Audubon in February…It’s a Hoot!
February 2023 Program Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Barred-Owl-By-Peter-Green.
(January 3, 2022) – Bundle up and trek out with an Audubon guide to search for owls under the stars, learn how to create charming, felted owls, check out the winter trails on snowshoes, or bring the kids for school vacation week fun!
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
February 1, 8, 15, 22, 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 through June 2023; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Prowl with Audubon at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 2, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Come walk the trails of Caratunk in the evening, look and listen for local owls, and learn about the species that can be found in New England. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 4, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public on the first Saturday of every month. Join Audubon for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes, and more. No need to register!
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Groundhog Walk: Learn all about groundhogs and take a walk on the wildlife refuge to look for the places where they live and hide!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Snowshoeing by the Full Moon
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
February 4, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
A white expanse of snow blanketing the forest, the moon creeping up through the pines, and the stars are twinkling overhead. All set the scene for a guided full moon snowshoe walk at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge.
Participants must provide their own snowshoes – they can be rented from REI if needed. If there is no snow, we will have a moonlit hike on the trails.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Snowshoeing/Winter Hike at Fort Refuge
ARCADIA RHODE ISLAND
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
February 11, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Explore the beauty of the Fort Wildlife Refuge in winter. Look for tracks and other signs of wildlife. If there is no snow, we will hike the trails. If the grounds are too icy, the program will be canceled.
You must provide your own snowshoes – they can be rented from REI if needed.
Fort Wildlife Refuge, 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.
Owls and Ales at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 11, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Come meet some of Audubon’s amazing owls! Enjoy a presentation on these fascinating birds of prey while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the wildlife 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 through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Winter Walk Series: Animal Tracks
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 12, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn how to identify tracks and signs left by native mammals and birds. Explore track patterns and investigate artifacts.
Venture out on the trails to find evidence that wildlife has been there. Although all are welcome, this class will be geared for families with children. Wear warm footwear, and dress for the weather. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
White Barn Story Time:
Buying, Caring, and Training Your Dinosaur by Laura Joy Rennert
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 18, 2023; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dogs are delightful. Cats are cute. And fish are fun. But the best pet of all is . . . a DINOSAUR!
Full of little-known information and sage advice, this definitive guide to dinosaur ownership is sure to thrill and delight kids everywhere!
After the story meet the Audubon turtles.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $8/member adult/child pair, $5/each additional member; $12/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 4 – 8. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Needle Felted Owls
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 18, 2023; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Join fiber artist Michelle Solis and learn how to make owls from wool. Participants will sculpt their own owls using the technique of needle felting, which involves using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it becomes 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 is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
February School Vacation Week with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 20 – 24, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Don’t know what to do with the family during the school vacation break? Join Audubon for winter fun. Special programs and activities are available each day and are free with admission. Nature crafts will be available each day, as well as a nature story at 10:00 a.m., and animal interviews at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm.
Special programs for children are also available each day at 1:00 pm. Special programs are recommended for children ages 6+ and registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Monday, February 20: All About Owls – Learn all about these fascinating birds, from how they hunt at nighttime to which species we live alongside here in Rhode Island.
Tuesday, February 21: Turtle Races – Join Audubon educators for a favorite summer activity inside the building, turtle races! We will race two of our turtles to see who is that fastest reptile around.
Wednesday, February 22: Winter Craft with Guest Artist Dorry – Join local artist Dorry as she leads children of all ages through a unique winter theme craft to bring home.
Thursday, February 23: Cooking for the Birds – come learn how to make a bird-friendly meal for our winter residents (allergy alert: nuts will be used).
Friday, February 24: Life Cycle Games – Learn about animals that go through different life stages and play board games.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free with Admission. Ages: All.
School Vacation Week at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
February 21 – 24, 2023; Times Vary, See Below
Fred’s TV (Story and Make a Bird Feeder)
February 21, 2023; 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Fred is so upset when his TV breaks, but in the days following, he discovers some amazing things are happening in his yard! After the story, make a bird feeder to take home.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Rockin’ Reptiles
February 21, 2023; 2:00-3:30 pm
Rhode Island has a lot of reptiles. Come and learn about who lives here and where they can be seen. Start by learning about all the native species and then enjoy a visit from some live reptiles.
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 through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Babies
February 22, 2023; 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Where is Momma owl? Her three fuzzy owlets search and wait in the dark of night for her return.
We will read the award-winning story Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and meet a live owl.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Water Science
February 22, 2023; 2:00-3:30 pm
Try some easy and fun water experiments and learn about this precious resource. Dress for wet. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Just a Dream (Story and Planting Seeds)
February 23, 2023; 11:00 am-12:00 pm
After dreaming of a polluted future, a boy wakes to find out it’s not too late to help the Earth. Listen to the story Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg, then plant some seeds to take home.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Big Owl – Little Owl
February 23, 2023; 2:00-3:30 pm
Come and meet two live raptors – a Great Horned Owl and an Eastern Screech Owl – the largest and the second smallest owls that are found in Rhode Island. Find out about the lives of these amazing birds and touch preserved feathers, wings, and talons.
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 through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Family Winter Walk
February 24, 2023; 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Bundle up for a wild and wooly winter walk at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Look for animal tracks and signs of the season on this easy winter hike. Wear warm boots, gloves/mittens and a hat for this outdoor program.
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 through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Hand-dipped Candle Making
February 24, 2023; 2:00-3:30 pm
Long ago the land of Powder Mill Ledges was a farm with a tavern on the old turnpike where travelers met at tables lit by candles and a big fire hearth. We don’t have a hearth, but we can make our own hand-dipped candles the old- fashioned way.
Learn about beeswax and bayberry used in old-time candles and create a own hand-dipped candle to take home.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 25, 2023; 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 so don’t wait! 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.
Winter Birding with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge,
Smithfield, RI
February 25, 2023; 2:00 – 4:00 palo the trails and visit the forest and pond at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge looking for signs of winter birds. Learn tips for identifying look-a-likes and learn about winter resident bird feeding. Bring binoculars, bundle up for the weather, and wear sturdy, warm footwear.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birdwatching 101 with Audubon
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 25, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn the basics of birdwatching with Audubon naturalist Lincoln Dark. Discover bird species local to New England, how to identify them, and where to find our feathered friends.
Then hit the trails and apply what you learned on a hike around the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge.
This course is great for families with children aged 12 or older.
Remember to bring binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather!
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.
Seals, Seabirds and Sunset!
Prudence Island, RI
February 23, 2023; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Enjoy an afternoon adventure exploring Prudence Island! Start by looking for harbor seals resting on the rocks at the southern tip of the island as well as a variety of seabird species.
We’ll travel in a passenger van to other hotspots and areas of scenic beauty across the island; expect to take some short walks (1-1.5 miles each) depending on trail and road conditions.
With sunset at 5:30 pm, we’ll cap off the day on the west side of the island for what will hopefully be a beautiful end to a winter’s day.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up.
For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit 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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