February 2018 Nature Program Highlights

Take a walk to look for sea birds at the shore or sample some tasty ales as you learn all about owls. Bring a friend, bundle up and join an Audubon expert to discover those natural wonders found only during the winter months.

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar. You may also click on each program title to register or learn more!

Thanks to the Citizens Bank, the Environmental Education Center is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!

Take a look at the dinosaur family tree and celebrate our living dinosaur cousins. Explore how eggs, scales, feathers and more link these cousins together, make your own dino-rific craft and meet a dinosaur cousin animal ambassador! Programs and admission are free thanks to the Citizens Bank.

9:00 am to 5:00 pm - Find all ten dinosaur cousins hidden in our exhibit hall and get a prize!
10:00 am - 2:00 pm – Dinosaur Cousin Craft Table
10:30 am - Dinosaur Story Time
11:30 am and 2:30 pm – Dinosaur Cousin Interview: Meet a reptile or bird.
1:00 pm – Eggs, Scales, Feathers, and More: Join us for some roaring science activities to investigate special adaptations that dinosaurs and their cousins share.

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; February 3, 2018; 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Free. Ages: All.

Intro to Beekeeping: Six-week Series
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 2018; 2:30 – 4:30 pm.

Find out why there is so much "buzz" about bees! In this six-session course you'll learn the basics from local beekeeper Kevin England. From honeybee health to equipment and hive construction, this course will provide the details to get started with backyard beekeeping. Participants will also receive "The Backyard Beekeeper" by Kim Flottum.

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 2018; 2:30-4:30 pm; Program Fee: $65/member, $72/non-member. Ages: Adult.

FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across the State
February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2018; 9:00 – 11:00 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 News Blog or Facebook Page on Monday evenings for the location. Contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.

Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2018; Ages: 14+.

Naked Tree I.D.
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
February 10, 2018, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Okay, now that I have your attention…come and learn to identify some common trees when they are 'buck nekkid' in winter. We will discuss branching patterns, bark and buds to help us determine deciduous species and will talk about evergreen species as well.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult.

Winter Birding at Sachuest Point
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, RI
February 17, 2018; 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is one of the few places in Rhode Island where the “hot” birding comes during the winter. Winter specialties include Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, Northern Harriers, Purple Sandpipers, and a variety of sea ducks. The stars of the show are Harlequin Ducks, and in some years Snowy Owls. We’ll meet in the refuge parking lot, then head for the shore to look for waterfowl and other winter residents of the rocky seashore and scrubby coastal habitats. Be sure to dress for the cold and the wind.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, 769 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, RI; Program Fee: $15/member adult, $7/member child; $18/non-member adult, $9/non-member child. Ages: 10+.

Owls and Ales
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
February 17, 2018; 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Meet some of Audubon’s amazing owl ambassadors up-close! Come to the Environmental Education Center for a presentation on these fascinating birds of prey and enjoy some 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 winter evening.

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21+.

Sea Glass Jewelry
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
February 24, 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! This class fills quickly. Advance registration is required as space is limited to 10 participants.

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult.