We are asking the General Assembly to add $16 Million to the Green Bond to ensure that we can continue to protect farmland, open spaces, and forests in Rhode Island! Please show your support by submitting written testimony and coming to the State House next Wednesday, March 6th at 4 pm!
RSVP for the hearing: https://bit.ly/GreenBondRI2024
Guidance for writing and submitting Testimony: https://bit.ly/3TjOode

Each year in the United States, as many as 1 billion birds die from flying into windows. Help us understand which birds are dying & and where: monitor & report window strike deaths to the Audubon Society of RI this spring.

In 2023, RI’s General Assembly passed the state’s first-ever solar siting legislation. As we head into the 2024 legislative session, see what Audubon has been up to and how you can get involved with forest protection this year.

Volunteers are the Backbone of Audubon! Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences share their time and talent to support Audubon. We depend on volunteers, from interns and educators to gardeners, trail monitors, office help, and more.

The Stormwater Mural Project continues for a third year, this time with a focus on rain barrels! This unique partnership between Audubon, the Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC), and The Providence Parks Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership brings stormwater education sessions to schools and offers students a chance to visit Roger Williams Park for field trips.

It is more critical than ever that the General Assembly hears from you on important climate and environmental proposals as your elected officials work to wrap up the current legislative session by mid-June. Audubon’s 2023 policy priorities enable effective climate and clean energy policy solutions. We urge you to take action today and let your Senator and Representative know that you support these steps toward climate action. Thank you for supporting climate action!

More than half a century after the first global Earth Day celebration, one thing has remained constant: humanity’s dependence on the burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal. A transformational shift away from fossil fuels—whether at the global, national, or state level—calls for change from society’s “status-quo” and economy-wide climate action.

Restoration and community engagement are key for climate resiliency. Thanks to Restore America’s Estuaries Southern New England Program Watershed Implementation Grant, retrofits on existing green infrastructure in Roger Williams Park as well as community training sessions and other engagement opportunities are coming to the Stormwater Innovation Center in 2023.

With intentional investments and incentives to level the costs of building solar on previously disturbed land or “preferred sites”—such as gravel pits, landfills, commercially zoned properties, rooftops, and parking lots—forests can be protected and coexist with renewable energy and clean energy jobs.

Alfred Hawkes helped Audubon turn the lens from individual birds and species to the habitat they lived in and habitat protection. Today, Audubon continues With the growing climate crisis upon us, Audubon’s most critical fight to protect the environment, wildlife and people of Rhode Island, may have just begun.

The case against harmful neonicotinoid insecticides grows as pollinator populations decline. Environmental groups, legislators, and supporters gathered on May 11, 2022, at the Roger Williams Botanical Center in Providence for a legislative breakfast and speaking event to rally support for legislation that would restrict the use of harmful neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) in Rhode Island.

CALL TO ACTION: Support the 2022 Climate Literacy Act! Right now, the Climate Literacy Act (S-2039 / H-7275) is being held in "committee" and needs to be voted out to the entire General Assembly if it is to have a chance at becoming law.

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont all regulate the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. It is time to pass this legislation to protect not only our pollinators but all Rhode Islanders. We need YOUR voice to help move this important bill forward!

The Climate Jobs RI coalition endorsed a report by Cornell experts outlining policy recommendations to build a renewable, equitable, and worker-centered economy in Rhode Island.

In this Issue: Audubon’s Legislative Progress in 2021 and 2022 Emerging Priorities, Land and Water Summit Update, The Need To Act On Climate, Audubon in the News, and more! sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

In this role she will work to initiate and advance legislation and policies at the state and local level to protect birds, wildlife, and Rhode Island’s environment. Read more about Priscilla - and be sure to give her a warm welcome when you see her!

A mysterious illness has infected songbirds in areas of the Eastern United States with symptoms of swollen and crusted eyes, lethargy, and neurological issues. Even though the disease has not been reported in Rhode Island, Audubon is monitoring the issue and making recommendations that might help keep the disease at bay if it enters New England.

Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr heads for retirement in June after three decades of environmental leadership in Rhode Island.

In this Issue: Water Conservation; Offshore wind takes a bold step forward; At the Rhode Island State House (Act On Climate, Climate Literacy Act, Regulating Neonicotinoid Pesticides, The Forest Conservation Act, 100% Renewable Electricity by 2030; and other legislation we're following) sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

In this Issue: Let's Talk About Trees!; Good News for the Migratory Bird Act!; At the Rhode Island State House (Act On Climate, Regulating Neonicotinoid Pesticides, The Forest Conservation Act, Solar Siting: Closing the 10 MW loophole, and The Climate Literacy Act.) sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

This has been Audubon's top legislative priority for the past three years. Finally, the government will respond to the negative effects of climate change with action based on science, and with accountability to all people of Rhode Island!

