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Audubon Society of Rhode Island                                
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Greetings!

Have you ever witnessed the spectacular flight patterns of the American Woodcock?  It is an amazing experience to watch this bird explode up in a spiraling flight, sing its song hundreds of feet in the air, then plummet down to the ground. Join us to observe this spring ritual at one of four Audubon evening programs, offered at refuges across the state and nearby Massachusetts.
     If setting out in search of harbor seals and historic sites is more to your liking, there are day trips planned to Prudence Island in March and April.  Observe seals at one of the best haul-out sites in Narragansett Bay, and then tour Prudence Island with stops at the one-room schoolhouse and other historic locations. If you've ever wanted to explore Prudence Island, this is your chance!
     Lastly, mark your calendar for BirdFest 2008! This annual birding conference, hosted by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, will be held on Saturday, April 5, at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown.  Join the flock for birding walks, lectures, presentations and activities - there's something for birders of all ages and levels.
     Enjoy the warmer weather!

Good birding,
Jeff Hall

Block Island Tourism
BirdFest 2008
Talks, Walks and Activities for
Birding Enthusiasts of All Ages


Saturday, April 5, 2008 · 8:00 a.m. -  4:00 p.m.
Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, Rhode Island


Interested in discovering ways to attract birds to your backyard or learning about feathered creatures that inhabit special places in Rhode Island?  Whether it's improving your birding skills, joining an informative walk, or enjoying nature activities with the little ones, there is something for bird enthusiasts of all ages at BirdFest 2008.
    You can select activities ranging from a full day of lectures and demonstrations, including birding a Sachuest Point and lunch ($35), or drop in for a family nature walk or activities designed for children. ($5/adult, $3/child).

     For more information or to register, call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email emarks@asri.org or jlewis@asri.org.  Note to long-time BirdFest fans: please be aware that we are no longer sending out a mailing with a registration form.  All the event information can be found in the Spring Nature Tours & Programs Guide.
 

Prudence Island Tour and Seal Watch
March 16 & 19, April 2 & 5, 2008               9:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Block Island TourismHave you always wanted to explore
Prudence Island?  Do you want a
chance to witness seals at one of the best haul-out spots in Narragansett Bay?  Then this experience is for you!  
     The day begins with a half-hour ferry ride from Bristol to Prudence Island.  You will be greeted on the island by an educator from the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. Explore the south end of the island and a popular seal haul-out at low tide.  After lunch, tour Prudence Island in our van with stops along the way to visit the one-room schoolhouse, historic sites, salt marshes, and beaches.  At the end of the day, you will catch the ferry back to Bristol, arriving there by 4:30 p.m.
     Bring approximately $7.00 for the round-trip ferry ticket, binoculars and camera, a packed lunch, water bottle, insect and tick repellent, comfortable foot wear and warm, waterproof clothes in case of inclement weather. 
Program Fee: $35/member adult, $20/member child; $40/non-member adult, $25/non-member child

For more information
Wonders of the American Woodcock
March 29 and April 4, 2008

Join Audubon for an evening adventure to observe the amazing, wing-whistling displays during the courtship flights of the American Woodcock.  Evening programs are offered at four Audubon refuges, located across the state and in nearby Massachusetts.
     
     For more information and program details    Click Here
Summer Camp

Kids Discover Nature at
Audubon Summer Camps

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Join the Fun and Get the Kids Outdoors This Summer! 
Sign Up Now for 2008 Audubon Summer Nature Camp


For more than 30 years, Audubon Summer Nature Camps have provided kids with a better understanding and awareness of the natural world through hands-on environmental education. Year after year, children in pre-k through grade 7 connect with nature and build a sense of respect and responsibility towards the environment through exciting learning experiences.  Camp programs include habitat exploration, hikes, nature studies, animal interviews, games, crafts and more.
     Nature Day Camps run for one-week sessions, June 25 through August 17, 2008.
     For complete camp schedules, down-loadable camp forms, locations, and additional information regarding cancellation policies, medical forms and immunizations call (401) 949-5454 ext. 3014.

