Bats, Bees and Birds…Summer is Here!
TREE SWALLOW
June 2023 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Start your summer off right – in the great outdoors! Join Audubon for a nature walk on the first day of summer, head out at night with a naturalist in search of bats, or explore habitats across the state in an Audubon birding program!
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 Spring Craft Fair
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
June 3, 2023; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
With local vendors selling a variety of nature and wildlife related wares, you are sure to find perfect gifts for summer birthdays and celebrations. Jewelry, children’s items, decorative accents, bird houses and other locally made crafts are just a few items to choose from. Be sure to enter the raffle for a chance to win one of the hand-made items donated by our artisans.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Free. Ages: All.
2023 US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Jr. Duck Stamp Contest
Winning Artwork Exhibit
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 3 – 23, 2023;10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The USFW Junior Duck Stamp Contest encourages students in grades K-12 to engage in conservation education, use their creative talents, and submit their artwork in an annual contest. The 2023 contest winners showing waterfowl and their habitats will be on display at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in June.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 4, 2023; 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Join Audubon under the full moon at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge for a spectacular evening of nocturnal exploration. Come listen for and observe the various wildlife that call Caratunk home.
Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring bug spray and flashlights.
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 through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 3, 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: Pride Hike – Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided discovery walk around the wildlife refuge. Look for insects, birds, and wildlife. Wear your pride colors or bring a pride flag to carry with you during the hike.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; June 3, 2023; 10:00 am-3:00 pm; Fee: Free. Ages: All.
Soil Testing at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 3, 2023;10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Get ready for the planting season and have a Master Gardener check the pH level of your soil. Collect four to six samples from different locations in the area you would like tested. Dig down three to six inches to the root depth. Place the samples in an open tray, mix them together well and allow the soil to air-dry overnight. Fill a small paper bag with ½ cup of your sample and label it with the location from where it was collected.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Fairy Gardens for Adults
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 4, 2023;10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Fairy houses aren’t just for kids! Use natural materials such as shells, seeds, moss, and stones to create an enchanting garden for magical guests. Fairy gardens make a uniquely whimsical decoration and are great for a creative outlet. The program includes all materials needed to complete your magical garden. Registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023; 9;00 – 11:00 am
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 in June; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.
Birding Connecticut Hot Spots: Audubon Van Trip
June 8, 2023; 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Join Audubon and explore a large diversity of habitats in nearby Connecticut — forest roads, open fields, a fish hatchery, ponds, and more. How many species can be found? In the past, Cerulean Warblers and Sedge Wrens have been seen. Audubon volunteer Don Heitzmann will lead a day of birding and exploration. Bring lunch, water, snacks, and binoculars. Trip will be cancelled in case of bad weather.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $64 members, $80 non-members. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bat Walk at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
June 9, 2023; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Come learn all about the little brown bat, a species that lives seasonally on Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. An Audubon naturalist will guide this late spring walk through the trails in search of bats flying over the field and at the pond. A wonderful program for families with children over the age of 10. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring bug spray and a flashlight.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: Ages: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birds and Brunch at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 10, 2023; 8:00-9:30 am
Come to the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge and enjoy a summer morning of birdwatching. See the swallows soar and listen as the birds sing their beautiful songs across the variety of habitats that the refuge has to offer. Light pastries and coffee will be provided. Dress appropriately for the weather; trails may be muddy at times, so wear shoes that can get a bit dirty! Binoculars available to borrow.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $15/Member Adult, $10/Member Child, $20/Non-member Adult / $15/Non-member Child. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Paper Crafting for World Ocean Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 10, 2023;1:00 – 3:00 pm
Join an ocean-themed card making workshop with Michelle Hirsh-Solis. Create cards perfect for World Ocean Day or for giving as a gift. Designs use a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels welcome. Come alone or bring along a friend to de-stress, learn a new hobby, or re-kindle an old passion.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bats at Eppley
Audubon Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, West Kingston, RI
June 16, 2023; 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Join us for a rare treat to visit the Audubon Marion Eppley Refuge at night. We will begin indoors for a presentation about bats and then venture outside in search of the plentiful resident bats. Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and dress for a cool night.
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Osprey Walk and Talk in Providence
India Point Park, Providence, RI
June 17, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Audubon naturalist Lincoln Dark at India Point Park for an Osprey “walk and talk” along the Seekonk River in Providence. Observe Ospreys soaring through the air and foraging in the river and hear about the changes in distribution and abundance of Osprey nests in Rhode Island. Come learn what you can do to help Ospreys in our communities. Bring your binoculars, a water bottle, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
India Point Park, Providence, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Rewilding Your Landscape
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 17, 2023;2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join Audubon staff for a presentation on how to take an ecosystem approach to your garden. Learn how to transform part of your yard into a haven for pollinators. Discover how to attract birds through careful plant selection and maintenance strategies.
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: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
First Day of Summer: Wild Plant Walk
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
June 21, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Audubon naturalist Kim Calcagno for a leisurely summer solstice walk focusing on wild plant I.D. Search for lady slippers and other summer bloomers and learn about other plants that live in the forest. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bug spray and a water bottle.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Ice Cream and Lightning Bugs
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
June 23, 2023; 7:30-9:30 pm
Just as it starts to get dark, the lightning bugs appear. Come make a delicious ice cream sundae and learn all about what makes these insects so special. A naturalist will lead a hike to look for their flickering lights. If you are lucky, a resident beaver might be spotted along the way. Fun for the whole family! Please bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $18 nonmember adult/ $9 nonmember child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bird Banding in Bristol
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 24, 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 asri.org/calendar.
Eco-Printing Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 25, 2023; 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Join Audubon naturalist and herbalist Tina Lidano and learn how to use plants to make prints on fabric in this eco-printing workshop. This class will discuss how different plants affect a variety of fabrics and the mordants that are used to help the dying process. All materials for this class will be provided by Audubon, but if you have unbleached cotton, undyed silk, or plant-based scrap fabric – you are welcome to bring it along!
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.
Purple Martins!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 29, 2023; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Purple Martins are fascinating! Enjoy a presentation on these amazing birds and a short walk to the field habitat to observe the resident Purple Martins as they roost in their gourd-shaped birdhouses. Other flying foragers like swallows and swifts are likely to be spotted as well. If we are lucky, bats and owls may make an appearance! Please dress for the weather and bring bug spray. Binoculars can be borrowed if you do not have a pair. This program will be postponed if there is rain or unusual cold.
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 through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
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12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788
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