August 2025 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(June 30, 2025) – Bring a friend and delve into the natural world in a new Audubon Field Naturalist series, search for local mushrooms on the forest floor, enjoy an evening moonlit hike, or bring the kids for a weekly nature exploration at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Audubon keeps you engaged and connected with the great outdoors in August!
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.
NEW! Audubon Field Naturalist Series
Summer – Fall 2025; Six Sessions of Natural History Investigations
Go ahead, indulge your curiosity and delve into the complexities of the natural world.
Let the experts be your guide to the ecosystems, plants, animals, and fungi found in Southern New England. Explore Audubon wildlife refuges with scientists and skilled naturalists in six sessions with both indoor lectures and outdoor investigations. Each session provides a new layer of insight, culminating in a solid base of knowledge for beginner naturalists. For details on locations, class topics, and to register, visit asri.org/calendar
All participants will receive a complimentary copy of Rhode Island Birding Trails, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island guide to over 60 places to bird watch in the Ocean State.
Various Audubon Society of Rhode Island Wildlife Refuges; August 16, August 23, September 13, September 20, October 4, October 11, 2025; 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Fee: Members $300, Non-members $350. Ages: 16 to adult.
Details at asri.org/calendar.
______________________
New! Summer Nature Series for Families and Children
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Birds, Bugs, Turtles, and Fun!
Bring the family and learn fun facts in close-up interviews with owls, turtles, and marine life. Get creative and crafty. Search for critters along the salty shore or turtles in the wetlands. Check out cool biofacts, engage in fun scavenger hunts, and so much more! The weekly schedule is available at asri.org/calendar.
July 27 – Aug 2, 2025: The Wonderful World of Turtles
August 3 – August 9, 2025: Feathered Friends
August 10 – August 16, 2025: Coastal Critters
August 17 – 23, 2025: Wildlife in the City
August 24 – August 30, 25: Nocturnal Animals
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Visit asri.org/calendar for details on programs, dates, ages, fees, and registration.
Leaf Print Tote Bags
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
August 2, 2025; 10:00am-12:00pm
Leaves come in so many shapes and sizes! Learn to identify some of our local plants and trees as you create a fun and useful large-size leaf printed tote bag. Take a short, easy walk on the refuge to identify and collect the perfect leaves, then return to the nature center to press print your bag. Each participant will complete one bag. All materials provided.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $18/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Touisset Full Moon Hike
Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Warren, RI
August 8, 2025; 8:00-9:30 pm
As the sun goes down, nature comes to life. Come to the Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge and walk the trails under the light of the full moon. Search for nocturnal wildlife and listen for the calls of owls with an Audubon naturalist as a guide. Please dress for the outdoors and wear sturdy shoes or boots.
Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI; Fee: $10/member, $5/member child; $14/non-member, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Designing a Wildlife Garden Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 9, 2025; 1:00-2:30
Join Audubon for a workshop on how to make your space an inviting habitat for all wildlife- migrating songbirds, overwintering bumblebees, and endangered butterflies. Participants will leave with actionable steps and preliminary drafts of new and improved wildlife gardens for their home and community spaces.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member, $35/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nature Journaling Workshops: Natural Habitats
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
August 9, 2025; 10:00-11:30am
Discover the art of nature observation and reflection guided by Audubon naturalists. These hands-on courses invite participants to expand their knowledge of Rhode Island’s natural history while learning and implementing field illustration techniques. Learn the technical and interpretive skills needed to communicate scientific and ecological information through art, gain new knowledge, and explore a variety of natural habitats. A journal will be provided to all participants.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Intermediate Watercolor
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
August 12, 2025; 1:30-4:30pm.
Seasonal landscapes, botanicals or still life compositions will be studied. All materials are included; if participant has their own materials, they are welcome to bring them.
(Intermediate level class; prior watercolor experience helpful.)
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per Class: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Wednesday Walk and Watercolor
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
August 13, 27, 2025; 1:30-4:30pm.
