Audubon Report | Spring 2026

COUNCIL

President:

Dickson

Nicholas

Christian

Trudy

Meghan

STANDING STRONG PROTECTING FORESTS

Habitat Restoration at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Making

Robert

Suzanne

Steven

Frank

Julia

Charlotte

Everett

Cynthia

Kim

Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-949-5454 www.asri.org

Executive Director: Jeffrey C. Hall

Managing Editor: Hope M. Foley

Contributing Writers: Laura Carberry, Hope Foley, Sara Horvet, Abbie Lahmers, Lauren Parmelee, Scott Ruhren, Katie Schortmann, Betsy and Richard Staples

Contributing Photographers: Rachael Bonoan, Cate Brown, Mary Ann Cofrin, Matt DiMaio III, Marina Flannery, Peter Green, Casey Johnson, Abbie Lahmers, Jason Major, Glenn Osmundson, Scott Ruhren, Richard Staples

The Report is Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s newsletter, updating members and supporters on current news, policy issues, research and initiatives being led by the organization, staff, and volunteers.

We encourage your participation. Please send items that will be considered for publication to Managing Editor Hope M. Foley at hfoley@asri.org.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

IS THE GLASS HALF FULL?

Every day, the headlines seem to test us. Endangered species protections are challenged. Once-protected lands and even underwater sea canyons face renewed pressure for resource extraction. Climate impacts are accelerating and the tools to combat them seem to disappear with an executive pen. And here at home, I’m asking whether an uncertain economy will affect the loyal support that keeps Audubon strong.

Is it fair to ask, "Is the glass half full?”

As you read this Report, you will see both the urgency and the hope. You’ll learn why Scarlet Tanagers and Wood Thrush depend on large, connected forests, and about the layers of diversity found in woodland habitats. You’ll learn how to help turtles crossing busy roads, and pollinators that rely on native plants. You’ll see our work restoring water quality at Roger Williams Park Zoo and advancing bird conservation science.

The threats are real. Forest fragmentation, invasive species, increased pesticide use, climate impacts, longer droughts and stronger storms, they are all challenging the delicate balance of nature.

As I’ve said before, forests are the life-support system of Rhode Island’s ecosystems. They absorb floodwaters, filter drinking water, store carbon, and shelter biodiversity. If we are not vigilant, we risk losing not just the trees, but the very stability that forests provide to birds, wildlife, and ourselves.

Just as forests are the life support for the natural world, you, and all our donors, are the life-support system of Audubon.

With clouds on the horizon — environmental, political, economic — I wonder what the future holds. Will our support remain strong? Will there be grants available to fund the science and education crucial to our mission? Will Rhode Islanders continue to prioritize conservation even in uncertain times?

I believe the answer is yes, because our connection to nature is such a powerful force.

Nature grounds us … it balances us … it reminds us that resilience is built slowly — tree by tree, habitat by habitat, generation by generation. When you hear a Wood Thrush for the first time, when a family discovers a frog or salamander on a refuge trail, when volunteers monitor migrating birds or help us clear trails, something steadily takes root.

That is why we do this work, to conserve land for wildlife, to educate a generation of children, and to advocate for science-based policy. We invest in clean, renewable energy through RePower Audubon. We restore habitats to enhance their value for birds and all the species that live under the forest canopy. As the late President John F. Kennedy once said, we do these things, “not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

I will admit, there are days when the glass feels half empty.

This will be a challenging year ahead. But when I look at the land and forests we protect, our donors standing beside us, and the community that rallies and supports our mission, I see something totally different … I see a glass that is still filling.

Good birding,

Jeffrey C. Hall Executive Director

P.S. Thank you to every donor who contributed to Audubon’s success last year, whether that was in time or treasure. You make this organization stronger and ensure that there is a future for the animals and people we share our world with.

Forests are the life-support system of Rhode Island’s ecosystems.

– Audubon Executive Director Jeffrey Hall

“

standing strong

PROTECTING RHODE ISLAND FORESTS

In every layer of our woodlands, birds and wildlife thrive. It's evidence of the work Audubon is doing to preserve these vital habitats.

By Abbie Lahmers

Too much of our life is seen at 60 miles per hour,” remarks Scott Ruhren, Audubon Senior Director of Conservation, during a walk in Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge. In the span of an hour, following the trail marked by blue blazes, there are both obvious and subtle shifts in scenery.

We pass 100-year-old white pines and vernal pools that may soon hold spotted salamander eggs, cross a boardwalk where signs of beaver activity can be seen in the pond, enter a clearing with a Chimney Swift nesting tower, and then, as the trail nears wetlands, we begin to see Atlantic white cedars – identifiable by their tiny green needles and striated bark gradually spiraling up the trunk – and red maples, which will be the first trees to flower in the spring.

These small details are part of the bigger narrative of the ecosystem. In the lifecycle of a forest, the earlier that any evidence of disturbance or disease is identified, the better that organizations like Audubon and their conservation partners can plan for the future.

And though woodlands may appear abundant and impervious to threats, Ruhren emphasizes that they face “many of the large-scale challenges that all habitats face today, including warmer weather, shorter winters, and impacts from severe storms. Invasive plants, insects, and pathogens that native plants have no history or protective response to are also growing threats.

"If we're not careful, we could lose large areas of the forested land we have.”

Continued on page 6

tHE CanoPY

Preserving Connected Greenway

In the canopy of a mature forest, you can hear the low rustlings of mature trees swaying in a breeze, especially the further you are from the single-note drone of traffic on the highway. In the spring, sounds of activity in the leaves and urgent trills of birdsong are added to this natural chorus, signaling the return of migratory species to the approximately 380,000 acres of woodland that make up over 55% of Rhode Island.

The Scarlet Tanager is among these seasonal residents. A neotropical migratory bird (species that migrate from tropical areas in Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean), the male is known for its bright red plumage and black wings, contrasting the female’s subdued olive-yellow. They arrive in April and May, and some keep traveling north on their long voyage from wintering in South America, but many reliably stay here, especially in the western part of Rhode Island where larger forested areas provide the right habitat conditions.

“Without large plots of mature forest, Scarlet Tanager populations can't succeed,” explains Audubon Director of Bird Conservation Sarah Deckel. Smaller, younger wooded plots lack crucial habitat features, such as tall trees where they breed, and food resources, which they forage for high above the forest floor.

Deckel explains that the Scarlet Tanager and similar species can afford to be omnivorous, eating both fruit and insects, later in the summer, but when arriving in the spring, “they rely on very high-protein insects to give them enough energy to have a successful breeding season. If there's a cold snap, or if it's extremely hot or raining for many days, that can be energetically expensive.”

The Scarlet Tanager is also on Audubon’s list of Responsibility Birds, a selection of species that researchers are actively monitoring, and Audubon is developing habitat management plans to reverse population declines. The conservation of these birds often indirectly

supports species with similar needs. “Forests play a really huge role in more than half of our Responsibility Birds,” says Deckel. Whether breeding, migratory, or overwintering, these species are already facing population declines due to human influence.

Audubon manages almost 10,000 acres, of which about 90-95% is forest. “They are the life-support system of Rhode Island’s ecosystems,” says Audubon Executive Director Jeff Hall. “Rhode Island has a good thing going for the birds in terms of sheer breadth of forest. Preserving contiguous forests now is far more effective and affordable than trying to restore them in the future, once they’ve been fragmented or degraded.”

Audubon Properties Director Laura Carberry describes the lay of the land: “In Exeter, we have Fisherville Brook, which is over 1,000 acres. North of that is a Nature Conservancy property and Big River Management Area, so it's this huge contiguous forest that is really good for biodiversity.” South of Fisherville is Audubon’s Eppley Wildlife Refuge, which covers another thousand acres, including a section of Queen River and also contains an Atlantic white cedar swamp. “It's a very different forest, with more pinewood conifers, whereas Fisherville is more upland forests with oaks and maples. There’s a lot of biodiversity between the properties, and they're connected by this corridor.”

UndErstorY

Forests on the Frontlines of Climate Change

Trace your gaze down from the top of the canopy to the acres of undergrowth ahead – the tree trunks, shrubs, and snags – and listen for the flutey notes of another bird on Audubon’s Responsibility Bird list: the Wood Thrush.

“When we work toward preserving forested plots for the Scarlet Tanager, we’re preserving it for the Wood Thrush, too,” says Deckel. “The Wood Thrush is another charismatic bird. People love their songs and the spotted pattern on their chest. If we want to continue hearing these songs in the forests in the spring and summer, the key is to preserve these large, forested plots.”

The Wood Thrush primarily spends its time in the understory, the layer between the forest canopy and ground cover, and prefers mature forests, with a diverse range of food and habitat features. “We have a good population of Wood Thrush at Fisherville Brook,” says Carberry, “so that’s one way we know it’s a healthy environment, same with looking at spotted turtle populations that need really clean water – we have them on many of our refuges too. We can assess the health of our properties by looking at key indicators like these species over time. It helps us to identify trends.”

Keeping records of changes and trends in these habitats provides a critical snapshot of the state of the forests. “Many forest bird species are declining, and scientists often record the loss of these populations before broader ecosystem impacts are visible,” says Hall. “Like the canaries in the coal mines, birds are an early warning system on forest fragmentation, wide-scale use of pesticides, and changes in the ecosystems due to a warming climate.”

