October 2018 Program and Event Highlights
Crisp, cool air. Beautiful fall foliage on winding trails. Fall migrants overhead. They all combine to make October a special time of year. So take a break, pull on your fleece jacket, rustle through some leaves and enjoy October the Audubon way!
Download a beautiful color copy of our Program Guide featuring September - December 2018 Nature Programs:
Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online through the events calendar. You may also click on each program title to register or learn more.
Forest Bathing Walk
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
October 3, 2018; 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Many scientific studies tell us that time in nature is key for our physical and mental health. Join Audubon for a leisurely walk of shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing. With its roots in Japan, this walk will encourage you to focus on your senses: seeing, smelling and touching. This will be a walk focused on just "being" rather than "I.D.ing" out in nature. Dress for the weather.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 14+.
Ocean Pollution: Do You Know Where Your Litter Is?
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 6, 2018; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, animal discoveries, hikes and more.
10:00 am -2:00 pm: Tinker Table Craft: Use recycled items to create your own special masterpiece.
10:30 am & 2:30 pm: Nature Story
11:30 am: Where’s your Litter? Can you help the oceans? Be a litter detective! Come join our fun, hands-on activities as you learn about how you can help prevent ocean litter. Materials for this program have been provided by the North American Marine Environmental Protection Association.
1:30 pm: Animal Interview
2:00 pm: Guided Nature Walk (weather dependent)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All. No need to register.
Audubon Birding Adventure in Jamestown
Jamestown, RI
October 7, 2018; 8:30 – 10:30 am
Join Audubon birding expert Lauren Parmelee for an exploration of Conanicut Island's natural areas. Head to Godena Farm, Parker Farm and other scenic spots to look for migrating and resident birds. Beginning birders welcome! Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. Extra optics and field guides will be available.
Meet at Godena Farm, North Main Road, Jamestown RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult.
Beekeeping Basics and More!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 7, 21, 28 & December 9, 16, 23, 2018; 2:00 – 4:30 pm
In this six-session course, you'll learn the basics from honeybee health, to equipment and hive construction. This course will give you the knowledge you need to get started with backyard beekeeping. All participants will 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 session: $65/member, $72/non-member. Ages: Adult.
Columbus Day Activities
Finding Your Way: Maps and Orienteering
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 8, 2018; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Come discover why nature matters. The day’s activities will include crafts, stories, an animal interview and more. No registration is required. Programs are free with admission.
10:00 am - 4:30 pm: Compass Scavenger Hunt. Find all 10 compass pictures in our exhibit hall and win a prize.
10:00 - 2:00: Compass Craft Table
10:00 am & 1:00 pm: Nature Story
11:00 am: Maps and Orienteering*
2:00 pm: Animal Interview
*Have you ever gotten lost? Or just wanted to wander and see what you could find? Join Audubon and practice skills that help you to find your way: using map and orienteering skills! Activities and games will help to develop and enhance your sense of direction.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All. Admission: Members (2 adults and up to 4 children) free; Non-Member Adults $6.00; Non-Member Senior $5.00; Non-Member Child (4-12) $4.00; Children 3 and under free.
Caratunk's Columbus Day Scavenger Hunt
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 8, 2018;1:00 – 3:00 pm
Hike the trails at Caratunk and participate in a fun, nature-based scavenger hunt! Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Check in at the big white barn nature center.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/Member Family, $14/Non-member Family. Ages: 9+.
Feed the Birds! Starting Your Own Bird Feeding Station
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 11, 2018; 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Fascinated by your feathered backyard visitors and want to learn how to get started feeding the birds? Come to Audubon and learn about types of feeders, seed and feeder placement as well as some tips and tricks for attracting the critters you want and deterring the ones you don't. We will also discuss water and landscape plantings. Feeders, nesting boxes and seed will be available for sale from The Nature Shop after class.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult.
Author Meet and Greet: Return of the Sea Otter by Todd McLeish
Lecture and Book Signing
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 11, 2018; 7:00-8:00 pm
Join author Todd McLeish as he shares adorable photos and describes his adventures during his study of sea otters as he traveled from California to Alaska. Nearly driven extinct for their thick fur pelts, the “champions of cute” have returned to the West Coast in big numbers but are still threatened by sharks, killer whales, oil spills and native hunters. Todd’s book about sea otters, published in March 2018, will be available for purchase and signing.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: Adult.
FREE Audubon Bird Walks for Beginners
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
October 16, 23, 30, 2018; 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Come learn the basics of birding and explore Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Discover how to identify birds through appearance, song, behavior and habitat. Start with a brief presentation in the barn and then head out on the trails to look for birds. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Weather dependent.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Free. Ages: Teen to Adult.
Geospatial Technology: Online Mapping and More!
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 18, 19, 2018; See Times Below
Have you ever thought about creating a map of your property? Where are the wetlands, what soil types are present? How has the land changed over time? In this two-day workshop, learn to utilize free online resources to visualize the land around you. Participants will learn to access the free resources and add local information. Participants will create a story map of their choosing. Bring your own device or use one of Audubon's iPads.