Come to the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday mornings for a short walk at 9:30am, and watercolor painting at 10:00am. Explore the watercolor process with simple techniques in a fun and stress-free way! A different watercolor technique and new subject is practiced each session. Register for one or all! Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per class: $40/member, $50/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Thursday Evening Watercolor
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
August 14, 2025; 6:00-8:30 pm.
Learn basic techniques to create four small watercolors using a simple process in a fun, intuitive and relaxing way. During these individualized classes you will create four of your own small seasonal landscape watercolor paintings, suitable for framing or greeting cards. Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bird Banding with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 16, 2025; 8:00-10:00am
Learn more about birds by observing bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed. Bring a camera and binoculars. Programs are limited to 15 participants, please register early.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member adult, $10/member child; $25/non-member adult, $15/non-member child. Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 16, 2025; 8:00-10:00am
September 25, 2025; 5:00-7:00pm
Are you intrigued by the nature around us and wonder which of our regional plants are edible or have medicinal properties? This is your chance to take a deep dive into the plant world with Maggie Hatzpanian, the founder and Herbalist behind Maggie’s Healing Path. She will share how to identify plants and will discuss their habitats and the companion plants they surround themselves with. Maggie will also share the uses and applications of the medicinal plants you encounter.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wolf Hollow Van Trip
Ipswich, MA
August 23, 2025; 9:00am-4:30pm
Join an Audubon van trip to Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, Massachusetts! Enjoy a one-hour private tour of the sanctuary to meet the resident wolves and learn all about these apex predators. Before heading back on the road, stop at the Castle Neck River Reservation where you can enjoy a picnic-style lunch or take a short hike. Photos are allowed, but video is prohibited at Wolf Hollow. Please bring a lunch and dress for the outdoors. Space is limited, register early.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $65/member; $80/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Taking the Mystery out of Mushrooming
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
August 23, 2025; 10:00am-2:00pm
Join Audubon for a wild mushroom extravaganza and learn how to identify the various mushrooms that grow in our area, including edible ones! Begin inside the barn with an introductory lecture on mushroom identification. There will be wild mushrooms on display that were collected from other areas (depending on availability). Next, venture out with an Audubon expert for a hike in the woods to find mushrooms growing in the wild. Afterwards, sample some tasty dishes that are prepared using a variety of cultivated “wild” mushrooms. Please note that collecting mushrooms on Audubon property is prohibited.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $40/member; $45/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Yoga at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
August 24, September 28, October 26, November 23, 2025; 9:00-10:00am
Experience the joy and benefits of practicing yoga while connecting with community and nature at an Audubon wildlife refuge. Led by certified yoga teacher and East Bay resident Joanne DeCataldo, this class is designed for people of all skill levels and abilities. Please bring your own yoga mat, a water bottle, and any other props you may like to include in your practice. Proceeds support Audubon scholarships, education programs, and animal care.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Shorebird Van Trip
Locations Across Rhode Island
August 27, 2025; 7:00am-3:00pm
Hop aboard the Audubon van with an expert guide and visit some of Rhode Island’s best shorebird locations: Charlestown Breachway, Quonochontaug Breachway, and Succotash Marsh. Please bring a lunch, optics, old sneakers or water shoes, towel and bug repellent. Be prepared to get wet up to your waist for this program. Meet at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge at 7:00 am.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $60/member; $72/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Fresh Palette Watercolor Paint Nights
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
August 29, 2025; 6:00-8:30 pm.
Enjoy the company of a small group in the quiet respite of the Maxwell Mays
Wildlife Refuge Art Studio. Create an original 9”x12” Seasonal Landscape in Watercolor. Beginners welcome; All materials are included as well as snacks and beverages.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
New England Flora and Fauna
Exhibit by the Photographic Society of Rhode Island
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through August 31, 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Stop by The Nature Center and Aquarium this summer and experience the stunning images taken by members of the Photographic Society of Rhode Island. The group strives to promote photography as an art form and provide a supportive community for photographers of all skill levels.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
# # #
Hope M. Foley
(she, her, hers)
Media Relations
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
401-486-1503