In a balanced ecosystem, parcels of forest can both withstand and combat increasingly severe climate change events, but only if they’re healthy and vigorous, allowing them to endure drought, winds, snow, and other threats. When preserved and managed effectively, forests will return the protection and resources we give to them.

“The extreme storms, which used to be more historic, are more common now,” says Ruhren. “They used to be called hundred-year floods and now we’re getting them every 20 years. Open spaces like Fisherville can absorb the water, much better than a shopping mall parking lot.”

When excess precipitation collects in the forest, it’s less likely to flood downstream into more populated areas. Carberry recalls a period of heavier than usual rainfall several years ago: “It flooded the road closest to Fisherville, but the water had dispersed enough throughout the forest that it didn’t make it to Route 102. If we didn't have this undeveloped land, all that water would run off and continue to flood roads and cause damage.”

Bodies of water that flow through the forests of southwestern Rhode Island are all part of the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed, supplying a vital source of drinking water to many residents. Before the water gets to our faucets or wells, the forest – like wetlands – acts almost like a sponge, absorbing contaminants from the rainwater and capturing sediments on their roots, preventing pollution from ever reaching the watershed, and also reducing soil erosion.

Continued on page 9

RESEARCH

Breeding Bird Surveys*

Early May through Late August

Can you can identify RI breeding birds by sight and sound? We could use your help to monitor birds on our wildlife refuges!

Set up Audio Recorders for Migration

Early April and Late May

Volunteers are needed to put audio recording units (ARUs) on the refuges. Must be able to carry equipment into the field.

Invertebrate Surveys*

Mid-April/Early May through August. Monitor what food is available for birds on our wildlife refuges. No prior identification experience is required.

Window Strike Surveys*

Mornings in May

Millions of birds face mortality every year due to window strikes. Walk a route in Providence in the early hours (6am) during spring migration to monitor the impacts of window strikes.

* High need

Email Sarah Deckel at sdeckel@asri.org

The Eastern Towhee is one of our Responsibility Birds that are in the steepest decline, and that’s partially because of forest fragmentation, invasive species, and disturbance.

– Sarah Deckel, Audubon Director of Bird Conservation

Where Have (Most) Birds Been This Winter?

April 15, 2026 6:00–7:00pm Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol

Meet Dr. Sarah Deckel, Audubon Director of Bird Conservation, explore the mysteries of migration, and learn how research is tracking these perilous journeys.

Details at asri.org/calendar.

For a small state, Rhode Island contains many types of forest. Defined by the dominant trees, you will find many other tree species coexist within these habitats as well.

ForEsts oF rHodE isLand

Oak/Hickory

• The most common forest in Rhode Island, comprising 50-60% of all the state’s forests.

• Dominated by red and white oaks with hickory species, it is more common in Northern RI.

• Birds: Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Ovenbirds and Wild Turkey.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Found in the dry uplands at Maxwell Mays and Parker Woodland (Coventry), Powder Mill Ledges (Smithfield) and Fort Wildlife Refuge (North Smithfield).

By Dr. Scott Ruhren, Senior Director of Conservation

Maple/Ash

• Red maple is Rhode Island’s state tree, most likely the most common tree statewide. The species is the predominant member of this habitat.

• With the decline of ash species from invasive insect pests, this forest is changing.

• Birds: Vireos, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Ovenbird, and Northern Saw-whet Owl.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge (Tiverton).

Maple/Birch

• Birches, both black (aka sweet birch) and yellow, are common in this forest habitat.

• Hemlock can grow in cooler and darker sections.

• Birds: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blackcapped Chickadees and finches.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge (Coventry).

Oak/Pine

• White pine, common in Rhode Island, coexists with oaks and other hardwoods in this forest community.

• Pines may form dense stands, occasionally with ancient trees older than 200 years.

• Birds: Pileated Woodpeckers, Pine and Black-throated Green Warblers, and Veery.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Most common in Central RI. Fisherville Brook (Exeter) and Powder Mill Ledges (Smithfield).

Southern New England Mesic Forest

• A moist, yet not wet, cool and fertile forest.

• Black gum, red maple and pines mixed with oaks and other species. It is changing with the decline of American beeches.

• Birds: Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart, Eastern Woodpewee and many warblers.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Lathrop Wildlife Refuge (Westerly), Caratunk (Seekonk), and the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge (Bristol).

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp

• Wet, dark and often impenetrable forest.

• Birds: Woodpeckers, warblers, Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers and unique species including the rare Northern Parula.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Long Pond Woods (Rockville) has large stands of this rare forest. Smaller tracts at Fisherville Brook (Exeter).

Maritime Woodlands

• Coastal exposure to wind, salt spray, and storms influence these mixed-species forests with distinctive American holly and shadbush.

• Birds: Migratory species as well as annual breeding birds such as warblers and sparrows.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Touisset Marsh (Warren), and Lathrop Wildlife Refuge (Westerly).

Silver Maple/Sycamore Floodplains

• Influenced by their location along streams and rivers, these nutrientrich forests can withstand seasonal flooding.

• In addition to the maples and sycamores, large mature hackberry trees may also be found.

• Birds: Wood Ducks, Yellow Warblers, flycatchers, Belted Kingfisher.

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges: Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge (North Kingstown).

Pitch Pine/Scrub Oak

• Dry, low fertility soils and fire, historically, drive the creation of this forest type where trees and other plants grow slowly.

• Birds: Eastern Towhee, Whip-poorwill, Eastern Screech-Owl, Pine Warbler and Brown Thrasher.

• This forest can be found in Western RI and on Audubon protected lands on Prudence Island.

Richard Staples

It’s well-known that forests produce oxygen that we breathe, and soak up carbon, which helps keep the climate cooler – all you have to do is stand on a piece of pavement for a few minutes during the summer, and then spend time in a forest to notice the difference in temperature. The mental health benefits of making time to take a walk in the woods can’t be understated, either.

Hall says, “Centering forest preservation in climate conversations is essential if we want low-cost, nature-based solutions to the climate crisis.”

ForEst FLoor Education from the Ground Up

Not all birding happens above eye-level –denizens of the forest floor include the Eastern Towhee, which forages in the leaf litter and forest edges. Listen for the sound of rummaging in the undergrowth, and watch for the black head, throat, and back plumage of the male, with reddish sides. The female can be distinguished by brown upperparts instead of black.

“They are one of our Responsibility Birds that are in the steepest decline, and that’s partially because of forest fragmentation, invasive species, and disturbance,” notes Deckel. Leaf litter in smaller, isolated patches of forest doesn’t provide enough nutrient-dense food resources for them.

While walking through Fisherville, Ruhren points out some indicators of the health and vitality of the ecosystem that Audubon protects, such as layers of vegetation. Mixed ages and species exemplify strong biodiversity, but if an area is disturbed, a dominant species may take over, or it invites an opening for invasives to fill in, which disrupts the balance of the ecosystem. In the summer, you want to see lots of saplings and native shrubs – a good sign of regeneration and that deer pressure isn’t too high.

These are the kinds of details Ruhren points out to those who participate in the Forestry for the Birds program. Through Audubon’s partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, landowners can have their property assessed for biodiversity, with Ruhren and Carberry surveying the plants and birds present there. More and more people are motivated to do what’s best for wildlife, even if it means unlearning previously held beliefs about what a “pristine” landscape should look like. Continued from page 7

Continued on page 30

Animals Love Clean Water Too

Advancing Water Quality and Habitat Restoration at Roger Williams Park Zoo

By Sara Horvet, Outreach and Engagement Program Manager

One of Providence’s most beloved public spaces, Roger Williams Park Zoo, is taking steps to incorporate effective, natural solutions to improve water quality and protect the wildlife and natural habitat found within its wetland area.

For many years, the pond in the Zoo has struggled with poor water quality. Excess nutrients in the water have led to cyanobacteria blooms, which can harm wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem. Nearby Polo Lake (which is connected to the Zoo pond through a culvert) also faces similar problems, including high levels of phosphorus and bacteria. A newly developed Stormwater Master Plan will help identify where this pollution is coming from and outline practical, long-term solutions to improve conditions in both the Zoo pond and Polo Lake.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island and the Stormwater Innovation Center are leading this effort in partnership with the Zoo and the City of Providence’s Public Works and Parks Departments. Funded by a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Watershed Implementation Grant through a partnership with Restore America’s Estuaries, this work is an important step toward improving water quality, protecting wildlife, and strengthening the park’s ability to handle heavy rain and climate impacts.

Combining Green Infrastructure, Education and Outreach

A major focus of the plan is the use of natural, environmentally friendly green infrastructure solutions to manage stormwater. These solutions fit well with the Zoo’s conservation mission and include ways to slow down, filter, and better direct rainwater. The plan will recommend strategies that work with the Zoo’s existing operations and maintenance abilities, including strategic routing of select flows into existing infrastructure where appropriate, while prioritizing on-site nature based treatment and infiltration. The project also creates opportunities for future education and outreach, helping visitors and community members learn more about how stormwater affects water quality and wildlife.

– Leigh Picard, Roger Willams Park Zoo Director of Guest Engagement “ “

It’s an amazing opportunity for us to tell an important story about a part of our Zoo that many visitors may otherwise take for granted, and… encourage them to learn more about how to get involved in this type of work in their own communities.

BE AN EARLY BIRD

Register now for these Audubon programs. Visit asri.org/calendar.

