Nothing Says Spring Like a Chorus of Frogs! Audubon April Highlights
Croaks, Trills, Gunks, and Quacks…
Nothing Says Spring Like a Chorus of Frogs!
April 2025 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(March 4, 2025) – Audubon wildlife refuges come alive in spring! Head out on the trails for a froggy adventure, observe the amazing aerial display of the American Woodcock, bring the kids for Audubon’s camouflaged egg hunt, vacation week fun, and more!
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 Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2025;9:00-11:00am
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination w
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 11, 2025; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Froggy Night
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 5, 2025; 6:30-8:00pm
Hop into spring at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for a fun-filled family adventure! Bring the whole crew to discover the fascinating world of frogs. Enjoy interactive activities as we explore how these incredible amphibians live, breathe, and croak! From tadpoles to full-grown frogs, we’ll dive into their life cycle and habitats. After the fun indoors, head outside to listen for frog calls and search for these slippery creatures in their natural environment. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring with your family—learning, laughing, and leaping into nature!
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 asri.org/calendar.
Croaks and Cider Morning Frog Walk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 5, 2025; 9:00-11:00am
With the arrival of spring, frogs and toads are becoming more active in their preferred habitats. Spend the morning with an Audubon naturalist and discover which frogs are active during the morning and learn how to identify their calls. This program includes an easy one-mile hike to vernal pool sites.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birds and Brews Van Trip
Aquidneck Island, RI
April 5, 2025; 9:00am-4:00pm
Come take a ride in the Audubon van for a day of birding on Aquidneck Island and a stop at a local brewery! Spend the morning visiting a variety of birding hot spots in Portsmouth, Newport and Middletown. Search the coast for ducks, gulls and maybe even an owl. When you have had your fill of birds, head over to a local brewery to finish off the day. Bring a lunch, binoculars and dress for the weather.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $60/member; $72/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Timberdoodles and Snickerdoodles
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 11, 2025; 7:00-8:30pm
Join Audubon for an evening adventure in the fields of Caratunk Wildlife Refuge to observe the captivating flight patterns of the Timberdoodle, aka the American Woodcock. The evening begins with baked snickerdoodle treats and a presentation on these unusual birds. Then head out on a hike to observe the Timberdoodle’s spring display. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $16 nonmember adult/ $8 nonmember child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Camouflaged Egg Hunt
Three Locations Offered: Bristol and Exeter, RI and Seekonk, MA
April 12, 2025; 9:30-11:00am
Audubon offers a fun alternative to the same old Easter Egg Hunt! Children, ages 3 to 10, hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage. The children trade their found eggs for a prize to take home, with special prizes going to the finders of the ‘golden eggs.’ Participants should bring a basket or bag for your hunt. Registration is required. This event is rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Sign in begins at 9:30 am, the hunt begins promptly at 10:00 am. Advance registration is required.
-Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
-Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3-10. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Saturday ‘Bagels & Brushes’
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
Saturdays, April 12 – October 18, 2025; 9:00am-1:30pm
It’s open Studio! Bring your artwork on Saturdays to share and work in the studio space or outdoors En Plein Air. Bagels and morning coffee / tea provided. Meet in the parking lot at 9:00am.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per session: $30/member, $40/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Butterfly Monitoring: Community Science Program
Virtual Training, Two Dates Offered
Would you like to help native pollinators? Monarch butterfly populations are in decline due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. These beautiful butterflies migrate from Rhode Island all the way to their over wintering sites in Mexico. During this period of migration, they will forage on flowers along the coast before making the long journey south.
Join this virtual training and learn how to monitor monarch and other butterfly species on coastal Audubon properties from May through August. Monitoring takes approximately 30 minutes and collected data will assist Audubon with conservation efforts. Learn more at asri.org/lead/community-science.
Virtual programs; April 12, 19, 2025; 7:30pm-9:00pm; Free. Ages: Teen to Adult.
April Vacation Week
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 14-18, 2025; 10:00am-3:00pm
Join Audubon daily during April school vacation and get up-close with marine life in the aquarium, enjoy a nature story at 10:00am, and a craft table from 10:00am-3:00pm.