GET MORE CAMP INFORMATION



Block Island TourismSharpe family makes historic gift to RI Foundation; will support innovative land conservation collaborative
 
Longtime Foundation supporters Henry and Peggy Sharpe have made a $1 million gift to support the work of the Conservation Stewardship Collaborative (CSC), an historic partnership of seven public and private organizations committed to the long-term protection and stewardship of terrestrial, aquatic, coastal, estuarine, and marine areas in Rhode Island.


Pictured above with Julie Sharpe is Peter August, professor of natural resources science and director of the University of Rhode Island's Coastal Institute.
 
Parents Advised to Use Common Sense with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs to Protect Children From Mercury Risk

In a recent report, Shedding Light on Mercury Risks from CFL Breakage, advocates urged the public to use energy efficient light bulbs in their homes, but to take extra precautions to reduce the risks associated with breaking mercury-containing compact fluorescent bulbs.
      "Compact fluorescent bulbs are growing in popularity because they reduce global warming pollution and cut electricity costs," said Sheila Dormody, Rhode Island Director of Clean Water Action. "By taking some common sense precautions, parents can protect their children from mercury risks and still get the benefits of energy efficient bulbs."
     To review the common sense precautions and safe clean-up procedures, read the report online at  www.mercurypolicy.org

 
MARCH 2008
In This Issue
BirdFest 2008
Prudence Island Tour and Seal Watch
Wonders of the American Woodcock
Sharpe Family Makes Historic Gift to Support Conservation
Parents Advised to Use Common Sense with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Organic Lawn Care Workshop

Environmental License Plate


Block Island Tourism

Thanks to all who have ordered the Osprey license plates.  The minimum  quantity of 900 sets has been reached and the order has been submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
    We will keep you updated on the license plate schedule and alert you when they are in hand and ready to distribute.
    Thank you again for supporting the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Save the Bay environmental education programs.
 
Audubon
Earth Day Celebration
April 19, 2008

Block Island Tourism

Discover seven simple things that you can do to save our planet - one for each day of the week!  This day of fun and learning will include crafts, children's activities, stories, nature hikes, lectures and more.  You can make a difference in the world around you.  Come and find out how!
     Ride your bike to the Environmental Education Center on Earth Day and get free admission to the event.

Admission: $6/member adult, $4/member child (ages 4-12); $8/non- member adult, $5/non-member child (ages 4-12); children under 4 free.

Sponsors for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's 2008 Earth Day celebration include the following: ABC6, Coast 93.3 fm, Cox Communications, National Grid, Blount Fine Foods, REI.


Spring
Nature Tours and Programs Guide


Block Island Tourism


Observe the amazing flight patterns of the American Woodcock or get out on the trails and explore vernal pools for salamanders and spring peepers.

Information on these programs and many more are available in the 26-page spring Nature Tours and Programs guide.  Celebrate spring with Audubon!

See a copy online by clicking on the link below.


Spring Nature Tour
and Program Guide
 

 Want a Beautiful,
Organic Lawn?

Want a beautiful lawn this spring? Come see new approaches to organic lawn care at Rough Point and discover how to grow healthy lawns and landscapes with a presentation by leading horticulture specialist, Chip Osborne. Enjoy an interactive workshop and a tour of Rough Point's historic grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Learn how to keep your lawn healthy for you, your family, and the environment!
 
Thursday, March 27
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
 
Rough Point
680 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
 
Registrations required, contact:
Danielle Cavanna, 401-846-4152 or
Danielle@NewportRestoration.org
 
$15 for Workshop
$10 for lunch (optional)
 

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Jeffrey Hall
Audubon Society of Rhode Island


Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Nature Shops

Present this coupon to save 20% on all bird feeders.
 
  Smithfield and Bristol, Rhode Island -  Offer Expires March 31, 2008