In this Issue: Spring is here! (information on composting) and At the Rhode Island State House (Act On Climate, Regulating Neonicotinoid Pesticides, The Forest Conservation Act, Solar Siting: Closing the 10 MW loophole.) sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Rhode Island has never been this close to real climate action. But we're not done yet. The final step before Act On Climate becomes law is getting the Governor's signature. But Governor McKee has not yet taken a position on the bill, and advocates are concerned that fossil fuel interests have the Governor's ear. Here are three things you can do to make sure Act On Climate gets McKee's signature and becomes law.

In this Issue: National Learn About Butterflies Day; Beach; Clean Water and Green Bond - thank you!; New Secretary of Commerce and Governor; At the Rhode Island State House; Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

During the final days of the Trump presidency, the administration directed the Fish & Wildlife Service to no longer enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in cases of incidental bird deaths. The Biden administration has put the implementation of this new interpretation of the Act on hold, and the Fish and Wildlife Service is taking comments on the law until March 1.

In this Issue: Rhode Island's new waste sorting game; Beach; Clean Water and Green Bond goes to the voters on March 2 - Please Vote YES!; Early Actions of our new President; At the Rhode Island State House; and the Climate Crisis Advocate Training. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

After years of inaction by the legislature on our top legislative priorities, 2021 is looking to be a HUGE year for Rhode Island's environment.

Rhode Island is holding a special election on March 2nd on a series of proposed bonds, including the Beaches, Clean Water & Green Bond. Mail ballot applications must be returned by Feb 9th!

In this Issue: A Few Sustainability Tips to Kick off the New Year, Beach; Clean Water and Green Bond goes to the voters on March 2 - Please Vote YES!; The Great Backyard Bee Count; Climate Change Legislation at the 2021 Rhode Island General Assembly. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

In this issue: A Few Ideas for Making Your Holiday More Sustainable; Environment Council of Rhode Island’s Green Report Card; Rhode Islanders See Climate Change as a Top Priority; Things with Wings: Recent Highlights from the Xerces Society’s Bee City USA Initiative; Migratory Bird Treaty Act under attack by Trump Administration; Audubon’s Legislative Priorities for 2021.sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Today the reality of climate change can seem overwhelming but Audubon’s strategic plan encourages us to view the world with an optimistic lens and to stay focused and driven towards the goals outlined.

In this issue: The Election is Behind Us!; Quick Tips For Getting Your Yard Ready For Winter Birds
; Continued Good News for Menhaden; . To stay informed and take action with Audubon, Governor Raimondo Commits to up to 600 MW of additional Offshore Wind; Advocating for Balancing Offshore Wind Development with Protection of Birds and Wildlife; How Migrating Birds Could Warn Us of the Next Pandemic; Action You Can Take. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

The Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) released its biennial Green Report Card today which summarizes the performance of the administration and legislature on environmental priorities. In the midst of crises of public health, justice, and climate change, the General Assembly and Administration fail to act on environmental policy.

In this issue: Taking care of your fall leaves; Stand Up For Forests; Legislative Update - No State Bond Referendums on November Ballot; Vermont Passes Climate Bill; and National Audubon webinar - An Inside Look: Radical Climate Action. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

In this issue: Pick up a Rake This Fall; A Big Win for Birds; A Big Win for Atlantic Menhaden; 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond in Jeopardy; Things with Wings; Community Responsibility. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Urban natural environments face unique hazards and are often impaired due to excessive levels of contaminants from stormwater, such as bacteria, oil, litter, fertilizer and pet waste. Learn how the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center is facing these issues with nature-based solutions.

Environmental organizations like Audubon have been promoting the “Your actions make a difference. Please do the right thing” message for decades. The COVID-19 pandemic is reminding us of the importance of community responsibility.

In this issue: Build a Vertical Garden; Things with Wings: Inside a Monarch Swarm; Update on the 2021 Budget: 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond; Congress Approves the Great American Outdoors Act. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

The Rhode Island legislature’s environmental work ended abruptly with the COVID-19 pandemic. Bills addressing climate change, plastics, other toxics like pesticides and PFAS, and solar siting that were introduced are not being considered this year.