The Director of Guest Engagement at Roger Williams Park Zoo, Leigh Picard, stated “We’re so excited about this project. In addition to the value of the project itself, it’s a great example of the wide variety of conservation work the Zoo is involved in but of which many of our guests are unaware. It’s an amazing opportunity for us to tell an important story about a part of our Zoo that many visitors may otherwise take for granted, and at the same time encourage them to learn more about how to get involved in this type of work in their own communities.”

To support the plan, the Stormwater Innovation Center and Horsley Witten Group are conducting on-the-ground research and water testing throughout the Zoo wetland and Polo Lake. Their work has included studying drainage patterns, sampling water quality, and mapping how rainwater flows into the ponds. They identified several ways stormwater enters the area, including rainfall, surface runoff, and six stormwater pipes that discharge around the ponds.

A Shared Vision for Urban Habitat Protection

The team also worked closely with project partners to explore ways to reduce pollution, prevent erosion, improve land management, and enhance wetland habitat. These ideas were developed during a collaborative design workshop held in October 2025, where participants shared ideas and created early design concepts. These concepts do not directly lead to construction but provide the road map for phased future projects. This session helped build a shared vision for the future of the Zoo pond and will guide the final plan. The Principal Landscape Architect at Horsley Witten, Brian Kuchar, felt that “this hands-on approach [was] an efficient and inclusive way to develop the concepts and seemed to be well received by the zoo staff.”

Audubon and the Stormwater Innovation Center are excited to complete the Stormwater Master Plan and use it to identify and implement future restoration and education projects at the Zoo. This work reflects Audubon’s and Roger Williams Park Zoo’s shared commitment to clean water, healthy urban habitats, and innovative solutions that benefit both people and wildlife – now and for generations to come.

Zoo pond by canoe. Middle photo: Molly Welsh, Stormwater Research Program Manager, installs an overland flow collector to sample stormwater runoff. Bottom photo: Seasonal Water Resources Monitoring Assistants Jaired Flanagan and Jack Duncan conduct water testing.

Free May Bird Outings: Celebrate Spring Migration

Outings offered across the state, beginners welcome. Register early!

Early Morning Bird Walk, Spring Ephemerals and Breakfast

May 2, 2026; 8:00am-12:00pm

Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI

Start the morning off with an early bird walk to hear early spring warblers and explore the forest for spring flowers called ephemerals. Following the walk enjoy a scrumptious fireside breakfast at the lakeside cabin. Space is limited, register today!

May Birding Van Trip

May 11, 2026; 7:30am-4:00pm

Climb aboard the Audubon van and explore many birding hot spots in Rhode Island during this exciting time of the year. Warblers, vireos and other spring beauties will make for an unforgettable trip. Pack a lunch and bring your binoculars. Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI. Ages 15+.

Spring Birding Spectacular

Nine-day Van trip to Magee Marsh, Ohio and Beyond!

May 13–21, 2026; Register by March 31!

Picture low trees with Prothonotary, Blackburnian, and Cape May warblers, White Pelicans and Caspian Terns flying overhead, Sora in the marsh, Yellow-headed Blackbirds and so much more! Enjoy a nine day/eight night van trip to Magee Marsh in Ohio and on to Michigan to search for rare Kirtland's Warblers. Visit asri.org/calendar for more information.

LEADING THE WAY TO A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE

Thanks to your help, we have reached major milestones:

• The heating and cooling systems at the Nature Center and Aquarium have been updated, eliminating 97% of our fossil fuel use at that facility.

• All three HVAC units at headquarters in Smithfield will be replaced this winter, ending the use of fossil fuel in our building.

• Two solar carports, in Bristol and Smithfield, will be constructed in 2026. After completion, we will produce all power we use at all our facilities with renewable energy.

By 2030, Audubon Society of Rhode Island will be one of the first environmental organizations to be completely net-zero.

Help us keep this momentum going!

We still need to raise $1 million to finish funding for both carports and to upgrade our other gas and oil heated buildings to electric. Your support brings a sustainable future closer for birds, wildlife and all of us.

Please consider a donation today. Visit asri.org/repower

Your Yard is Bigger Than You Think

Audubon Can Help You Create Wildlife Habitat at Home

You’re standing at the kitchen window holding your coffee, looking out at the same lawn you’ve seen a thousand times. Neatly trimmed. Predictable. Quiet.

And then you notice a flicker of movement — a goldfinch perched on a swaying branch in the corner, or a bumble bee hovering longer than expected over a new blossom in your patio planter. You consider for a moment, what if this space could do more?

Most Rhode Islanders live surrounded by small patches of land— fenced in backyards, mowed front lawns, small islands of landscaping. They don’t look like wildlife habitat, and many people don’t feel these spaces are that important for nature. But taken together, they form one of the largest opportunities we have to help birds, pollinators, and other wildlife survive and thrive.

Here’s the real question: can changing just a little in our yards, actually make a difference?

At Audubon, we’ve spent the last 15 years answering that question— one yard at a time. From compact city lots to properties stretching over acres, we’ve seen the same thing happen again and again: when people rethink how their land functions, wildlife responds. Quickly. Small efforts can bring big results.

And no—it’s not about transforming your yard overnight. It starts with simple shifts.

• What if water were available for wildlife year-round?

• What if leaves stayed where they fell through the spring?

• What if “messy” edges became safe places for wildlife to hide, nest, and feed?

And then there are the plants—the quiet powerhouses of it all. Native plants speak the same language as our birds and insects. Their fruits, seeds, and flowers evolved together over thousands of years. When you plant native, you’re rebuilding nature’s relationships. And the good news? You don’t have to rip everything out of your yard to begin. Many landscapes already have a foundation to work from. The trick is knowing what to keep, what to replace, and what to add next. That’s where most people pause. Where do I start? What should I change first? How do I do this without wasting money—and time? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Audubon’s Habitat at Home consultations give you a personalized plan tailored to your property, your goals, and your budget—so you know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Spring is the ideal time to begin. Reserve your consultation early and be ready for spring planting and habitat improvements. Your yard is already part of the solution—let’s get it working for wildlife.

Book Early!

For more information on the Habitat at Home program and to schedule a private assessment of your yard, email Dr. Scott Ruhren at sruhren@asri.org

Sweet Spring is Here!

Welcome spring at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium! Visit the Palmieri Pollinator Garden as bees and blossoms begin to emerge, join a celebration of the Downy Woodpecker, scan the skies for returning Osprey, meet some cool animal ambassadors and more!

Birds, Bugs, and Outdoor Fun! April

Vacation Week at Audubon

April 20–24, 2026

Bring the kids for a bug trek, shore exploration, bird nest building, wetland discoveries, and more! Visit asri.org/calendar for details.

Exhibit Opening Woodpecker Wings

April 18, 2026; 10:00am–3:00pm

Join Audubon, Brown University, and RISD in celebrating the opening of the new Woodpecker Wings exhibit! With help from almost 200 visitors last fall, Nico Moody (PhD Candidate Brown University) and Stephanie Van Riet (MFA Candidate RISD) constructed and painted giant woodpecker wings at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium.

Come learn about these fascinating creatures, look for the giant woodpecker wings along the trails, and take part in themed activities! Details at asri.org/calendar. No need to register.

Signs of Spring on the Trails

They’re Back! Scan the skies for returning Osprey.

Croak! Listen for spring peepers in the wetlands.

Can you find skunk cabbage below the boardwalk?

Animal Ambassador Meet & Greets

April 4, May 2, June 6, July 11, August 1, 2026; 11:00am–12:00pm

Meet one of Audubon’s animal ambassadors and make your own ambassador animal craft to take home! Each month will feature a different animal. No need to register. Free with admission.

Discover more activities and family fun at asri.org/calendar.

Sensory Friendly Hours

For guests who would benefit from exploring the Nature Center and Aquarium with fewer guests, lower lighting, and a quieter environment, Audubon offers Sensory Friendly Hours each month.

Visit asri.org/SensoryFriendlyHours for details.

FREE! Pop-up Programs

Follow Audubon on social media in late spring and summer for the latest on free pop-up programs! Tidepool touch tank experiences, crafts, nature stories, science experiments, and more will be available and are free with admission.

Full Moon Hikes

April 1, May 1, June 29, July 29, 2026

As the sun goes down, nature comes to life! Explore the wildlife refuge at night with a guided evening walk under the light of the full moon and search for nocturnal wildlife. Please bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Visit asri.org for details and to register.

Come Celebrate at Audubon

Do you have a special birthday, shower, wedding, retirement or meeting in your future? The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium provides a unique nature-inspired destination for group events. For rental inquires, email sbradley@asri.org.

aUdUBon SUMMER CONCERTS on tHE LaWn

Late summer brings live, relaxed outdoor concerts to the Nature Center and Aquarium. Bring friends, blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy fresh air and great music with Audubon.

Member Appreciation Night! Concert with Atwater-Donnelly

July 31, 2026

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

The traditional American folk music of acclaimed duo Atwater-Donnelly appeals to all ages with humor, audience participation, and a relaxed stage presence. Save the date and stay tuned for updates on food and beverage offerings, kid-friendly activities, and more! Registration required. FREE for Audubon Society of Rhode Island members. Limited tickets available for non-members ($20/non-member). Visit asri.org/calendar.

