October is Wicked Fun at Audubon
October 2024 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(September 4, 2024) – Fall is a favorite time at Audubon – so come check out what’s brewing! Join eerie nighttime hikes, listen to spooky folklore over a local beer, or bring your friends for a classic Hitchcock horror film.
We also have fright-free mask making and a Halloween Storytime for the kids. Audubon has tons of fall fun for everyone!
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
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 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.
Mushrooms for Beginners
Prudence Island, RI
October 3, 2024; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Learn all about wild mushrooms and how to identify local species that grow on Prudence Island. This is a great beginner program! Joe Metzen of Audubon, our mushroom guide for the day, will give a presentation on mushrooms, background history, and tips on working with field guides. Following this introduction, we will take a hike in the woods to see what we can find. Due to limited space, registration is required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $8/member, $12/non-member. Ages: Adult. For information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nature Storytime at Powder Mill Ledges:
Hoodwinked by Arthur Howard
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 4, 2024; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Come to Powder Mill Ledges for a special story time that focuses on nature! Hear a story about Mitzi, a little witch who likes creepy things – including pets! Will she find a pet that makes her happy? After the story, look at some biofacts and learn about the little brown bat, a species that lives on the wildlife refuge. For young children ages 3 and up.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 3 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Kooky Crayfish: Pond Search at Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 5, 2024; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Join Audubon and go on a search for amazing crayfish. Try to net some crayfish in the Audubon pond (it is full of them!) and then gently examine them. Learn about where they live, what they eat and about some of their amazing traits. Lots of other tiny pond critters may be seen too!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Free Family Fun Day – Fall Migration
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 12, 2024; 10: 00 am – 3:00 pm
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: Seaweed Investigations (see below).
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Fall Bird Walk. Join Audubon naturalists for fall bird walk around the wildlife refuge – binoculars will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Seaweed Investigations
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 12, 2024; 10: 00 am – 3:00 pm
Come learn about the critical role that seaweed plays in our local ecology. Rebecca Venezia, Ph.D. candidate at URI, will share her research studying long term changes in seaweed in Narragansett Bay. Different species will be available to examine in a touch tank, families can play interactive games, and Rebecca will discuss how seaweed can even be used in art! Note: Audubon hosts a creative seaweed pressing workshop on October 26, 2024. Details at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Indigenous People’s Day Nature Activities
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 14, 2024; 10: 00 am – 3:00 pm
Come discover why nature matters! Bring the kids for crafts, stories, an animal interview and more. No registration is required.
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: Turtle Races.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Explore Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
October 16, 2024; 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Enjoy a late fall day exploring Prudence Island. Take several short walks, look for returning harbor seals hauled out on the rocks, search for migrating birds, and visit many of the Reserve’s properties. Due to limited space, reservations are required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. For information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Prowl at Fort
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge
October 17, 2024; 6:00 – 8:00 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. Advance registration required.
Fort Wildlife Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Skulls and Stories
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 18, 2024; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Sip on some local brews while an Audubon naturalist delves into the spooky and scientific aspects of local wildlife with an examination of some cool wildlife skulls. Learn about both New England and international folklore and end the night with a short hike around the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Please bring a flashlight and dress for the outdoors.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MAFee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Audubon Birding Van Trip
Birding Hammonasset Beach State Park and Lighthouse Point in Connecticut
October 19, 2024; 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Hammonassett Beach State Park is the premier birding site in Connecticut, with approximately 300 species spotted in that location. Observe migrating waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, raptors, warblers, sparrows and buntings. If we are really lucky, we might spot Cave Swallow and Northern Saw-whet Owl. Please bring a lunch and snacks, binoculars, and dress for the weather.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $60/member, $75/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Audubon Preschool Adventures
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 2024; 10: 00 – 11:00 am
This popular series returns fall 2024! Nature comes alive for children ages 3-5. Children will participate in games, hikes, crafts, songs, hands-on activities and more as they are introduced to the wonders of the natural world. Space is limited to 12 children so please register early. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee for Four-week Session; $40/member child, $50/two member siblings; $45/non-member child, $55/non-member two non-member siblings. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 19, November 23, 2024; 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 as space is limited to 10 participants.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Spooky Fish Printing Workshop for Kids
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 20, 2024; 10:00 – 11:30 am
Use real fish to create a unique, one-of-a-kind textile! Kids will learn about the Japanese art of fish printing. This art form began over 100 years ago as a way for fisherman to keep a record of the fish they caught. Please wear clothes that can get messy and bring a light-colored fabric to print on. This could be a t-shirt, pillowcase, tote bag, etc.
Note: this workshop is not recommended for children that have seafood allergies.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $12/member, $15/non-member. Ages: 7 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Frightful Hike: Cider and Stories
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 24, 2024; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
The Falling Leaves Moon will be out, signaling the time when warm autumn days turn chilly and nights are longer. Enjoy an evening of folklore, sip some non-alcohol cider, and listen to eerie tales and superstitious stories about creatures of the night! Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the trails to listen for rustling leaves, windy breezes, and eerie sounds! Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Participants should be aged 12 and up, as some stories will be scary.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Muskrat, Otters and Ale
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 25, 2024; 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Join Audubon for a craft beer and learn about the muskrat and otter that live at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. After a brief presentation on some fascinating facts about these aquatic mammals, head out to Muskrat Pond in search of signs of these furry residents. Please bring a flashlight and come dressed for an evening hike.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
The Birds! An Evening of Drinks, Birds, Film and Fun
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 26, 2024; 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Just in time for Halloween! Come to Audubon for a special showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds,” a 1963 American classic natural horror-thriller film. The evening will begin with a special live presentation with one of Audubon’s bird ambassadors. Then sit back and enjoy the movie, locally brewed beers, snacks and more! Non-alcoholic beverages will also be provided.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Seaweed Pressing
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 26, 2024; 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $125 for both members and non-members. Ages 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org.
Halloween Mask Craft
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 27, 2024; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Stop by to Audubon’s Nature Center and Aquarium and make a spooky nature-inspired Halloween mask! No need to register.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
“Autumn is Wicked Fun at Audubon” Photo by Hope Foley