Explore a Winter Wonderland!
January 2020 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Don’t be a couch potato in January! Search for waterfowl at the shore, head out and prowl for owls, pull on some snowshoes or learn to identify animal tracks in the snow. Nature in winter is truly a wonderland. Just bundle up and go!
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.
Winter Big Day 2020
Locations Across the State
January 3, 2020; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
How many species can we find? This popular program has become a Rhode Island tradition. Set out with Audubon and cover many of the state’s winter hot spots during this day-long van trip in search of our feathered winter residents. Barrow’s Goldeneye, Eurasian Wigeon, Short-eared Owl and Snow Buntings are among the birds we hope to find. Advance registration required.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $50/member; $60/non-member. Ages: 18 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Owls of Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 4, 2020; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
There are a number of amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own back yard! We’ll take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their remarkable adaptations and meet a live owl. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, Mass; January 4, 2020; 1:00-3:00 pm; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up.
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 4, 2020; 9:00 am – 5:00 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 crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
January 4, 2020: Squirrels
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Nature Craft Table & Spot the Squirrel in the Exhibit Hall
10:30 am & 2:30 pm: Nature Story
11:00 am: Squirrel Games
1:30 pm: Animal Interview
Activities: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Exhibit Hall: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Trails and Pollinator Garden: Dawn to Dusk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2020; 9:00 am
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit the Audubon website (asri.org) or Facebook Page for the location. Contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2020; 9:00-11:00 am; Ages: 14+.
Owl Prowl at Fort Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
January 10, 2020; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Head out with Audubon on a winter night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as you walk through the forest. We never know if we’ll hear or see an owl, but participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails. Advance registration required.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 9 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Winter Animal Tracking
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 11, 2020; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn how to identify different tracks and other signs of our native mammals. Begin in the barn and learn about various animal tracks, then head out on the trails to see what evidence can be found of wild things. Please dress for the weather. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven. Warm drinks and a light snack will be served.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Animal Tracking with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 11, 2020; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to identify local mammal tracks and other animal signs. The indoor presentation will focus on track patterns, terms and track models. Then head outside on a short hike to look for tracks and signs along the trails. This class is geared for an adult audience. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Audubon Winter Beach Walk
Moonstone Beach, South Kingstown, RI
January 11, 2020; 12:30-2:30 pm
Join naturalist Bob Kenney for a mid-day winter walk along Moonstone Beach, without the summer crowds or closed piping plover nesting areas. Our visit is timed to the low tide at around 1:30 PM, perfect for some leisurely beach combing and birdwatching. Even though Moonstone is known as a “clothing optional” beach, the only option today is likely to be whether to wear three, four, or five layers. Bring your binoculars; a spotting scope will be available. Expect to walk one or two miles in soft sand.
Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
BAN the BAG! Paint and Sip
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 11, 2020; 6:30-8:30 pm
Reducing single-use plastics is critical to a healthy environment. Reusable shopping bags are one way you can make a difference. Grab some friends and come to Audubon to create a beautiful, hand-painted tote that you can use for groceries and other shopping needs! Paint free hand, copy a design, use stencils or masking tape to create your own cotton canvas shopping bag. No artistic skills necessary.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Sea Glass Jewelry
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 11, 2020; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Come 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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Owls & Ales
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 18 & February 22, 2020; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Meet some of Audubon’s amazing birds of prey! Enjoy a presentation on native owls 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 walk on a chilly evening. Must be 21+ to attend. Advance registration required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Beekeeping Basics and More! Six Week Series
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 23, March 1, 2020; 2:00 – 4:30 pm
Looking for a way to do your part to help out pollinators? This six-session course will teach the basics of keeping honeybees. Local beekeeper Kevin England will discuss topics varying from honeybee health, to equipment and hive construction. This course will provide the information you need to start with backyard beekeeping. Participants will also receive the book “The Backyard Beekeeper,” by Kim Flottum. Find out why there is so much “buzz” about bees! Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee for six-week class: $65/member, $72/non-member. Ages: Adult. (Note: No class on February 16, 2020) Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Pollinators, Predators, and Recyclers, Oh My! Entomology Lecture
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 23, 2020; 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Insects play an essential role as pollinators, predators and recyclers of decomposing animal and plant material. They are vital as a source of food for birds, mammals and other insects. By providing the right habitat, you can help sustain the ecosystem in your garden and have insects working for you. Join certified horticulturalist Pam Gilpin for a photo essay and discussion of insects that can be found in local gardens.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $15/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Snowshoeing at Fort Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
January 25, 2020; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Explore the beauty of Fort Wildlife Refuge in winter to look for tracks and other signs of wildlife. If there is no snow, we will hike the trails. If the trails are too icy the program will be canceled. You must have your own snowshoes or you can rent them from REI.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Felted Owls Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 25, 2020; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join Audubon and learn how to make different local owls from wool. Come learn the technique of needle felting, which involves using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it become solid. This class is for beginners – no felting experience or artistic skills necessary! Make something special to give as a gift, or to keep for yourself. All materials will be provided. Advance registration required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 13 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Winter Walk in the Woods
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 26, 2020; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Take a hike around Caratunk Wildlife Refuge and learn how winter affects the flora and fauna, including resident muskrat, otter, deer and Wild Turkeys. Warm drinks and snacks will be served. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your binoculars and camera. Advance registration required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 9 and up.
Winter Wildlife: Signs and Tracks
Audubon Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, West Kingston, RI
January 27, 2020; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Even in the cold, winter is a great time to get outside in the woods. Join Scott Ruhren, Audubon director of conservation, for an easy trail ramble at the Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge. Look for wildlife and the signs they leave behind on this winter guided winter walk. Dress for the weather.
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Owling at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
January 31, 2020; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
In a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon’s live owls and discuss what makes 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. Advance registration is a must; this program is limited to 12 participants. Adults only. Meet in the Nature Center, dress warmly 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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
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12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788