Fundraiser to Support Audubon Concert for Conservation with Playing Dead (Grateful Dead Cover Band)

August 8, 2026

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Break out the tie-dye and relax to the tunes of Playing Dead, offering marathon sets featuring the music from the Grateful Dead catalog. Every show is unique, with different set lists and exciting improvisational jams. The evening includes a visit from an Audubon avian ambassador, sure to delight guests while educating about these amazing birds and how Audubon works to protect them.

Watch for ticket info and details at asri.org and on our social media.

RESTORING NATURE IN SPRING

By Katie Schortmann, Pollinator Outreach Coordinator and Master Gardener

Look up for Inspiration

Willows & Maples

March and early April can often bring a sense of frustration and impatience after a bitter, icy winter. Longing for a burst of bright color on the landscape leaves most in dreary anticipation, but rest assured, nothing can hold back spring.

As you enjoy the spring ephemerals dotting the forest understory with color (trout lilies, Virginia bluebells, fringed bleeding hearts), do not forget to look up!

Maple trees and willows provide essential nectar and pollen to those native pollinators stumbling out of their shelters on sunny days. It’s important to remember to layer your landscape with flowers from canopy to forest floor to maximize the biodiversity of the habitat.

This growing season, consider planting Rhode Island’s state tree, the red maple (Acer rubrum) or a willow (Salix) species that suits the space. Be advised not to plant any tree too close to pipes or home foundations - always choose “the right plant for the right place.”

Watch us grow!

Audubon Pollinator Alliance

Register today

What's the Rush: The Solution to the Biodiversity Crisis

Video by Dr. Doug Tallamy of Homegrown National Park Free Video Presentation with Q&A Discussion May 2, 2026; 2:00–3:30pm Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

By creating native habitat, whether it be in your yard, deck, or balcony, you can help restore nature while experiencing the joy and fulfillment of connecting with the world around you.

Plan your spring garden with inspiring insights on how nature rebounds when we take steps to create habitat and support wildlife. A live Q&A will follow the video with free handouts listing the best native trees and plants for our area. Register at asri.org/calendar.

SUPPORT POLLINATORS AND NATIVE

HABITAT

Visit asri.org/donate

Thanks to members like you, the Audubon Pollinator Alliance now has over 120 registered pollinator sanctuaries, totaling 3,218,585 square feet of garden space!

Register your pesticide-free green space today to join like-minded gardeners and landowners in protecting habitat across the state. Connected habitat is essential for small insects, and connected people who support nature turn Audubon’s conservation efforts into lasting, positive impacts. For more information, visit asri.org/pollinators/alliance.html

At right is a list of vetted plant sellers and partners that Audubon has worked with for habitat restoration and pollinator garden needs.

• Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium, Barrington, RI

• Butterfly Effect Farm, Westport, MA

• Blue Stem Natives, Norwell, MA

• Homegrown, Pawtucket, RI

• Native Plant Trust, nativeplanttrust.org

• Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (native plant sales), riwps.org

• For Seeds: Northeast Seed Collective, northeastseedcollective.com

• Wild Seed Project, wildseedproject.net

Sa FOUNDATION to draw from

Artist Aila Bally

Has Roots at Audubon

he clearly remembers trekking down the long boardwalk, scooping for water bugs in the wetlands, and exploring the shore during summer camps in Bristol. And as a recent Colorado College graduate with a degree in studio art, Aila Bally still looks back at her original Audubon camp journals. Detailed sketches fill the pages, recording her nature discoveries.

Those early experiences made an impact –and a connection – that lasted.

Bally returned to Audubon with the Youth Conservation League (YCL) in 2024 and 2025, working as a crew leader in city parks, land trusts, and wildlife refuges during the summer. She led a crew of YCL members as they removed invasive plants, constructed boardwalks and chimney swift towers, and worked to make city parks more accessible to the public.

“The Youth Conservation League provided a wonderful opportunity to grow my leadership and communication skills, as well as develop my knowledge of ecology and conservation,” explained Bally. “Some of the teens I worked with held extensive knowledge about birds, snakes, frogs, or trees. Some exhibited impressive leadership and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, we all had opportunities to teach and learn from one another.”

I was a very shy child, but I couldn't help but get involved in sorting through nets, doing science experiments, and drawing during Audubon Summer Camps. They solidified my love for animals and the outdoors and nurtured my curiosity regarding nature. – Aila Bally

These days, she’s back at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol as a part time staff member, and this time her artistic talents are on full display. Bally recently enhanced the murals throughout the exhibit hall. One focuses on saltmarsh habitat with a stunning array of birds, another mural highlights ocean creatures, and in the Nature Nook, she painted charming animals to welcome children.

“I had never made a mural before but have been painting animals and nature my entire life, so I was excited for the challenge,” said Bally. “I am proud of how these paintings turned out and will forever be grateful for this special opportunity.”

Audubon thanks Bally for her many contributions to the organization and wishes her well on her next adventure, as she travels to Switzerland this year to learn about sustainable agriculture – and hopefully finds plenty of time to paint.

By Laura Carberry, Director of Properties

aEriaL aCroBats oF tHE skY CHIMNEY SWIFTS

On warm, late spring evenings across Rhode Island, a curious sight can unfold above our towns and neighborhoods. Dark, fluttering cigar-shaped birds circle high in the sky, chattering softly as they swoop and glide. As dusk deepens, they may suddenly funnel downward, vanishing into a single chimney where they roost together. These are Chimney Swifts, aerial acrobats of the sky.

Often mistaken for swallows, there are key differences between the species. Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica) have long, sickle-shaped wings, short tails with tiny spines, and rapid wing beats. They spend nearly their entire lives on the wing—feeding, drinking, and even mating in flight. In fact, they can only perch by clinging vertically to rough surfaces.

Historically, one pair of Chimney Swifts would nest inside large hollow trees during the breeding season (summer). As forests were cleared and towns developed, the birds adapted, moving into masonry chimneys that mimicked their natural nesting sites. This adaptability allowed them to thrive for generations—but modern changes are now working against them.

Chimney Swifts typically return to Rhode Island in early May, departing again by late September. They are most active during warm, calm weather; especially on humid days when flying insects are abundant.

The best time to watch swifts is just before sunset, when they gather at communal roosts. Look for large, uncapped brick chimneys on older schools, churches, factories, or historic homes. Known roosts may host

dozens—or even hundreds—of birds swirling overhead before dropping inside one by one in a dramatic “chimney dive.”

Chimney Swift populations have declined sharply over the past several decades.

According to long-term surveys, the species has lost more than half of its population since the 1970s. The causes are multiple and interconnected:

• Loss of nesting and roosting sites as large, hollow trees become more scarce, and chimneys are capped, lined, or removed.

• Declining insect populations due to pesticide use and habitat loss.

• Changes to building designs, with fewer suitable structures for swifts.

Because swifts return year after year to the same sites, the loss of a single chimney can impact an entire local population.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island with the help of the Youth Conservation League built three Chimney Swift towers in 2024. These structures that mimic chimneys are placed at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter, Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, and the Wanskuck Library in Providence. Each location is a known suitable habitat for the swifts to nest. Audubon refuges also provide a safe habitat for insects without pesticide use.

FREE

MAY BIRD OUTINGS

Register for an Audubon Free May Bird

Outing at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter or at Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk to learn more about Chimney Swifts and the nesting towers built to support their populations.

Visit asri.org/calendar for dates and locations.

NEW AUDUBON DIRECTORS

Sarah Deckel

Director of Bird Conservation

Sarah Deckel was welcomed in December as the new Director of Bird Conservation. She will be leading science-based habitat management, and directing species protection and research-based projects, as well as driving community engagement.

Sarah jump-started her career at the University of Rhode Island, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology in 2015. Sarah went on to work in a variety of field positions focused on birds, from the White Mountains of New Hampshire to West Virginia and Florida.

HOW BIRDERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Birding is more than observation—it’s participation. Here are ways Rhode Islanders can help Chimney Swifts:

• Protect active chimneys: If you know a chimney is being used by swifts, avoid capping or repairing it during nesting season (May–August).

• Share what you see: Report any Chimney Swift activity you see at Audubon nesting towers at Fisherville Brook and Caratunk Wildlife Refuges, or the Wanskuck Community Library in Providence. Email lcarberry@asri.org.

• Advocate for wildlife-friendly practices: Encourage building owners and municipalities to consider Chimney Swift habitat when renovating older structures.

• Healthy habitat: Reducing pesticide use and planting native species on your property supports healthy insect populations that swifts depend on.

Chimney Swifts are reminders that wildlife and human communities are deeply connected. Their presence above our streets and schoolyards tells a story of adaptation, resilience, and vulnerability.

This summer, as the sun sets and the air fills with soft chittering calls, take a moment to look up. Watching Chimney Swifts is not only a memorable birding experience—it’s an opportunity to witness a species that has chosen to share our built-up world.

Let’s go birding—and work together to keep Rhode Island’s skies full of swifts.

In 2024, she received her PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where her dissertation examined the breeding biology of the Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) along an elevational gradient. More recently, she completed a postdoctoral position at Great Hollow Nature Preserve in New Fairfield, Connecticut, expanding her research to include montane birds, wood turtles, and conservation efforts for the New England cottontail. Outside of work, Sarah is a hobbyist at heart and enjoys skiing, reading, rock climbing, jiu jitsu, and training agility with her dog.