Don’t miss this! The ever-popular Mermaid Kora will return to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium on Monday, April 14 from 2:00-4:00pm for tidepool talks with kids and families.
Admission: Members free; Non-member adults $6.00; Non-member senior $5.00; Non-member child (ages 4-12) $4.00; Children 3 and under are free.
April Vacation Nature Discovery Programs for Children
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
*Daily 1:00-2:00pm; Fee: $10/member child; $14/non-member child, Ages: 7 and up.
For details and to register, visit asri.org/calendar.
Monday, April 14, 2025: *Raptors – Learn about the differences between local raptors, discovering the unique traits that make these birds of prey so incredible. Meet a hawk and owl up close, gaining insight into their behaviors and adaptations, then take a bird hike to observe and identify local birds in their natural habitats. Ages 7+. Register at asri.org/calendar.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025: *Plants and Pollinators – Discover the important role of native plants in the local ecosystem. After a hike through the beautiful Palmieri Pollinator Garden and observing pollinators, decorate a pot and plant a native species to bring home and grow in your own garden, helping to support local wildlife! Ages 7+. Register at asri.org/calendar
Wednesday April 16, 2025: *Insects – Join an Audubon naturalist on a nature bug hunt and discover the difference between insects and bugs, explore the trails, find local creatures, and learn about their habitats. The program will also feature a hands-on encounter with a Madagascar hissing cockroach, providing a close-up look at one of the most interesting insects around. Ages 7+. Register at asri.org/calendar
Thursday April 17, 2025: *Ponding – Venture to the pond to investigate the water’s hidden wonders! Students will search for creatures, learn about their environments, and understand the important role ponds play in nature. Ages 7+. Register at asri.org/calendar
Friday April 18, 2025: *Reptiles: Join an Audubon naturalist and embark on a nature hike to explore local reptile habitats. Discover how reptiles survive and thrive in the wild and follow with an up-close look at a live snake and turtle, learning about their unique features, behaviors, and differences between different types of reptiles. Ages 7+. Register at asri.org/calendar
April Vacation Week
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
Family Birding and Learning!
April 14, 2025; 10:00am-12:00pm
As spring unfolds in Rhode Island, migratory birds return, filling the morning air with song. Bring the kids for a family-friendly exploration of forests, wetlands, and meadows – discovering the vibrant avian life that thrives in the changing season. Search for early arrivals like warblers, thrushes, hawks and swallows.
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: 13 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Dear Treefrog: Story by Joyce Sidman
April 15, 2025; 11:00 am-12:00pm
Join Audubon for the story of a young child who discovers a new neighborhood and a new neighbor. This book combines a poem about feeling new and unsure in a new neighborhood with a story based on amazing tree frogs. After the story, meet a live tree frog. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Things With Wings – A Family Bird and Bug Trek
April 16, 2025; 1:00-2:30pm
As spring awakens in the forests and wetlands, birds and insects emerge in a fascinating dance of survival and connection. This family-friendly outdoor program explores the intricate relationship between birds and the tiny creatures they depend on. From warblers darting through the forest to butterflies sipping nectar, every winged creature plays a role in the balance of nature.
Fort Wildlife Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 8 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Lala’s Words by Gracey Zhang: Storytime and Planting Seeds
April 17, 2025; 11:00am-12:00pm
Listen to a story about Lala, a compassionate child who carries a pot of water a far distance to a patch of dirt and concrete where tiny weeds sprout. “Hello, hello, friends!” she whispers. Discover the power of kind words and the magic of being loved for who you are.
After the story, plant some seeds to take home and watch them grow.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $8/ member child; $10/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Hidden Worlds: Discovering Insect Life Beneath a Rotting Log
April 18, 2025; 10:00-11:30am
Bring the kids for an outdoor adventure and explore the miniature world beneath fallen logs! Become nature detectives, uncovering the fascinating insects and decomposers that play a vital role in the ecosystem. This experience helps foster a love for nature and curiosity about the small but mighty creatures that keep our forests healthy. Wear shoes that can get muddy and dress for the weather.
