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 Audubon Society of Rhode Island
February 2009

Block Island Tourism
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Inside This Issue
Solar Energy Seminars
No Child Left Inside
Give a Green Valentine
School Vacation Week
Free Lecture: Understanding the Migratory Connectivity of Birds
Plum Island and Cape Ann Expedition
Winter Farmer's Market
Winter Walk
Owl Prowls
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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

ABC6

Alteris Renewables

AMGEN

Bank of America Foundation

Blount Fine Foods

Citizens Bank Foundation

93.3 Coast FM

Dunkin' Donuts

Edwards, Angell, Palmer & Dodge, LLP

Fidelity Investments

GEM Plumbing and Heating

 National Grid

New Energy Alliance

New England Gas Co.

Next Era Energy

REI

RI PBS

Toray Plastics (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


Block Island Tourism
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Make a Lasting Legacy

Hawkes Legacy logo

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.



Gift Program
I Heart Wildlife

OK, it doesn't take a neurosurgeon to understand that Valentine's Day is upon us. Just walk into any CVS or RiteAid (I think I even saw a heart wreath at Home Depot) and you'll see all the Valentine's Day decorations, cards and candy.

So, yesterday I'm buying some valentine goodies for my kids (don't tell them - it's a surprise) and I saw those little heart candies with sayings on them..."I Heart U," "You're Cute"... we've all seen them...and that got me thinking.

If I had to make little sayings for Audubon hearts what would they be? "I Heart Birds," "Wetlands R Great," "CROAK!" "RE Cycle," "Eat Local," "Nature Lover."

What would your saying be?

I have one for you! "Heart of Gold!"  Because this gives me the opportunity to thank you again for your support of Audubon.

Going into the end of a very difficult 2009, all indicators pointed to a rough time for our fund raising. We faced the very real possibility of ending the year in a deficit.

But something incredible happened. Or should I say "someone" incredible happened. By the close of the year, because of your "Heart of Gold" and others like you...we ended the year with a balanced budget and a little bit more! Wow, even in our best estimate we didn't think that was going to be possible.

You were extremely generous and I wanted to thank you - one more time - for making the work of Audubon possible.

This month we are getting ready for owl prowls, school vacation, and the rough and tumble politics at the statehouse. We'll keep you up to date on the latest issues and opportunities.

Good Birding,
Jeff
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Solar Energy Seminars - Two Locations Offered
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield
February 9, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol;
February 11, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Considering Solar for your home? Join Alteris Renewables for a community seminar on the new Rhode Island Energy Grant. The evening will include a visual presentation, explanation of solar electric system components, and a system cost analysis.  Here's your chance to get your questions answered and have a discussion with experienced solar specialists. 

Grant applications are now being taken and must be submitted by March 1, 2010.

To register for a seminar, please call 1-800-399-7804.

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News Flash! Big Win on No Child Left Inside!


We just logged a major victory for No Child Left Inside, perhaps our most significant.  President Obama's budget that was released yesterday includes environmental literacy in the U.S. Department of Education budget for the very first time.  We now have the Obama administration officially on our side, and better yet, in their budget.

Read more!

Source: No Child Left Inside Coalition

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 How About a Green Valentine?

Did you know approximately one billion valentine cards are sent out each year?  That's a lot of virgin paper that ends up in the trash. 

This year consider sending cards made from recycled paper or better yet, make your own from recycled scraps and ribbons.  Enjoying a romantic night out at a restaurant? Select one that uses locally grown, organic ingredients in their menu.  If chocolate is what your valentine desires, consider organic, free trade varieties.

And don't forget our feathered friends. Bring the kids to the Audubon Environmental Education Center on February 13 from  1:00 - 2:00 pm to make special valentines to hang outside for the birds.  Program is free with admission, but advance registration is required. Call (401) 949-5454 ext. 3041.

For more green valentine ideas, click here.

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School Vacation Week                          February 15 - 19
Environmental Education Center, Bristol &
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield


Bring the kids and discover nature with Audubon!  Get up close with amazing raptors, discover some unusual fish, dig into some gooey science, dissect a squid, hit the trails with an expert guide, and more.   For a complete calendar of vacation events, click here or visit www.asri.org
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Understanding the Migratory Connectivity of Birds Lecture by Peter P. Marra
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center,
National Zoological Park, Washington DC

February 4; 6:00 p.m.
List Art Center Auditorium, Brown University.
Free and open to the public.


This talk is part of a lecture series associated with the David Winton Bell Gallery Exhibition "Zugunruhe" by Rachel Berwick, an art installation that addresses the migratory patterns of birds and the extinction of the passenger pigeon.
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Plum Island and Cape Ann  Expedition                      Snowy Owl
March 6, 2010; 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.


Register Early!

Join an Audubon expert and climb aboard the Audubon Van for a day tip to the north shore of Massachusetts. Snowy Owl, Short-eared Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, Barrow's Goldeneye, Black Guillemont and Bald Eagle are just some of the birds we might observe in this birding paradise.  Dress warmly and pack a lunch.
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Wintertime Farmer's Markets

Looking for something to do this weekend? Take a trip over to the Farmer's Market in Pawtucket at Hope Artiste Village.

Each Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., over 50 local farmers and food artisans set up booths and sell delicious offerings.  Everything from jams and cheeses to meats and produce. Head on over and have a great time discovering what the local farming and food community has to offer.
 
For more information and directions, visit FarmFreshRhodeIsland.com
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Winter Walk                               
Kimball Wildlife Refuge
Charlestown, RI
February 20; 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Join Kimball naturalist Bob Kenney on an exploration of the snow-covered woods and fields of the Kimball Refuge and Burlingame State Park next door, in the quietest season of the year. Past winter walks have uncovered deer and fox prints in the snow, crossbills in the pines, otters and muskrats and even Bald Eagles on the frozen pond.  Finish the walk by warming up around the stove with a steaming bowl of vegetarian chili.

Register Now!
 
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Get Out and Prowl for Owls
Join one of Audubon's most popular programs!

Join an Audubon expert on the crisp evening trails in search of owls, those mystical creatures of the night. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. 


These are very popular programs...register early!

Kimabll Willdife Refuge, Charlestown - February 6; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk - February 18; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
In Search of Owls Van Trip - February 20; 6:00 p.m.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter - February 26; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry - March 26; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
 

Owl Prowls sponsored by REI
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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.
 
Jeffrey Hall
Sr. Director of Advancement
(401) 949-5454 x3017