In this issue: Tips for a more Sustainable Summer; Recent News on Climate Change; Things with Wings: Learn about Pollinators; Advocate for the 2021 Budget: RI Department of Environmental Management & Coastal Resources Management Council of RI funding and 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) announced today the launch of the Community Solar Marketplace website at risolarmarketplace.com.

In this issue: Pollinator Week, reducing waste, and action items regarding RI Department of Environmental Management & Coastal Resources Management Council of RI funding; 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond; Migratory Bird Treaty & Protection Acts and the Great American Outdoors Act. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

On June 18th, representatives from the Department of Environmental Management, the Providence Parks Department, EPA Region 1, the Nature Conservancy, and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, as well as Mayor Jorge Elorza, commemorated the launch of the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center (PSIC).

Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Great American Outdoors Act, which will fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This will allow investment in critical repair needs within national parks and other public lands while creating jobs and driving investment in local communities. Thank you Rhode Island Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed!

A statement from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

In this issue: Actions You Can Take; Legislation During COVID-19; Climate Change is Still Looming; Offshore Wind and COVID-19; Keep learning while you are home! To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Though the coronavirus pandemic prevents us from gathering together on April 22nd for Earth Day, it won't stop us from celebrating as a virtual community, locally and globally. We've gathered up some important resources to help you celebrate the Earth all week long, while being proactive in addressing the other crisis we are facing: climate change.

In this issue: Legislation During COVID-19; 50th Anniversary of Earth Day; and Understanding Audubon's Top Three Legislative Priorities. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

This event has been cancelled. Want to live a greener lifestyle? Join us at Spring into Energy on April 18th! We're working with Green Energy Consumer's Alliance to gather experts from RI to create a one-stop shop for all your clean energy and conservation needs.

The House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is meeting on Thursday, March 5, and Act On Climate 2020 (H 7399) is on the agenda! If enacted, this bill will require Rhode Island to reduce its climate-warming emissions to zero by 2050. It will also make the state's emission reduction goals legally-binding, promoting accountability and transparency. Learn about the three ways you can help!

The Value of Rhode Island Forests report spotlights the benefits provided by forestlands and recommends strategies to encourage conservation. A project of the RI Tree Council and Forest Conservation Advisory Committee, of which Audubon Society of Rhode Island is a member of.

Come have all your questions answered about solar energy and discover if it is right for you on Sunday, February 23, 2020; 3:30 – 4:30 pm at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. This is a family-friendly event. Children’s activities will be available from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.

Help improve urban water quality and wildlife habitat through the use of innovative green stormwater practices! Water quality monitoring training sessions will be offered Saturday, March 28, 2020; 9 am – 12 pm and Thursday, April 2, 2020; 6 – 9 pm. Learn More

In this issue: Climate Crisis Advocate Training, Public Comments on Migratory Bird Act Rollbacks, Recently Introduced RI legislation on climate change and plastics. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

You can help reduce plastic waste in Rhode Island - join the Audubon Advocacy team this week as we testify in favor of two bills aimed at reducing plastic and balloon pollution in our environment. Click for details!

The Fight to Ban Plastic Bags, Straws and Balloon Releases | By Todd McLeish

Plastics are Filling Oceans and Choking Wildlife | A story for the Audubon Report by Todd McLeish.

In this issue: 2020 Legislative Coffee Hour, Action You Can Take This Month, Rhode Island Legislation, Ideas from our Readers, PFAS movies, Climate Change in Rhode Island, National Issues. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Weather radar detects change on a continental scale. Study done by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Colorado State University and University of Massachusetts.

Editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy 

Audubon’s annual awards for Educator, Legislator and Volunteer of the Year were presented as well as the selection of officers and new members for the 2019-2020 Board of Directors and Council of Advisors. Ashley Householder, Associate Curator for Exhibitions at The Preservation Society of Newport County, gave a keynote speech on the current exhibit on display at Rosecliff: John James Audubon: Obsession Untamed.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island received $177,535 in federal grant funding to work in partnership with the City of Providence Parks Department and The Nature Conservancy to create a regional center for stormwater innovation at Roger Williams Park in Provi

The national media brought sobering news today about the steep decline of birds in North America. What may seem obvious to those of us who care about birds is finally making headlines. You may find this news discouraging, but it is an urgent wake-up call. Our work is more important than ever.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is conducting an online survey to gather public input on issues related to state forests. Feedback will be used to inform the Rhode Island 2020 State Forest Action Plan (SFAP) and develop strategies to conserve working forest landscapes, protect forests from harm, and enhance public benefits from trees and forests. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey to benefit our state's forest: https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/z8ntm760zvfyj1/

This is a good time to look at the websites and postings of our elected officials. Let those leaders that focus on environmental issues know you appreciate it. Let our leaders know that the environment is a priority, and tell them that you want to see more positive outcomes in the 2020 session.