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: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Woodcocks and Wine
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 18, 2025; 6:00-8:00pm
Spring is in the air and so are the Woodcocks as they embark on their unique and amazing courtship ritual. Join Audubon for a wine tasting and presentation about this unusual and adorable bird. Afterwards, set out on a walk to try and catch a glimpse of the Woodcock “sky dance” at dusk. Participants must be age 21 and up.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $18/member; $22/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bird Walk at Mount Hope Farm
Mount Hope Farm, Bristol, RI
April 19, 2025; 8:00-9:30am
Join Lauren Parmelee, Audubon Senior Director of Education, for a morning bird walk at the Mount Hope Farm in Bristol. Stroll along the paved trail, stopping at the pond, field, and shore of the Bay. Look for early migrating songbirds, as well as water birds in the pond and bay. Bring binoculars and wear sturdy walking shoes. Extra binoculars will be available.
Advance registration required. Walk is weather dependent.
Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI. Saturday, Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Big Owl Little Owl
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 24, 2025; 3:00-4:00pm
Come and meet two live raptors – an Eastern Screech-Owl and a Barred Owl – the second smallest owl and one of the largest owls found in Rhode Island. Learn all about the lives of these amazing birds and touch preserved feathers, wings, and talons. This family program is designed for children ages 5 and up.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Froggy Night at Fort Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, MA
April 24, 2025; 7:00-8:30pm
Rhode Island has several remarkable amphibians that are active from late winter into mid-autumn. Join an evening walk to learn about their adaptations and a favorite habitat: vernal pools. Learn who lives on the property and when they can be heard or sometimes seen. Start with a review of some native species and then head out for a hike to the wetland areas.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North 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 asri.org/calendar.
Froggy Night Hike
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 25, 2025; 6:30-8:00pm
Spend the evening with Audubon and discover which frogs are active later in the day and how to identify frogs and toads by their calls and physical traits. Enjoy an easy hike to vernal pool sites to identify frog calls and learn the importance of protecting these fragile habitats.
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 asri.org/calendar.
‘Spring’ on over to Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
April 25, 2025; 9:45am-4:45pm
Come celebrate spring by exploring Prudence Island, a hidden gem in the middle of Narragansett Bay. Explore whatever areas Mother Nature deems suitable for travel, which will likely include forest, salt marsh and shoreline, both on foot and via passenger van. With a morning low tide, we’ll stop by the south end of the island to look for any late season basking harbor seals just offshore. Spring birds will have begun arriving, so we’ll enjoy birding time too.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $12/member, $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. To learn more about Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fourth Fridays: The Fresh Palette
Monthly Watercolor Painting Workshop
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
April 25, 2025; 7:00-9:30pm
Enjoy the company of a small artist group in the quiet respite of the Maxwell Mays Art Studio. Create an original 11”x14” seasonal matted watercolor. Beginners welcome; all supplies are included. Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per session: $55/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 26, 2025; 1:00-2:30pm
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! 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 asri.org/calendar.
Bird Walk at Hunt’s Mills Park
Hunt’s Mills Park, Rumford, RI
April 27, 2025; 8:30-9:30am
Join Lauren Parmelee, Audubon’s Director of Education, for a morning bird walk at the historic Hunt’s Mills property in East Providence. Located along the Ten Mile River, this lovely park has big trees, gardens and a nature trail. Look for resident and migrating songbirds, as well as water birds in the river. Bring binoculars and wear sturdy walking shoes. Extra binoculars will be available. Advance registration required. Walk is weather dependent.
Hunt’s Mills Park, Hunts Mills Road, Rumford, RI. Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Yoga at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 27, May 18, June 22, 2025; 9:00-10:00am
Experience the joy and benefits of practicing yoga while connecting with nature. Led by certified yoga instructor Joanne DeCataldo, this class is designed for people of all skill levels and abilities. Proceeds support Audubon scholarships, education programs, and animal care.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. For details and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Photos:
Spring Frog Programs: Wood frog by Peter Green.
April School Vacation Week: Ponding with Audubon, Courtesy Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
Butterfly Monitoring: Monarch on seaside goldenrod, by Rachel Bonoan.
Birding Walks: Eastern Bluebird by Jennifer Zartarian.
Hope M. Foley (she, her, hers)
Media Relations
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
401-486-1503
hfoley@asri.org