May 2018 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
It’s spring! Grab your binoculars and search for spring migrants. May means warmer weather, so take the time to hit the trails and explore those special places in Rhode Island with Audubon! But - birding isn’t just for adults! Bring the kids and search for spring migrants, and learn all about feathers, nests and eggs. Spring migration is in full swing - a great time to introduce kids to the joys of birding!
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!
Download a beautiful color copy of our Program Guide featuring March - May 2018 Nature Programs:
FREE MAY BIRDING WALKS WITH AUDUBON
Locations Across the State
May is the peak month for the spring bird migration, with something different moving through each week. Get in on the best birding of the year with Audubon! Novice birders are welcome. Walks are geared for teen to adult. All walks listed below are FREE. Prior registration is preferred.
Mondays
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI
May 7, 14, 21, 2018; 8:00-10:00 am.
Note that no walk will be held on Memorial Day, May 28.
Tuesdays
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
May 1, 15, 29, 2018; 8:00-10:00 am.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2820 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI
May 8, 22, 2018; 8:00 am-10:00 am.
Wednesdays*
Locations determined weekly. Please visit the Audubon website or Facebook page for details, no registration necessary.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2018; 9:00-11:00 am.
Thursdays
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018; 8:00-10:00 am.
Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI
May 3, 17, 31, 2018; 9:30 am-12:00 pm
Fridays
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI
April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2018; 8:30-10:30 am.
* Free Wednesday Morning Bird Walks will continue through June 2017.
Migratory Bird Day
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 5, 2018; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
International Migratory Bird Day brings attention to the importance of migration, and celebrates the many amazing birds of that travel throughout North and South America.
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!
10:00 am-2:00 pm: Bird Craft Table
10:00 am-2:00 pm: Bird Biofacts. Stop by and investigate feathers, eggs, nests, and more.
10:30 am: Bird Story Time
11:00 am and 1:00 pm: Owl Interview
2:00 pm: Guided Nature Walk
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Weed Walk Nature Hike
Audubon environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 6, 2018; 12:00 – 1:30 pm
“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Have you ever spent time pulling weeds or strolling in nature and wondered which of those plants may be edible or medicinal? Join local herbalist Jessyloo Rodrigues of Parcel Apothecary to discover weeds and wild plants that you can eat. Bring a notebook/camera to record plant identification, recipes and flavor profiles found in the local plants we discuss. Please bring a water bottle and dress for the weather, this event is rain or shine.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: Adult.
Springtime Birding on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
May 10, 2018; 7:30 am – 3:00 pm
Spring bird migration will be in full swing by mid-May. Prudence Island is a wonderful place to spot a wide variety of species thanks to the diversity of habitats. Come explore forest edge, marsh, meadow and anywhere else the birding is good!
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: All. Learn more about Prudence Island trips and register here.
Fairy Gardens with Audubon
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 12, 2018; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Using natural materials such as flowers, shells, seeds, moss and stones, kids create an enchanting garden for magical guests! Fairy and gnome gardens make a unique spring decoration and are great for creative play. Children are welcome to dress in a fairy or gnome costume. Program includes all materials. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register early, space is limited.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member child; $14/non-member. Ages: 5+.
Rhode Island Birds: Large to Small
Art Exhibit by Holly Wach
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 12 – June 30, 2018; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The drawings and paintings by fine artist Holly Wach explore the many avian species that inhabit our state. Her work strives to connect with the spirit, personalities and energy of these amazing creatures. Meet the artist at the opening reception on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
Note: The artist also hosts a watercolor workshop on May 19, 2018. See description below.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission.
Audubon Spring Birding Van Trip
Locations Across the State
May 14, 2018; 8:15 am – 4:00 pm
Climb aboard the Audubon van and explore the many birding hot spots of Rhode Island during this exciting time of the year. Warblers, vireos and other spring beauties will make for an unforgettable trip. Visit many favorite birding spots, as well as some lesser-known locations. Be sure to pack a lunch and bring your binoculars.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $50/member, $65/non-member. Ages: 14+.
Junior Naturalists for Home-schooled Families: Water and Wetlands
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 15 & 16, 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 Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member child, $6/member siblings; $12/non-member child, $8/non-member siblings. Ages: 6-12.
Audubon Sea Glass Jewelry
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 19, 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.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult.
Learn to Paint with Color & Water
Workshop with Artist Holly Wach
May 19, 2018; 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Watercolorist Holly Wach will share some of her best watercolor techniques in this creative workshop. Come learn techniques and approaches that will have you capturing the beautiful colors and images of birds. For the novice to the advanced artist, simply come ready to take your watercolor skills to a new level!
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $40/member; $48/non-member. Ages: 16+.
Advanced Sea Glass with Audubon
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 19, 2018; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Have you enjoyed a beginner sea glass class with Audubon? Then this new advanced program is for you! Learn new techniques for making beautiful pieces out of sea glass. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! Advance registration is required as space is strictly limited.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: Adult.
Herbal Cocktails
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 19, 2018; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Did you know that today's fancy cocktails were originally inspired by the tonics prescribed at early pharmacies, known as apothecaries? These establishments resembled modern-day bars more than drug stores. Join Jessyloo Rodrigues of Parcel Apothecary for an evening of spirited fun and sample beverages made with herbs. Learn the proper technique for making cocktails and find confidence in using fresh and dry herbs in your drinks at home. Come sip and savor! For ages 21 and up. Advance registration is required, tickets will not be sold at the door.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; May 19, 2018; 6:30-8:30 pm; Program Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21+.
Memorial Day Nature Activities
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 28, 2018; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bring the kids for up-close animal encounters, hikes, crafts and games. No registration required.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:30 am: Nature Story
11:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 am- 2:30 pm: Guided Nature Hike(weather permitting)
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