Legislative Recap: Audubon Advocacy in the 2019 Session | While we did hold off some bad bills, none of Audubon’s priority bills were passed. The Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) decided to deny a permit to the Invenergy power plant in Burrillville and the legislative session ended a few days after this exciting decision.

For wildlife. For pollinators. For the environment. | People are often reluctant to change manicured green spaces into wild spaces but filling the built environment with rain gardens and pollinator meadows will help us create more resilient communities and supports wildlife and pollinator.

An editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy | Our forests provide innumerable services to humans and wildlife. Maintaining woodlands in rural areas of the state and promoting tree planting in suburban and urban neighborhoods is part of the climate change solution.

Forests protect the water quality in local aquifers and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. They provide vital habitat, cool the environment, reduce soil erosion and provide a stress-free place for rest, recreation and rejuvenation. Audubon wants see forests in the language of the law, because when natural resources are referenced in RI laws, forests are absent, as if they don’t even exist.

Audubon supports the Rhode Island Woodland Preservation and Stewardship Act of 2019.

Turns out, even the smallest steps can have an impact. This Earth Day, consider your ecological footprint and enact these seven green ways to embrace today.

Representative Lauren Carson and Senator Dawn Euer invite you to join them in celebration of trees and their essential role in Rhode Island’s ecology on May 9th at the Rhode Island State House.

"Proposed R.I. solar farms endangering rural forests, environmentalists say" - an article by Alex Kuffner of the Providence Journal

Audubon supports the Woodland Preservation and Stewardship Act of 2019, introduced by Rhode Island Representative Arthur Handy (District 18) and developed in partnership with Audubon. This bill recognizes and protects Rhode Island’s essential forest habitats.

Without changes in state policy, development will continue unchecked in areas of the state critically important as bird and wildlife habitat.

Land and Water Conservation Fund permanently reauthorized & Rhode Island's Wood-Pawcatuck River designated as part of the Wild and Scenic River System.

So, what's the plan? An editorial piece by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr.

Please join the Environment Council of Rhode Island at a rally and press conference to urge the General Assembly and the state government to take action on climate change.

The bill would prevent hundreds of our most popular and life-changing programs from happening at local schools and with scout groups. It will also have a significant impact on Raptor Weekend, New England’s largest raptor festival and Audubon’s largest public program.

The Coalition for a Cooler Rhode Island (CACRI) completed an assessment of Rhode Island’s implementation of the Resilient Rhode Island Act. The report finds that the state has not accomplished what was required by the Act and argues that much more urgency must be given to climate response. Click here to access the report.​​​​​​​

See how your state representative and senator performed in 2017 and 2018 using ECRI's latest Green Report Card. Once you review their grade, contact them with thanks or encourage them to be more environmentally responsible, using our instructions and letter template.

Two major reports were recently issued that confirm the urgency of the climate crisis. They remind us here in the Ocean State of the urgency of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fund projects that enhance the resiliency of our communities.

Audubon and Rhode Island Renewable Energy Siting Stakeholder Committee partners shared concerns and recommendations with government officials on November 2nd, 2018. Read the submitted letter here.

Audubon joined with other partners and submitted comments on the draft regulations for the 2017, “Taxation of Farm Forest and Open Space Land” law.

Thank you for your enthusiastic support of the Green Economy and Clean Water Bond, which passed statewide with nearly 80% approval. With your continued support we will monitor and advocate for quick distribution of these critical funds to help birds, wildlife and us all.

Annual awards for Educator and Volunteer of the Year were presented as well as the selection of officers and new members for the 2018-2019 Board of Directors and Council of Advisors. A keynote address on the State of the Birds was given by Dr. Charles Clarkson. Major gubernatorial candidates addressed environmental issues.

On November 6, voters in Rhode Island have the opportunity to support a critical investment in land and water protection. Learn about the $47.3 Million Green Economy and Clean Water Bond (Bond #3 on the ballot) and what you can do to help spread the word!

An editorial by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr, on the diversity in background, skills and talents amongst people who care deeply about the environment. We can all appreciate the natural world and commit to its protection - even if we do not know all the names.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Charles Clarkson, coordinator of the Rhode Island Breeding Bird Atlas as well as three major candidates running in the November election for RI Governor.

Audubon’s policy department collaborates with many partners across the state to track environmental issues and develop successful advocacy strategies. Rhode Island’s environmental community works exceptionally well together, recognizing the power of many voices working together as one. An Editorial from the Spring 2018 Report by Meg Kerr, Audubon Senior Director of Policy

Audubon Celebrates National Pollinator Week by hosting a Bee Rally in the State House and lighting up the dome in black and yellow. That big striped State House Dome will “bee” hard to miss in June!

The first batch of prototype 'Nature at Work’ pollinator habitat road signs have been printed! Through her seat on the Pollinator Working Group, Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr has worked with the RI DOT to create these signs which will be displayed amongst pollinator-friendly plants along Rhode Island roads.

Audubon Celebrates National Pollinator Week by hosting a Bee Rally in the State House and lighting up the dome in black and yellow. That big striped State House Dome will “bee” hard to miss in June!

Smart renewable energy siting will allow Rhode Islander's to protect their natural resources for generations to come. Via the Providence Journal.

Please join Audubon at the Environment Council of Rhode Island’s (ECRI) Earth Day at the State House on Wednesday, April 25 at 3:15 PM in the State Room

It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Audubon's Former Executive Director Alfred L. Hawkes. Al passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018. He served as Audubon Society of Rhode Island Executive Director from 1958 to 1993 and guided Audubon through its most critical growth period. Hawkes was recognized as a strong, statewide leader for shaping early environmental action and consciousness in the state.

The 2018 legislature session is back in session. It is easy to think that advocacy ends when a good bill passes. But many times, passage of bills means that our work is just beginning. Editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy

Environment Council of Rhode Island is hosting a press conference to showcase the broad opposition to this plan. Speakers include Governor Raimondo, Senator Dawn Euer, Representative Lauren Carson, President of the Rhode Island Commercial Fisherman’s Association Chris Brown and Vice President and Director of Conservation Law Foundation of Rhode Island Amy Moses. If weather permits, we encourage attendees to march from the State House to BOEM's public meeting.

An editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy. Audubon’s 2017 legislative year was very successful, setting the stage for important work
this fall and winter.

Managing Atlantic Menhaden- an op-ed published by Providence Journal. Audubon Society of Rhode Island Executive Director Larry Taft, Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association President Steve Medeiros, and Save The Bay Executive Director Jonathan Stone unite, calling on Rhode Islanders to get involved in this national issue.

R.I.’s Environmental Big Three United Against Power Plant - ecoRI News

Part Three of the Audubon Report 2017 Series on Climate Change by Todd McLeish

This is a historic accomplishment for Rhode Island. We were the first state to adopt high level green building standards through the original Green Building Act back in 2009. Rhode Island has taken these high standards one step further with these amendments by implementing LEED for Neighborhood Development and SITES standards as public policy and law.

An editorial by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr on greening your personal lifestyle. Taken from the Audubon Summer 2017 Report Issue.

Audubon has long supported green, nature-based solutions to reduce stormwater runoff. Learn about Rhode Island's past, present and future efforts to improve water quality in the State.

This August, we celebrate National Water Quality Month. How can you have an impact on water quality? We’ve got some ideas for the role you play in making a difference.

Download, view and share our infographic on climate change. What causes climate change? What are the results? What can you do?

Audubon’s Kingston Wildlife Research Station Records Bird Population and Migration Data. An article By Hugh Markey from Audubon's Winter 2017 Report, supporting the Audubon 2017 Report series on climate change.

A letter from Lawrence Taft, Executive Director of Audubon.

Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy, invites you to learn about Audubon's current advocacy initiatives.

Part One of the Audubon 2017 Report Series on Climate Change by Todd McLeish.

The Energize Rhode Island Coalition, along with Senator Jeanine Calkin and Representative Aaron Regunberg, invites the public to join them as they introduce the Energize Rhode Island Act of 2017 at a press conference on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 3pm to 4pm.

Audubon Supports Open Space Protection Bill. Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy for Audubon, and the Rhode Island Land Trust Council testified for open space protection on January 18, 2017.

In honor of America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing significant findings on the economic benefits of the recycling industry with an update to the national Recycling Economic Information (REI) Study.