Maxwell McFarland Director of Advocacy

Audubon welcomes Maxwell McFarland as the new Director of Advocacy. Max brings a background in environmental and climate policy, grassroots advocacy, and community engagement. His experience includes working directly with community advocates to advance equitable environmental solutions, drafting and promoting policy proposals to reduce pollution, support climate initiatives, and conducting renewable energy and decarbonization research. He has also led public engagement and marine debris efforts that contributed to local and municipal policy decision-making here in Rhode Island.

In his role, Max will help strengthen Audubon’s advocacy efforts working across the organization and with environmental partners to advance policies that address climate, birds, wildlife, and biodiversity. He received a Master of Climate and Environmental Policy (MCEP) from Vermont Law and Graduate School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Salve Regina University.

Kindergarteners with Binoculars!

Audubon Senior Director of Education, Lauren Parmelee, has been leading kindergarten students on birding treks for over 10 years – instilling curiosity and wonder of the natural world to young students.

In November, she led two classes of children from Matunuck Elementary in Matunuck, RI, around the schoolyard and down the school's nature trail to look for birds. Using the binoculars they had made from cardboard tubes and their excellent powers of observation, the students spotted more than a dozen birds from the Tufted Titmice at their feeders to Turkey Vultures soaring in the sky. Along the way, they also found evidence of the food, water and shelter that birds need to survive. This schoolyard adventure with Audubon enhances the science learning already taking place in the classroom about birds and other animals.

Providence Birding

Let’s go birding in the city! Each month, Audubon educators team up with the Providence Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership for community birding outings in Providence. Free and welcoming to all, different destinations provide community engagement, education on birds and their habitats, and tons of enthusiasm. Whether held at Blackstone Park to search for winter ducks, or on the forested campus of Rhode Island College to spot woodpeckers, these out-

ings bring together diverse community members with a common interest: birds. In April, the Providence Birding group will head to Neutaconkanut Park in Providence to search for neotropical migrants during spring migration. Watch Audubon social media for details and join the fun!

East Bay Pollineighbors

The East Bay “Pollineighbors” is a group of connected citizens: native plant sellers, entomologists, conservationists, landscape designers, and others concerned about habitat loss and pollinator health. Many are members of the Audubon Pollinator Alliance.

Audubon provides a meeting place and leadership support for this active group and hosts important conversations about state legislation regarding invasive plants and pesticides. A joining of forces of the Warren, Bristol and Barrington Pollinator Pathways, this group is working to create wildlife gardens full of ecotypic plantings with local school districts and garden clubs. Audubon is pleased to partner with East Bay “Pollineighbors,” working together to build healthy habitat in our communities and using our voices for environmental advocacy.

All About Migratory Birds

Central Branch of the Cranston Public Library

Audubon Associate Director of Education, April Alix, visited the Central Branch of the Cranston Public Library on January 31 and shared how to identify birds, presented a Red-tailed Hawk and had the audience practice identifying the hawk with their new skills. She also spoke to the audience about ways people can help birds, particularly migratory species with a focus on lights out campaigns and keeping cats indoors. She also highlighted planting natives that support local birds and pollinators, and alternatives to using rodenticides. The library received funding for this program from a Flight Path grant that creates opportunities for the public to learn about and help protect migratory birds. The audience was multigenerational and included 26 people, mostly families.

SPRING IS TURTLE CROSSING SEASON

My four year old is usually very shy, so I was especially grateful for how welcoming and engaging the presenter was. They created such a comfortable environment that my son raised his hand, answered questions, and was beyond excited to see a real bird up close. I honestly almost cried the first time my son raised his hand, it’s rare for him to feel that confident in a group setting.

– Program Participant, Cranston Public Library

“ “

In May and June, aquatic turtles such as the eastern painted turtle and the American snapping turtle will be leaving their watery habitats of ponds, rivers, and wetlands to set out and find suitable nesting sites to lay their eggs. For many, this includes crossing our busy roadways. According to the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island, they received 44 turtles in 2024 that had been hit by cars. This is why it is critical that drivers slow down when passing close to ponds, rivers, and wetlands in the spring.

You can help alert drivers. Audubon is offering yard signs to alert drivers of potential wildlife crossings and asking them to lower their speed. If you live near a pond or wetland, help wildlife by placing a sign in your yard for the months of May, June, August, and September.

Purchase your sign today! Available at the Audubon Nature Shop in Bristol or order a sign online at asri.org/wildlife-crossing. Please Slow Down and Let Them Cross Safely!

Audubon is grateful for the support of an anonymous Audubon Board Member who has helped fund the Turtle Awareness program.

World Turtle Day Celebration

Learn more about our native turtles and get up close with several species on May 23, 2026, at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol.

Visit asri.org/calendar for details.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Audubon Nature Programs and Events • April–July, 2026

For more information and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

1401 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI

For Adults

Nature's Thread: Fiber Art Inspired by the Natural World

Art Exhibit by Rhode Island Threads Group March 1 thru April 30, 2026.

Adult Eco–Craft Series at Audubon Unwind, create, and connect with nature in this new evening series for adults.

Programs held 6:00–7:30pm.

• April 2, 2026: Clay Pot Painting

• May 7, 2026: Bird Strike Window Clings

• June 4, 2026: Art in Nature Walk

• July 2, 2026: Nature Collage Workshop

• August 6, 2026: Recycled Candle Making Workshop

Where Have (Most) Birds Been This Winter?

Migration Seminar with Dr. Sarah Deckel April 15, 2026; 6:00–7:00pm

Spring Cleaning Workshop #1

Crochet your own eco-friendly dish scrubby. April 19, 2026; 3:30–4:30pm.

Stamp & Sip

Cardmaking Workshops

Four Dates Offered.

April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, 2026; 6:00–8:00pm.

The Art of Collage Exhibit by Tom Terceira May–June 2026.

What's the Rush:

The Solution to the Biodiversity Crisis

Free Video Presentation with Q&A Discussion

(Video Courtesy of Dr. Doug Tallamy of Homegrown National Park) May 2, 2026; 2:00–3:30pm.

Spring Cleaning Workshop #2

Learn how to make your own eco–friendly cleaning supplies. May 17, 2026; 3:30–4:30pm.

Saving the Diamondback Terrapin

Film Screening and Q&A

July 14, 2026; 5:30–7:00pm.

The Creative Naturalist

Art Exhibit by Tracey Hall

July–August 2026.

Concert for Conservation with Playing Dead (Grateful Dead Cover Band)

Audubon Fundraiser

August 8, 2026.

For Children & Families

Camouflaged Egg Hunt

March 28, 2026; 9:30–11:00am

Full Moon Hike

Four Dates Offered.

April 1, May 1, June 29, July 29, 2026; 8:00–9:00pm.

Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet

Free with Admission. April 4, May 2, June 6, July 11, August 1, 2026; 11:00am–12:00pm.

Nature Tales Storytime

Monthly program for ages 3 to 5. April 16, May 14, June 11, July 9, and August 6, 2026; 10:00–10:45am.

Froggy Night in Bristol

April 17, 2026; 7:00–8:00pm.

Woodpecker Wings Exhibit Opening

Celebrate Woodpeckers with Audubon, Brown University, and RISD and look for giant woodpecker wings on the trail!

Details at asri.org/calendar.

April 18, 2026; 10:00am–3:00pm.

April School Vacation Week

April 20–24, 2026; 10:00am–3:00pm

Daily activities and nature discovery programs. Visit asri.org/calendar for the daily schedule.

Wetland Investigation

Two Dates Offered.

May 16, June 23, 2026;11:00am–12:00pm.

World Turtle Day Celebration

May 23, 2026; 10:00am–3:00pm.

Family Bat Walk

June 20, 2026; 8:00–9:00pm.

Coastal Exploration

July 14, 2026; 11:00am–12:00pm.

World Snake Day Celebration

July 16, 2026; 10:00 am–3:00pm.

Firefly Glow Party

July 18, 2026; 7:30–9:00pm.

Member Appreciation Concert with Atwater-Donnelly

July 31, 2026.

FREE for Audubon Society of Rhode Island Members. Limited tickets are available for purchase by non-members.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge

301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA

Camouflaged Egg Hunt

April 4, 2026; 9:30–11:00am.

Croaks and Cider Frog Walk

April 16, 2026; 6:30–8:00pm. Ages 21+.

Purple Martins at Caratunk June 25, 2026; 6:30–8:00pm.

Fort Wildlife Refuge

1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI

Vernal Pool Visitors

April 17, 2026; 7:30–9:00pm.

Froggy Night at Fort Wildlife Refuge April 23, 2026; 7:00–8:30pm.

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge

99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI

Ice Cream and Lightning Bugs

June 26, 2026; 7:00–8:30pm.

Bats and Beer

July 24, 2026; 7:30–9:00pm.

Powder Mill Ledges

Wildlife Refuge

12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI

Dear Treefrog: A Story by Joyce Sidman

April 21, 2026; 11:00am–12:00pm.

Discover a Hidden World on Earth Day!

April 22, 2026; 10:00am–12:00pm.

Moonlight Stroll at Powder Mill Ledges

July 29, 2026; 7:30–9:00pm.

Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge

1670 Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI

Fiddle Squeak, Mud Snipe and Labrador Twister!

Observe the captivating flight patterns of the American Woodcock. April 10, 2026; 7:00–8:30pm.

Bat Walk at Parker Woodland June 12, 2026; 7:30–9:00pm.

Prudence Island

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI

'Spring' on Over to Prudence Island

April 22, 2026; 9:45am–4:45pm.

Spring Birding on Prudence Island

May 7, 2026; 7:30am–3:00pm.

Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge and Art Studio

2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI

Studio Soirée

Three Dates Offered. Gather with local artists and musicians for an evening open studio. April 10, May 1, June 12, 2026; 5:00–8:00pm.

Walk and Watercolor Wednesdays

Three Dates Offered. Join a beginner Watercolor Painting Class. April 15, May 6, July 8, 2026; 9:30am–1:30pm.

Animal Atelier

Teaching artist Linda McDermott instructs on how to capture the likeness of a pet or animal. April 25, 2026; 9:30am–3:30pm.

En Plein Air Painting Workshop

June 13, 2026; 3:00–7:00pm.

3–D ‘Birdie' Needle Felting

Discover the art of needle felting. June 25, 2026; 5:00–8:00pm.

Birding with Audubon

Advance registration is required for all programs.

Free! May Bird Outings

Celebrate Spring Migration! Outings offered across the state, beginners welcome. Details at asri.org/calendar. Register early!

Biweekly Bird Walk

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI April 10, June 5, 19, July 3, 17, 31, August 14, 28, 2026; 9:00–11:00am

Birding for Beginners

Two Dates Offered

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI April 11, August 8, 2026; 9:00–11:00am.

Timberdoodles and Snickerdoodles

Observe the captivating flight patterns of the American Woodcock.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA April 18, 2026; 7:00–8:30pm.

Early Morning Bird Walk, Spring Ephemerals and Breakfast

Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI May 2, 2026; 8:00am–12:00pm.

Free! Birds Without Borders

Audubon and the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society offer unique bird walks in Bristol. May 9, 2026; 10:00–11:00am at Juniper Hill Cemetery August 22, 2026; 10:00–11:00am at Colt State Park

May Birding Van Trip

Birding Destinations Across the State. May 11, 2026; 7:30am–4:00pm.

Van Trip: Spring Birding Spectacular

Join a nine-day, eight-night Audubon van trip to Magee Marsh, Ohio and locations beyond! May 13–21, 2026. Registration closes March 31, 2026.

Horseshoe Crab Expeditions

Two Dates Offered.

• Conimicut Point Avenue, Warwick, RI. May 17, 2026; 6:30–8:00pm.

• Napatree Point Conservation Area. May 31, 2026; 7:00–8:30pm.

• Reaching more communities to expand environmental literacy.

• Acquiring land for vital bird and wildlife conservation.

• Building on the Avian Research Initiative to support bird species in decline.

• Promoting science-based advocacy to protect wildlife and support climate resiliency.

• Repowering Audubon with renewable energy resources to power our buildings, vehicles and equipment. Join the Audubon Leadership Circle with your annual contribution of $1,000 or more and support our critical work:

New Touisset Boardwalk Keeps Boots Dry During High Tides

An impressive 150 feet in length, a new boardwalk has been installed at the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge in Warren. With the ongoing rise in sea level, the trail often floods near the bridge during high tide. Built by Audubon properties staff under the direction of Matt Bradywood, Associate Director of Properties, the new addition helps hikers travel more comfortably and enjoy this beautiful marsh habitat.

Best to Leave Tom Turkey Alone

Fisherville Brook has a flock of approximately 25 Wild Turkeys roaming around. Turkeys are also regular visitors to the Nature Center and Aquarium and can be found on many Audubon wildlife refuges. Male turkeys, called toms, can be territorial during breeding season in March and April, and while their displays and antics are fascinating to watch, this is when they can be protective and at times aggressive. Best to watch these fascinating birds from a distance.

2026 Youth Conservation League

Now Accepting Applications

Audubon is looking for high school students, new graduates, and early college students interested in environmental careers, forestry, or wildlife biology. The Youth Conservation League work as a team on land conservation and wildlife management for land trust partners across the state. Work includes controlling invasive species and improving wildlife habitat, light carpentry, native seed collection, community outreach, and more.

July–August, 2026 • Mon–Thurs, 8:00 am–4:00 pm.

Visit asri.org/YCL or contact Laura Carberry lcarberry@asri.org for more info.

Be a Community Science Volunteer!

Help with Local Research Initiatives

Get outside and learn about wildlife and natural spaces! Community science volunteers are involved in the research that helps fuel Audubon’s mission. They collect valuable data in the field, compile collected data, or manage projects.

Join a team that monitors Eastern Bluebirds and Osprey nests, or volunteers for avian research. Or get involved with water quality monitoring with the Stormwater Innovation Center in Providence. Learn more and register at asri.org/lead/community-science.html

Eagle Scout Installs Nesting Boxes at Fisherville Brook

Audubon thanks Eagle Scout Candidate Jonathan Wahl and Troop 45 Exeter for their hard work in completing the construction and installation of Kestrel and Wood Duck nesting boxes at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter. The scouts gathered this past winter and worked together for the completion of Jonathan’s Eagle Scout project. A job well done!

Spend Summer on Carr Pond

Rent the charming Maxwell Mays Lakefront Cottage for a weekend getaway or a family vacation. This beautiful fieldstone camp in Coventry has openings through October.

For details and availability, visit asri.org/services.

By Lauren Parmelee, Senior Director of Education

Spring Scavenger Hunt

Nature is waking up after a long winter nap. Tree buds open and leaves unfold. Caterpillars hatch and nibble on new growth. Birds migrate north to feed on bugs and sing their beautiful songs. Queen bumblebees emerge from underground to gather nectar and pollen from early spring flowers. Frogs and salamanders gather in vernal pools to breed. Squirrels build leafy summer nests called dreys and garter snakes leave their hibernacula where they were cuddled together all winter.

There is so much to see, hear, and smell!

Explore an Audubon wildlife refuge or park on a scavenger hunt. You may be surprised at what you discover!

Let the experts be your guide to the ecosystems, plants, and animals found in Southern New England.

Explore Audubon wildlife refuges with scientists and skilled naturalists who will provide both indoor lectures and outdoor investigations. Each session provides a new layer of insight, culminating in a solid base of knowledge for beginner naturalists.

Fee for six-session series: $300/member, $350/non-member.

• Exploring Biodiversity Across Habitats

Introduction to the Field Naturalist Series

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA. April 18, 2026; 9:00am–1:00pm.

• Native Plants & Their Pollinators

Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium, Bristol, RI. April 27, 2026; 9:00am–1:00pm.

• Vernal Pools & Other Wetlands Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, West Kingston, RI. May 9, 2026; 9:00am–1:00pm.

• Spring Birding for Beginners

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI. May 16, 2026; 9:00am–1:00pm.

• Investigating Insects

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA. June 20, 2026; 9:00am–1:00pm.

• Coastal Ecosystems Exploration

Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium, Bristol, RI. June 27, 2026; 9:00am–1:00pm.

For details and to register, visit asri.org/calendar.

All participants will receive a complimentary copy of Rhode Island Birding Trails.

SPRING NATURE EXPLORATION

The Audubon Nature Shop offers a wide selection of toys that encourage curiosity and nature discovery in parks, backyards, or at a wildlife refuge.

TOYS FOR KIDS

Discover Insects, Frogs, Birds and Blossoms This Spring!

• Children’s Binoculars

• Pocket Microscope

• Field Guides

• Fun Water Bottles

• Critter Cases and More!

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium 1401 Hope Street • Bristol, RI MEMBERS RECEIVE 10% OFF

FLORENCE SUTHERLAND FORT & RICHARD KNIGHT FORT FORT WILDLIFE REFUGE

1445 Providence Pike (Route 5), North Smithfield, RI

This 235-acre property includes miles of trails that lead to three idyllic ponds. Teeming with a variety of animals as well as beautiful wetland plants, these ponds provide visitors with scenic destinations for wildlife observation and photography.

Life in the Pond

Popular hiking destinations, the ponds at Fort Wildlife Refuge come alive in spring. Watch for beavers, painted and spotted turtles, and emerging wetland plants. Bring along your binoculars to spot migrating spring warblers along the trails.

Peepers and Vernal Pools

The sun starts warming the wet earth in early spring, causing vernal pools to form. Take an evening walk with Audubon on April 17, discover the importance of these critical habitats, and listen to the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs! Visit asri.org for details and to register.

Whooo Cooks for You?

Barred Owls are known to make their homes at Fort and can be heard calling in the woodlands. Listen for their distinctive hooting call, which is often described by naturalists as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all”.

Free! Sight Birding for the Hard of Hearing

Discover the world of birds through visual cues! Join Audubon for a morning of sight birding on May 23 at Fort Wildlife Refuge. Designed for beginner birders and the hard of hearing community, birding techniques will focus on identifying feathered friends by sight. Note this is not an ASL program. For details and to register, visit asri.org/calendar.

Stay a Little Longer!

Fort Wildlife Refuge offers a portalet for visitor comfort at the beginning of the trail. Help us cover the cost to keep all portalets clean on Audubon wildlife refuges. Visit asri. org/wishlist to donate or learn more about Audubon’s Wishlist.

Responsibility Birds

Look for Audubon’s Responsibility Birds this spring at Fort Wildlife Refuge. These are some of the species that we are monitoring closely and managing habitat for their survival. Watch for Red-winged Blackbirds, Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Common Yellowthroat, and Prairie Warbler this spring.

Croak! Grunk! Froggy Night at Fort

Join an evening walk on April 23 at Fort Wildlife Refuge to learn about the frogs that live on the refuge and when they can be heard or sometimes seen. Review some native species and then head out for a hike to the wetland areas. For ages 10+.

Visit asri.org for details and to register.

Bilingual Trail Signs and Maps

All Audubon public wildlife refuges have bilingual signs at key spots on the trails to welcome visitors and make their hike more comfortable. View or download these maps in advance of your visit at asri.org/hike.

“A lot of people are conditioned to want their land perfectly clean. I’ve seen people move into wooded areas and spend their life clearing the woods. They want to control it,” says Ruhren. He gestures to snags and leaf litter along a trail in Fisherville. “I don’t see this as mess – I see it as habitat. When people come out on an Audubon bird walk or other program, we talk about habitats and why protecting them is so important.”

Because Audubon properties only make up a fraction of the forested land that covers Rhode Island, they rely on partnerships and education programs to limit fragmentation of the corridor of undeveloped greenway Rhode Island is fortunate to still have.

“Forest conservation is increasingly about scale, connectivity, and long-term protection,” says Hall. “Audubon works with our state-wide partners to conserve land, inform policy, and partner to protect priority habitats that may cross municipal boundaries. Our focus is on keeping forests intact and contiguous for the highest quality habitat available for birds and wildlife. We also work to protect pockets of forest in urban areas to support communities and climate resilience. Protecting forests protects birds and people.”

Deckel, who just started in her Audubon role earlier this year, is already engaging with land trusts and other organizations in an ongoing effort to get partners on the same page about preservation goals. “If we can combine our efforts with other agencies that own forested land, we can double our efforts – we're protecting these bird species twice over.”

When it comes to habitat management, the focus is often on invasives. Audubon employs the Youth Conservation League, a paid program for high school and college students seeking experience in the field, to do a lot of this work, and they partner with land trusts, the Nature Conservancy, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

The work itself can be unglamorous and tedious, not always lending itself to immediate victories, but the birds take notice of these successes. “At the Eppley Wildlife Refuge, we were hoping to see more Prairie Warblers and Eastern Towhees,” says Carberry. “They weren’t there before our management efforts, but after, they did eventually arrive. Those are results you can clearly see.”

“It's there for you, too,” says Deckel. “By preserving the trails and forests and diverse Rhode Island landscapes we all enjoy, it trickles down to the species that live there: the birds, the mammals, the insects, the plants, all of it.”

Abbie Lahmers is a communications specialist for both the Metcalf Institute at the University of Rhode Island and Roger Williams Park Conservancy, as well as a freelance writer who enjoys hiking, camping, and birding around New England. She can be reached at amlahmers@gmail.com.

JoE ZBYroWski

Thank You for 25 Years of Banding Peregrine Falcons

Twenty-five years ago, former science teacher and volunteer Joe Zbyrowski began banding young Peregrine Falcons with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and assisted in placing a little-known nesting box high atop the Superman Building in Providence. In 2010, with the help of Bank of America, a video camera and new nesting box were installed. Each year since, Zbyrowski has banded nestlings with Audubon’s assistance. To date, he has banded 80 young Peregrines, allowing scientists to track the birds’ life history, migration, and reproductive behavior.

Audubon’s popular Providence Peregrines Live Stream, which records the life of these nestlings and their parents each year, now receives 100k–200k viewers each season, including students in Rhode Island classrooms.

Audubon thanks Joe Zbyrowski for his years of service, advancing avian research, and introducing Audubon (and hundreds of thousands of people each year) to this unique nesting location and the Peregrine Falcons that have educated so many.

CELEBRATIONS & HAPPENINGS

Exhibit Opening Woodpecker Wings

April 18, 10:00am–3:00pm

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Join Audubon, Brown University, and RISD and celebrate the opening of the new Woodpecker Wings exhibit!

See page 14 for details.

New Art Exhibit

Nature's Thread: Fiber Art Inspired by the Natural World

March and April 2026

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Rhode Island Threads is a group of seventeen fiber artists living in the Rhode Island area. Textiles are foundational to the creation of their art, often layered with painting, dyeing, and photography.

What's the Rush: The Solution to

the Biodiversity Crisis

Video by Dr. Doug Tallamy of Homegrown National Park with Live Q&A Discussion. May 2, 2026; 2:00–3:30pm

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Plan your spring garden with inspiring insights on how nature rebounds when we take steps to create habitat and support wildlife. See page 16 for details.

FREE! May Birding Outings

Audubon invites all Rhode Islanders to discover the joy of birding with free outings at locations across the state. Register early!

Visit asri.org/calendar for dates, locations and details.

AUDUBON REPORT

Flip through past issues to see how far we’ve come, and more importantly, where we’re headed.

Mark Your Calendar! Saving the Diamondback Terrapin

July 14, 2026; 5:30–7:00pm

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Join Audubon and the Barrington Terrapin Conservation Project for an engaging lecture, film screening, and Q&A to learn about the fascinating life history and ecology of diamondback terrapins. Audubon’s diamondback terrapin ambassador will be available for a meet and greet.

Have A

Audubon Camouflaged Egg Hunt

• March 28, 2026; 9:30–11:00am

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

• April 4, 2026; 9:30–11:00am

Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA

Children, ages 3–10, hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage. Special prizes go to the finders of the 'golden eggs.'

For more info and to register, visit asri.org/calendar.

Wild Time! Birthdays at Audubon

What’s better than cool critters at a birthday party?

Audubon offers birthday parties for children at four wildlife refuges. Invite an owl, turtle or snake to join the fun!

Plan a celebration at asri.org/birthday-parties.

Are you a new member, or would you like to refresh your memory and review Audubon’s work?

Our newsletter, the Audubon Report, is published three times a year and filled with features on our priorities, accomplishments, perspectives on conservation, and community partnerships.

To read previous issues, visit asri.org/about/publications.html

THANK YOU

PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION

The companies listed below have demonstrated their significant commitment to the quality of life in Rhode Island and to conserving natural habitats through stewardship and education.

Bank of America, Botanica Land Care, Caldwell Realty

Rhode Island, JDRE Homes, NEC Solar, NOW 93.3, NRCS, Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch, Sunflower Designs, Tupelo Design Studio, Woodscapes, Inc.

GIFTS IN HONOR

The people listed below have been honored by family and friends who found a gift to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island to be the most meaningful way to celebrate someone important in their lives.

In Honor of:

Constance Brines from Samuel and Barbara Bidwell

Sue Cleland from Jen Cleland

Linda and Russell Fugere from Faye Dvorchak

Julie Fysz from Thomas Getz

Anne Hird from Matthew B. Hird

Leslie Pine and Bob Brier from Lacey Upton

Charlotte Sornborger from Donna Bielefield

Richard and Betsy Staples from Maureen Kelsey Peregrine Zawatsky from Peter Hull

MEMORIALS

Memorials serve and support the conservation and protection of Rhode Island’s environment. The families and friends of people listed below have chosen to remember their loved ones through a gift to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

In Memory of:

Maurice Collins from Humberto Rodrigues

Michael Hadala from Wendy Braga

Ed Hughes from Hope and John Foley

Kim Kane from Mary Caouette, Edward Duffy, William Fagan, Patricia Lachapelle, Barbara Lavallee, Bruce Silva, and Betsy Valle

Sharon Matson from Adeline Rodrigues

Kathleen Nicholls from Dorothy Nicholls

Lucia Fellows Palmer from Anonymous, David Brown, Carolyn Melbourne, and Elizabeth Ripa

Joel Silverberg from Patricia Brennan

Linda Sutton from Murray McLachlan

Mark Your Calendar!

Join the State-wide Day of Giving and support the Audubon Avian Research Initiative. asri.org/401gives

What Matters Most to

You?

Audubon Receives $25,000 to Support the Palmieri Pollinator Garden at the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol

Audubon thanks the Vivian Palmieri Trust for the generous support of the pollinator garden in Bristol. This funding allows for new plantings, garden maintenance, public programs and community outreach to support the health of pollinators in our communities.

Audubon Thanks Generous Supporters

Barbara Walsh and Earl Simson for Providing $38,000 to Support Two Audubon TerraCorp Service Members

Audubon is grateful to Barbara Walsh and Earl Simson for supporting Audubon’s conservation and education initiatives with funding for two Terracorps Members, who will both provide a year of service working with Audubon in schools and city communities, and furthering conservation initiatives.

Anonymous Donors Fund an Electric Tractor for Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge

Generous donors have provided $16,000 toward the purchase of an electric tractor for Audubon’s conservation work. We thank these long-time friends of Fisherville for their ongoing support. With Audubon’s commitment to power all facilities, vehicles, tractors and tools with renewable energy by 2030, this gift assists with our transition to a clean energy future.

RePowering Audubon Together

Over $1,550,000 has been raised to date by generous donors to support Audubon’s transition to a clean energy future. Audubon is grateful for the gifts from members, supporters, corporations, and grants that are helping us to reach our long term sustainability goals.

Recent donations include:

• Generous Anonymous Donor: $250,000

• Generous Family from Massachusetts: $30,000

Do you have an Audubon education program, research initiative, or conservation project that has special meaning to you? Our wish list is full of needed items, both big and small, that would support our work.

