It’s Time to Get Your Boots a Little Muddy!
March 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(February 3, 2026) – Spring is here! Grab a friend and observe the amazing display of the American Woodcock, discover the world of muskrats and otters, try your hand at eco-engineering, or bring the kids for egg hunts and bunnies. Join Audubon and discover nature as it awakens this spring.
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.
Nature’s Thread: Fiber Art Inspired by the Natural World
Art Exhibit by Rhode Island Threads
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 1 – April 30, 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Rhode Island Threads is a group of seventeen fiber artists living in the Rhode Island area and bound together by a passion for creating fiber art. Textiles are foundational to the creation of their art, often layered with painting, dyeing, photography, and stitching. RI Threads have been getting together since 2018 and derive strength from their diversity of background, experience, style, and art training. Meet the artists at the exhibit opening reception on March 8, 2:00-4:00pm.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.
World Wildlife Day Owl Prowl
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 3, 2026; 6:30-8:30pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for an evening to learn about our resident owls. Enjoy an indoor introduction and discover their calls, habits, and preferred habitats. Then head out on the trails and to look and listen for these amazing creatures. Please dress for the weather. Register early at asri.org/calendar.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Eastern Bluebird Monitoring
Community Science Initiative Volunteer Training
Virtual Programs; March 3, 5, 2026; 6:00-7:30pm
Join Audubon’s community science project to monitor nesting Eastern Bluebird populations. Requires weekly visits to an Audubon wildlife refuge from April through July and walking through meadows over uneven terrain to check on nests. Attend this free training and learn more about how to get involved! If you cannot attend either training, contact Abby Paull (apaull@asri.org) for more information. A link for the virtual program will be sent to all registered participants.
Virtual Program; Free. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Locations will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2026; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Seals, Sea Ducks and Sunset
Prudence Island, RI
March 5, 2026; 1:30-6:30pm
Join an afternoon adventure exploring Prudence Island! Start by looking for harbor seals resting on the rocks at the southern tip of the island as well as a variety of seabird species. Visit other areas of scenic beauty and expect to take some short walks (1 to 1.5 miles each) depending on trail and road conditions. With sunset at 5:40pm, we’ll cap off the adventure for what will hopefully be a beautiful end to a late winter day. Reservations are required due to limited van space.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Eco-Engineering Workshop
Bird Mobiles
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 5, 2026; 5:00-7:00pm
What do you do with all those Amazon boxes that end up on your doorstep? According to the EPA, paper products like cardboard make up almost a quarter of our landfilled material! Boxes can (and should) be recycled, but what if you could transform this packaging into an enchanting, low-cost piece of decor instead? In this workshop, we will build hanging bird mobiles (that actually flap their wings) out of discarded cardboard, demonstrating the beauty of local wildlife in an eco-friendly way. Come join us at Audubon to experience the joys of sustainable creative reuse! No experience necessary.
Fees from this program will be used to support in-school eco-engineering programs for Rhode Island’s youth.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; March 5, 2026; 5:00 – 7:00 pm; Fee: $10/member; $15/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Owling Van Trip
Locations Across Rhode Island
March 7, 2026; 3:00-7:00pm
Come on an owling adventure! Hop aboard the Audubon van with an expert guide to visit several locations around the state to look for these amazing birds. This unique program provides opportunities see or hear several species including Snowy, Short-eared, Barred, Screech and Great Horned Owls. Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring a bagged dinner to enjoy along the way. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars and cameras! Space is limited, register early at asri.org/calendar.
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.
Muskrats, Otters and Ales
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 7, 2026; 4:00-6:00pm
Join Audubon for a craft beer and learn about the muskrats and otters that live at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. After a brief presentation with some fascinating facts about these aquatic mammals, head out to Muskrat Pond in search of signs of these furry residents. Register early, bring a flashlight and come dressed for an evening hike.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bristol Bimonthly Bird Walks
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 13, 27, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a morning stroll through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll enjoy spotting and learning about resident species and seasonal visitors. Register early and bring your binoculars!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Raptor Photo Shoot
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
March 14, 2026; 12:00-2:00pm
Calling all photographers! Take advantage of this special opportunity to get up close with a Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, and Barred Owl. Each bird will be presented in a natural setting for that perfect shot. No tents. No crowds. No jostling for position. While you click, a naturalist will discuss each species, their natural history and ecological place in Rhode Island. Space is limited, register early at asri.org/calendar.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $75/member, $85/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult.
Signs of Spring Discovery Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 14, 2026; 11:00 am-12:00pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a spring discovery walk. Look for signs of the changing season around Audubon’s Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge and try your hand at a scavenger hunt. A fun activity for all ages! Register at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $8/member adult/child pair, $5/each additional member; $12/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Geology of Rhode Island: Purgatory Chasm
Second Beach, Middletown, RI
March 21, 2026; 10:30am-12:00pm
Join Audubon for a spring stroll at Second Beach and Purgatory Chasm in Middletown to investigate the geological history of the area. Learn about how rocks form and how to identify different geological structures and formations that help us understand the Earth’s history. For additional details and to register, visit asri.org/calendar.
Second Beach, Middletown, RI; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Woodcocks and Wine at Fisherville
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
March 27, 2026; 6:30-8:30pm
Join us for an evening adventure in the fields of Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge to observe the enchanting flight patterns of the American Woodcock. Begin with a wine sampling and learn fascinating facts about these unusual birds. Then head out on a hike to observe the Woodcock display. Be warned, spring peepers or even a coyote might serenade you! Participants must be at least 21 years old. Advance registration is required.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Woodcocks and Wine at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 28, 2026; 6:30-8:30pm
Spring is in the air and so are the Woodcocks as they embark on their unique and amazing courtship ritual. Join Audubon for a wine tasting and presentation about this unusual and adorable bird. Then set out on a walk to try and catch a glimpse of the Woodcock “sky dance” at dusk. Registration required and participants must be age 21+.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Camouflage Egg Hunt
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
March 28, 2026; 9:30-11:00am
Audubon offers a fun alternative to the same old Easter Egg Hunt! Children, ages 3 to 10, hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage. The children trade their found eggs for a prize to take home, with special prizes going to the finders of the ‘golden eggs.’ Participants should bring a basket or bag for the hunt. Advance registration is required. This event is rain or shine, please dress for the weather. Sign in begins at 9:30am, the hunt begins promptly at 10:00am.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3-10. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bunnies and Breads with Audubon
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
March 28, 2026; 10:00-11:00am
Do you love bunnies? How about some carrot cake? Join Audubon a for a fun event to meet some live bunnies, maybe even a duck! Then enjoy some muffins and have an egg hunt. This fun event is for children ages 4 and up. Space is limited, please register early, and bring a basket for the egg hunt.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $10/member child; $14/non-member. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Frogs and Floats
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
March 28, 2026; 10:00 am-12:00pm
Join Audubon for a fun frog-filled day! Join an Audubon naturalist and discover what species of frogs live in Rhode Island, learn how to identify their calls – and enjoy a refreshing root beer float. This program includes an easy hike to vernal pool locations where participants will identify frog calls and learn the importance of protecting these vital habitats. Register in advance at asri.org/calendar.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Photos:
Great Blue Heron Mobile: Join an Eco-engineering Workshop on March 5, 2026 at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium to create your own hanging Bird Mobile that flaps its wings!
River Otter by Mary Ann Cofrin: Muskrats, Otters and Ales; Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA March 7, 2026.
Rhode Island Threads Art Exhibit: Lady Feather by Nancy Turbitt. Exhibit open March 1 – April 30, 2026.