Celebrate the Great Outdoors in December! Audubon Program Highlights
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
December 2024 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Winter Hike at Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield. By Paige Therien.
Take a break from the holiday rush and enjoy some time in nature this season. Bundle up for an owl prowl on a crisp winter’s night, bring a friend for stargazing, craft an ornament or wreath, or join a jolly birding van trip. Celebrate nature in December!
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.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
December 4, 11, 18, 2024; 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, September through June 2025; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fiber Arts: Knit Owls
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 4, 2024; 5:00-7:00 pm
Looking to craft a holiday gift or decoration? Join Audubon and learn to knit a small, three-dimensional owl. This program is for intermediate to advanced knitters who are comfortable using double-pointed needles and knitting stranded colorwork. Instruction, pattern, and yarn provided. Participants must bring your own US size 1 double-pointed needles.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $20/ Member; $25/Non-member Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Decoupage Shell Crafting
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 5, 2024; 6:30-8:00pm
Join Audubon educators to create a unique hand-crafted decoupage seashell. Keep this for home décor, a jewelry dish, or give it as a fun holiday gift! All materials are provided but feel free to bring your own patterned cocktail napkin.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $12/member; $15/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owls of New England
Eastern Screech-Owl in Snow by Peter Green.
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 7, 2024; 3:00-4:00 pm
Come learn about the different species of owl native to New England. An Audubon naturalist share the remarkable adaptations that make these birds so captivating and introduce you to one of Audubon’s owl ambassadors. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10 member adult/ $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Holiday Craft Fair
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 7, 2024; 10:00am-4:00pm
Join Audubon for the annual artisan fair. With local vendors selling a variety of nature and wildlife related wares, you are sure to find perfect gifts for the nature enthusiasts on your list. Jewelry, bird houses, photography, ornaments, stationery and other locally made treats are just a few items to choose from. Come shop and be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win one of the handcrafted items donated by our artisans.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; December 7, 2024; 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Free. Ages: All.
Free Family Fun Day – Frosty Fort Building
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 7, 2024; 10:00 am-3:00pm
The 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 – Build fairy houses out of natural materials in the Nature Center’s outdoor classroom. Indoor activity if inclement weather.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Waterfowl ID Class for Beginners
Hooded Merganser by Peter Green.
Virtual Program
December 9, 2024; 6:30-7:30pm
Join Audubon naturalist Nathan Archer for an online course to learn how to identify ducks and other waterfowl in Rhode Island. Discover the basics of birding, tips on identifying species, and suggestions on where to find waterfowl this winter. This is a beginner course for those with little or no experience. A Zoom link will be sent via email.
Virtual Program; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fiber Arts: Felted Owls
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 11, 2024; 5:00-7:00 pm
Looking to craft a homemade holiday gift or decoration? Join the fun and learn to needle felt a small, three-dimensional owl. No prior needle felting experience is necessary.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Prowl at Powder Mill Ledges
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 13, 2024, January 10, 2025; 6:30-8:30 pm
Visit Powder Mill Ledges Refuge at 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. The hike will be cancelled in the event of Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Stargazing at Caratunk
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 13, 2024; 6:00-8:00 pm
Delve into the world of astronomy with Brown University’s Staff Astronomer, Francine Jackson. Learn about the stars and planets that occupy our night skies. You may even get a peek at the Geminid meteor shower. There will be telescopes available, but feel free to bring your own. Please dress for the weather. Hot drinks will be provided to keep you warm.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $15/member, $20/adult Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owling at Fisherville Brook
Two Dates Offered
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
December 13, 2024, January 24, 2025; 7:00-9:00 pm
In a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon’s live owls and review the adaptations that make these birds so special. Then head out on the trails in search of these wild birds in their natural habitat. Fisherville is home to Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls and Saw-whet Owls. Pre-registration is a must; this program is limited to 12 participants. Meet in the nature center and bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Winter Birding Van Trip: Waterfowl and Seabirds at the Shore
December 14, 2024; 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Join Audubon for a van trip to Rhode Island’s coastal habitats and ponds in search of winter waterfowl and seabirds. Stop at different birding hot spots and search for a variety of waterfowl including Barrow’s Golden-eye, Canvasback, Eider and more. We’ll be visiting beautiful coastal locations such as Trustom Pond, Point Judith, Quonochontaug Pond and more. Please bring a lunch and optics. Dress for the weather.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $64/members; $80/non-members. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owls and Ales
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 14, 2024, February 8, 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Meet some of Audubon’s amazing owls in person! Come to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for a presentation on these fascinating birds of prey, while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the 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! Come prepared to go outside on a chilly evening.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wildlife Wreath Making at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 14, 2024; 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Join Audubon to make a winter wreath that is both beautiful and edible to birds and other wildlife. Using wire or straw wreath bases, add greens, dried flowers, seed heads, leaves, fruit and nuts to entice our feathered friends to visit. All items will dry nicely if you prefer to keep the wreath for purely decorative purposes. Each participant will make one wreath. All materials will be provided. Participants may bring their own needle nose pliers or wire snips. Advance registration required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $40/member; $50/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Prowl at Fort Refuge
Two Dates Offered
Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
December 17, 2024, February 13, 2025; 6:30-8:30 pm
Visit Fort Wildlife Refuge at 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. The 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: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wildlife Wreath Making at Fisherville
Fisherville Brook
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
December 18, 2024; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Make a winter wreath that is both beautiful and edible to birds and other wildlife. Using a grapevine base, add pine and cedar boughs. Then attach edible bits such as cranberries, oranges, suet and more to attract birds! Each participant will make one wreath, all materials provided. Participants may bring their own needle nose pliers and hand clippers. Bring hand clippers and needle nose pliers if you have them. Advance registration required.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $40/member; $50/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
December School Vacation Week
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 26-27, 2024; 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Audubon has winter fun for all ages! Special programs and activities are available each day and are free with admission. Registration is not required. Nature crafts available to each day, as well as a nature story at 10:00 am and animal interviews at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. Special programs for children are also available each day at 1:00 pm, recommended for children ages 6+.
Thursday December 26: Camouflage Collage – Learn how animals stay safe in winter. Investigate furs, feathers and skulls. Create your own camouflaged creatures.
Friday December 27: Winter Nature Hike – Bundle up for an invigorating walk around our beautiful wildlife refuge before ringing in the new year! (Indoor activity if inclement weather.)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free with Admission. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
A Walk in the Garden: Quilts by Allison Wilbur
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Exhibit runs through December 31, 2024
Come immerse yourself in the delights of the garden at an exhibit of Allison Wilbur’s entrancing art quilts depicting birds, bugs and flowers. Vibrant colors and stitched textures celebrate the glories of the garden from great horned owls and blue jays to butterflies and praying mantises. Wilbur has been quilting for three decades and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; through December 31, 2024; 9:30 am-4:30 pm;
Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Hope M. Foley
(she, her, hers)
Media Relations
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
401-486-1503