Who should attend? Land Trust Organizations, Conservation Commission, Conservation group members and other interested folks.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; October 18, 2018; 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Saturday October 19, 2018 9:00 - 11:00 am; Fee: $75/members, $85/non-members. Ages: Teen to Adult.
Hiking Prudence Island
Prudence Island, Rhode Island
October 18, 2018; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Prudence Island has several miles of hiking trails that cover a wide range of habitats from forested wetlands to coastal meadow and pine barrens. Travel to the Island for what is sure to be a beautiful fall hike. Pace will be moderate and cover 3 to 4 miles over a mix of terrain. Trails are well maintained and we will avoid areas of high grass to reduce exposure to ticks.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10+.
Taking the Mystery Out of Mushrooming
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
October 20, 2018; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join Audubon for an introduction to mushrooms and fungus, and learn how to identify mushroom groups and species that grow in the area. Start inside with a presentation on mushroom identification - view wild mushrooms on display that were collected from other areas, depending on availability. Next, venture out for a hike in the woods with an expert guide to find mushrooms growing in the wild. Afterwards, sample a couple of tasty mushroom dishes using a variety of cultivated 'wild' mushrooms. Please note: collecting mushrooms on Audubon properties is prohibited. Dress for the weather, including long pants and sturdy walking shoes.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $30/member; $40/non-member. Ages: Adult.
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 20, 2018; 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 into creative jewelry 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: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult.
Hand-In-Hand: Autumn Walk for Young Children
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
October 20, 2018; 10:00 – 11:30 am
Head outside in autumn with your young child! Use your senses in this parent/child exploration on the wildlife refuge. Discover nature and its seasonal changes on a short and easy walk with Audubon.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult/child pair, $5 each additional member; $14/non-member adult/child pair, $7 each additional non-member. Ages: 3+.
Beeswax Wraps Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 20, 2018; 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Single-use plastics are filling up our oceans ad landfill. Be part of the solution by making your own re-usable, eco-friendly lunch wraps! With cotton fabric, beeswax, buttons, and string, create a flexible wrap to transport food, cover bowls, and protect your leftovers. Its washable, keeps your food fresh, and it smells great. No prior sewing or crafting skills needed. All the materials will be provided to make two wraps per person. If you have a favorite fabric or button you would like to use, bring it along! Skip the plastic wrap and sandwich bags—use your sustainable and stylish beeswax wrap instead.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 16+.
Fall Foliage Hike
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
October 22, 2018; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Caratunk is a beautiful place to see the seasons change. As summer melts into fall, fields and forests are ablaze with color. This is an easy hike on established trails. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 6+.
Junior Naturalists for Home-schooled Families
Nature’s Decomposers
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 23 & 24, 2018; 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Our popular home-school program now lasts an hour and a half. That means more time for outdoor exploration, so come dressed for the weather. Join other home-schooled kids to learn about nature and science. This program will introduce participants to a different topic each class, with hands-on experiments and nature-based activities that are sure to foster a love of the natural world. Classes are limited to 15 children, so please register early. Adult must attend with child.
Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member child, $6/member siblings; $12/non-member child, $8/non-member siblings. Ages: 6-12.
Peaks and Valleys in Fall
Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge, Hopkinton, RI
October 26, 2018; 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
The high peaks at Long Pond offer amazing views of the lake and surrounding forests as hawks soar overhead. This is a fun, yet at-times strenuous, hike on established trails. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.
Long Pond Woods, North Road, Hopkinton, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 6+.
The Perfect Pumpkin Party
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
October 27, 2018; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join Audubon for a different kind of autumn celebration and find out just how much fun a pumpkin can be! Search for hidden pumpkins throughout the wildlife refuge, try your hand at pumpkin games then collect stickers for your own “patch.” Visit our silly photo booth for a fall family picture and purchase a pumpkin to decorate. Don’t forget to come in costume – those who do will receive a prize. The party will include favorite games from last year as well as new activities – it’s all about the big orange pumpkin! No need to register.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program is free with admission, additional fee to purchase a pumpkin. Ages: All. Admission: Members (2 adults and up to 4 children) free; Non-Member Adults $6.00; Non-Member Senior $5.00; Non-Member Child (4-12) $4.00; Children 3 and under free.
Providence Raptors
Photography Exhibit by Peter Green
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through October 31, 2018; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
A photographer and graphic designer living and working in downtown Providence, Peter Green walks the city, documenting the Peregrine Falcons and other urban wildlife. These regal, powerful raptors seem out-of-place yet perfectly at home among the landscape of bricks and concrete.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All. Admission: Members (2 adults and up to 4 children) free; Non-Member Adults $6.00; Non-Member Senior $5.00; Non-Member Child (4-12) $4.00; Children 3 and under free.
