pysanky Workshop
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 19, 2022; 10:00 – 12:00 pm
Come try your hand at the Ukrainian tradition of dyeing eggs called Pysanky. Participants will learn about design, planning and dyeing eggs. Handouts will also be given 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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Signs of Spring
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 20, 2022; 8:00 – 10:00 am
Join naturalist Joe Koger on an easy nature walk exploring the fields and forests of Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. 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 adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Woodcock Walk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 25, 2022; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Join Audubon for a walk on an early spring evening to observe the unique and enchanting courtship display of the American Woodcock. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 26, 2022; 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 asri.org/calendar.
Free Kids Bike Repair and Bicycle Drive
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 26, 2022; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Do you have a bicycle that isn’t seeing much use? Consider bringing it to Audubon on March 26 and donating it to the Providence Bicycle Collective, a nonprofit community bike shop. And at the same time, have your kid’s bikes tuned up for spring!
The Providence Bicycle Collective will be collecting bikes and will have tools and mechanics on hand to ready kids bikes for spring. This is a free drop-in program, no appointment needed. (A workshop will also be held at 11:00 am on bicycle safety and maintenance. See details below, registration and fee required.)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free.
Bicycle Safety and Maintenance Workshop
March 26, 2022; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join the Providence Bicycle Collective for a family-friendly workshop on bicycle safety checks and the basics of bike maintenance. Registration is required for this workshop.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 31, April 7, 14, 28, May 5, 12, 2022; 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. To maintain an age-appropriate program, we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team.
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. Note: No class on April 21 due to School Vacation Week. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Prudence Island
Private Adventure with Friends and Family
Spend the day exploring beautiful and charming Prudence Island with education staff from the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. With over three-quarters of the island protected, and a variety of habitats to explore, there are endless options for an outdoor friends and family adventure! The experience can be designed with your group’s interests and ages in mind – activities could include birding, viewing harbor seals hauled out on nearshore rocks, beachcombing, hiking the woodland trails, learning about island history – you get to choose!
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee*: $12/member adult, $6/member child; $18/non-member adult, $9 non-member child. Contact: Maureen Dewire at Maureen.Dewire@dem.ri.gov or by phone at 401-683-1478. *Cost does not include round-trip ferry travel.
12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788
email: