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Audubon Society of Rhode Island
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January 2010
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Your donation of...
$52 will commit one dollar a week for the environment $195 will send one child in need to summer camp for a week $245 will provide one school bus for an urban school to bring 45 children to an Audubon refuge $563 will subsidize our raptor care for one month $1,007 will purchase GPS receivers to monitor endangered species and habitat $2,289 will allow for the reconstruction of a refuge bridge $5,000 will underwrite the stewardship of one of our public refuges $10,000 ... well, we'll tell you but we're speechless! |
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Quick Links
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Partners In Conservation
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New England Gas Co.
NextEra Energy
REI
RI PBS
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(America), Inc.
Van Liew Trust Company
Walmart Foundation
Washington Trust
WPRI
Find Out How Your Business Can Become a Partner
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This Month's
eWing Sponsor
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Make a Lasting Legacy
The Hawkes Legacy Circle is a community of visionary individuals who have committed to leaving the Audubon Society of Rhode Island in their wills and estate plans, so that wildplaces and wildlife will always have an advocate for their cause. To learn more how you can make a lasting gift to Audubon, click here.  |
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Hats on, binoculars up!
Cold weather never deters the true birder. In fact, I know some birders who hop on a boat and head out into the Atlantic to get the chance to see birds only found in our waters at this time of year. Now, I like birding, but I think we could call this Extreme Birding! Maybe they'll make a cable TV show about it? Any takers?
Birding in the winter can actually be quite fun. I like cruising beach parking lots (no traffic) to see horned larks and snow buntings or various winter gulls - all from the warmth of my car. Sea ducks, like Harlequins and Common Eiders, along with Northern Gannets, Razorbills, and Dovekies visit our shores in the winter and Beavertail in Jamestown and Sachuest Point in Middletown offer great spots to see them. Bundle up - the birds are still here!
If you want to know what birds have been seen - and where - check out current bird postings by clicking here.
The last six weeks, as we were getting ready for the holidays, has been a time of great sadness. We have lost several close friends of Audubon. Maxwell Mays passed in November along with longtime supporter Harold Bannister and in December we learned about the loss of Mary Winsor and Valerie Matthews, this year's Volunteer of the Year.
While heartbreaking to have so many pass in such a short time, it allows us to reflect on how lucky we all are to have had them as part of Audubon for so long. Their contributions varied, but their common purpose of protecting Rhode Island's environment, each in their own way, is a lasting legacy to us all.
What will your legacy to nature be? Consider becoming part of the Hawkes Legacy Circle. Hawkes Legacy Circle members are people who have made the intention to leave Audubon in their will and estate plans. There's no further commitment, except your personal conviction to protecting and conserving wildlife and our state's natural resources through the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
We will be holding several, informal meetings around the state over the next few months to explain the Hawkes Legacy Circle and the many ways in which you can plan a bequest or planned gift and the tax consequences of those decisions. Please watch your mail for more information, or you can contact me directly and we can talk privately.
My best to you for a healthy and prosperous year ahead!
Good Birding,Jeff_______________________________________________________________________
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 Go Prowl for Owls!
Explore the trails under the stars with an Audubon naturalist and search for owls in their natural habitat.
Audubon is offering Owl Prowls at locations across the state from January through March. Visit www.asri.org and check the calendar for additional details.
These programs are very popular and fill quickly, register today!
January 22: Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge; Exeter, RI
January 30: Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 6: Kimball Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown, RI
February 18: Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 26: Fisherville Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
March 26: Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
Register now!
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New Winter Hours at Education Center
Environmental Education Center will have new opening times starting January 11, 2010.
Winter hours of operation will be:
Closed Monday
Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Tuesday-Saturday
Open 12 - 5 p.m.: Sunday
The Center will re-open on Mondays on beginning on April 5, 2010.
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No Child Left Inside Act
We need your help...
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is working on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education ACT (ESEA also known as No Child Left Behind), and there are critical actions that must be taken now to ensure that the bill includes provisions for pre-K through grade 12 environmental and outdoor education as outlined in the No Child Left Inside Act, sponsored by Senator Reed and Congressman Sarbanes.
Click Here to Show Your Support in Get Kids Learning About Nature.
The Department of Education is requesting comments on ESEA
as they begin drafting new language for the bill. DOE officials have advised us
that the comments they receive are being reviewed and carefully considered. It
is essential that DOE hear from every one of us about the value of
environmental and outdoor education to student success and teacher quality.
Use the link above to let Secretary Duncan and the Obama administration know that you support the inclusion of No Child Left Inside in the reauthorized ESEA.
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Recycle Your Old Incandescent Holiday 
Lights
Everyone is talking about the new LED holiday lights - the safety, energy efficiency and longevity they provide. But what to do with all those old strings of lights? If you used the new LED lights this season, or are planning to purchase them for next year, click here for information on a holiday lights recycling program for your old lights. The program runs until the end of February 2010.__________________________________________________________________________
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 Snowshoeing with Audubon
Three Dates Offered
Bundle up and explore the beauty of nature in winter. Search for tracks and other signs of wildlife on the trails. Participants must supply their own snowshoes. They may be rented at EMS or REI. If there is no snow, plan to hike the trails with your guide.
Registration is required. Visit www.asri.org for more details.
Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI;
January 23 and February 13, 2010; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI:
February 7, 2010; 10:00 a.m. - noon
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Clean Those Furnace Filters!
According to a report released by the White House, homes are responsible for more than 20 percent of carbon emissions in the United States. By making a few minor adjustments to your abode, you can reduce emissions and save money this winter.
Clean or replace your furnace filters. Check them at least once a month during periods of high use. If you have an old, outdates furnace, consider upgrading to a newer model. Consult the Energy Star website to find out if you are eligible for a federal tax credit.
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Block it Out!
Did you know that doors can allow cold air to enter a room, even when they are closed? The Daily Green reports that drafts waste five to thirty percent of your home's energy. Check out the Rusty Robbin's tutorial on how to make your own draft snake. If you aren't the type to pick up a needle and thread, a rolled towel placed at the base of a door will do the same for stopping unwanted airflow.
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Mark Your Calendar!
Audubon Great Expeditions 2010 
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island hosts a series of annual extended natural history trips with expert guides to destinations throughout the Northeast. Don't miss the opportunity to travel with Audubon to scenic locations that are teeming with wildlife.
The 2010 schedule is listed below. Please call (401) 949-5454 ext. 3041 for more information or to register.
Plum Island and Cape Ann Expedition
North shore of Massachusetts; March 6, 2010.
Block Island Spring Overnight
May 17 - 18, 2010
Touring Western Maine
June 3 - 6, 2010
Grand Manan Eco-adventure
New Brunswick, Canada; July 12 - 16, 2010
Block Island Birding Weekend
October 1 - 3, 2010.
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Think Green When Making Your List
Eco-Resolutions for 2010
Consider making eco-resolutions for 2010. Start with one or two ideas that you can really stick with - and will make an impact on the environment. Remember, many eco-resolutions will save money and energy, and help achieve a healthier you!
Click here for a few ideas from the Daily Green.
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Double Your Gift to Audubon
Do you work for a company that matches charitable gifts? If so, you could make double the impact! Click here to see a list of companies that make corporate matching gifts. Don't know if your company matches gifts? Check with your Human Resources Dept. to see if they do, or would consider starting.
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Jeffrey Hall
Sr. Director of Advancement
(401) 949-5454 x3017
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Audubon Nature Shops
Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
Powder Mill Ledges, Smithfield, RI
Present this coupon and receive
an additional 10% off
all clearance items.
May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Coupon expires January 31, 2010.
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