To choose one item, or support an entire initiative, visit asri.org/wishlist. Thank you for your support!

$5,000 Received from Ocean State Charities Trust for Accessibility Improvements

Audubon thanks the Ocean State Charities Trust for the funding needed to build additional accessible seating and benches for visitors on the grounds and trails of the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium.

Rhode Island Foundation / Community Priorities Grant Provides $35,000 for Audubon Conservation Initiatives

Received through a new grant structure at The Rhode Island Foundation, an award of $35,000 will further Audubon’s habitat and bird conservation efforts across the state.

Bank of America Funds Free Family Fun Days at the Nature Center and Aquarium

Thanks to Bank of America, Audubon offered free admission to the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol on three Saturdays this winter. With their generous funding of $2,500, families and individuals enjoyed animal discoveries, crafts, hikes, and more - all free of charge – making nature more accessible to all.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Named Endowment Funds

The Audubon Endowment is a permanently restricted fund that, by law, exists in perpetuity. Because the Audubon Endowment is invested, it allows for long-term stability, fiscal responsibility, and financial viability that keeps Audubon a vibrant and growing organization.

It also enhances our credibility, relieves pressure on fund raising, allows program expansion, and provides independence.

Donations of $10,000 or more to the Audubon Endowment can be recognized by a named designation, either for an individual, family, or a cause you believe in.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Named Endowments

Aust-Capron Memorial Fund

Barter-Moore Fund

Edith Becker Fund

Mary Catherine Rogers Beckett Fund

John Brezinski Memorial Fund

Bristol Education Center Fund

Caratunk Fund

Mary B. Cottrell Fund

Severyn Dana Fund

Davis Memorial Wildlife Fund

Norman A. Deslauriers Fund

Dickens Farm Fund

Patricia Meagher Dwyer Conservation Fund

John Raleigh Eldred Fund

Bayard Ewing Fund

Fisherville Brook Fund

Fort Nature Refuge Fund

Grout Memorial Fund

Alice O. Harris Fund

Jonathan H. Harwood Fund

The Champlin Foundation Awards Audubon $110,000 to Install New HVAC System at Audubon Headquarters

Thanks to the Champlin Foundation, Audubon is upgrading the HVAC systems at Audubon Headquarters in Smithfield to clean energy heat pumps. This will be completed before the installation of a solar carport over the parking area, both upgrades that assist with our transition to a clean energy future.

Funding of $11,000 Received from the Cornell Land Trust Small Grant Program on Behalf of the Northeast Bird Habitat Conservation Initiative Collaborative

Audubon is grateful for this funding that will support a collaborative effort between Audubon and the RI Woodland Partnership to educate and assist forest landowners in protecting and managing bird habitat on their properties.

Hicks-Borden Fund

Priscilla J. Hollis Fund

Mary C. Kellermann Endowment Fund

Walter Hammond Kimball Fund

Crawford N. Kirkpatrick III Fund

Margaret Robinson Knight Fund

Kimball Memorial Garden Stewardship Fund

Kay Kinsey Fund

Kraus Wildlife Fund

Henry J. Larkin Wildlife Preserve Fund

Lorraine Leaney Fund

Little Rest Bird Club Fund

Lonesome Swamp Fund

Edward B. and Phoebe W. McAlpine Memorial Preserve Fund

Constance McCarthy Fund

McKenzie Wildlife Fund

George B. Parker Fund

Powder Mill Ledges Fund

Prudence Island Fund

Susan M. Romano Memorial Fund

Elton Sanford Fund

Alicia Perry Seavey Family Fund

South County Fund

Everett F. Southwick Fund

Touisset Marsh Fund

Viall Memorial Library Fund

Mrs. and Mr. Dudley A. Williams Memorial Fund

For more information contact Jeff Hall at jhall@asri.org or (401)-949-5454 ext. 3017.

2025 DONORS & SUPPORTERS

We

Couldn't Do It Without You.

Your generosity has made a huge difference in Audubon’s ability to protect birds and wildlife, to bring environmental education to the next generation, and to continue our advocacy efforts to conserve our natural resources. We are deeply committed to ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

The 1897 Society honors those donors who annually give $1,000 or more.

Visionary ($10,000+)

Anonymous

Gary and Dianne Abuelo

Susan Balloch

John and Daria Barry

David and Christina Caldwell

Citizens Community Foundation

Mary Ann Cofrin

Samuel and Elizabeth Hallowell HLC

Don Heitzman HLC

Howard Bayne Fund

June Rockwell Levy Foundation

Milly McLean and Dan Waugh

Martha Milot

Doug O'Brien

Edward Pitoniak and Kate Barber

Rhode Island Foundation

Sandra Saunders and Fred Griffith

Debbie and Robert Slotpole

Betsy and Richard Staples HLC

The Champlin Foundation

Geoff Tuff

Vivian J. Palmeiri Trust

Barbara Walsh and Earl Simson

Emily Westcott and Bill Carpenter HLC

Conservator ($5,000+)

Anonymous

Gayle and John Amos

Howard and Liani Balloch

Bank of America Foundation

Boston Foundation

Arthur H Carr Fund

Robert and Lisbeth Chew

Lavinia Connors

John E Fogarty Foundation

Roy A Hunt Foundation

Kimball Johnstone Foundation

Laura Landen HLC

Maria A. Masse

Kathleen Melbourne and Lisa Close

Adele Mouzon

Ocean State Charities Trust

Barbara Seith

Rebecca Silliman HLC

Susan Tietze

Deborah Venator

Michael Viveiros and Suzanne Dunkl HLC

Kathleen Wattles

Kim and Jeff Westcott

Shawen Williams and Andrew MacKeith

Advocate ($2,500+)

Anonymous

Susan Ahnrud

Dickson and Emily Boenning HLC

Nicholas and Julia Califano

Frank P. DiGregorio

Lorraine Dimeo

Michael and Susan Fox

Donna and Paul Gricus

Charles and Lory McCoy

Deborah J. Mongeau

Lindsay Neagle

NEC Solar

Anne and Meredith Pearson

Redgate/Finnegan Charitable Fund

Paul and Patricia Stadnick

Stonehouse Mountain Family Fund

Peter Tassia and Maija Lutz

Deborah Tillotson

James VanCleve and Claudia Strauss

Leader ($1,000+)

Anonymous

Deborah Allen

Ashaway Charitable Trust

John and Janice Benda

Bettina Baruch Foundation

Molly Bidwell

Jeff Blease

Lizabeth Bourret and Patricia Harris

Lila Boutin

Susan Bowers

David Buchholz

Virginia Clappi

Thomas and Maryann Correia

As we work to protect birds, wildlife, and our communities from the impacts of climate change, we are committed to making the most of every donation we receive and are grateful for each and every one of our supporters.

Thank

You

William DeAngelus III

Leslie Deardorff

Tina Duhaime and Stanley Pelli

Louise Durfee Esq. HLC

Dutch Island Lighthouse Society

Kathie R. Florsheim

Katherine Flynn

Maria Franzen

Joan and George Gardiner HLC

Elizabeth and Joel Gates

Kate Gerencser

Daniel Gilman

Sarah Godfrey

David and Jean Golden

Green Century Capital Management

David and Mary Gumbley HLC

Mary Hall

Jeffrey and Catherine Hall

Owen Heleen

Nancy and Douglas Hinman

Lindsay Huffhines

Peter Hull

Pierre and Kathy Irving

Sandra Jacobi

Helen Jankoski

Keith Killingbeck

Robert and Connie Kok

Nancy Lee

Edward Lester and Sarah Yenson

Thomas and Cheryl Lisi

Leah and Joe Loberti

Ronald Loeser and Doris Kirchner

Kallie Longval

John MacLennan

Joseph and Kendra Marasco

Linda Mathewson

Robert and Theresa Mathiesen

Frederick Mattis

Peter and Susan McCalmont

John and Karin McCormick Foundation

Jerry and Christina McIntyre

John A. Mertus

Elizabeth and S. Clarke Moody

Margaret Moone

Patricia and Joseph Mundy

Emily Murphy-Prior

Ocean Reef Community Foundation

O’Hanian-Szostak Fund

Helen O'Malley

Kevin and Amy Orth

Ernie and Donna Panciera

Kenneth Payne and Helen Drew

Katherine Perry

Janet Coit and Peter Regan

Jan and Henry Rines

Alan R. Rote

Nancy D. Safer

Denis McCool and Jackie Savoie

Kristin Scharf and John Michopoulos

Allen Schenck and Lavonne Davis-Schenck

Rich and Jane Schweinsburg

Martha Sherman

George W. Shuster Jr. Adoniram Sides and Kara Zanni-Sides

Jacqueline Spaulding

Mary Speare

David and Lisa Spencer

St. Gobain

Ann Taylor

Pat and Rickey Thompson

Charlotte Tracy

Timothy and Patricia Tuff

Cynthia Warren and Martin Bauermeister

Kristine Waxman

Ward Weathers and Renee de Montaigne

Bryan White

Wilcox Family Foundation

Holly Williams

Margaret Williamson

Richard and Mary Worrell

Linda and John Woulfe

Maura Zimmer

Trailblazer ($250+)

Anonymous

Bruce Ahern

Peter and Janice Albertsen

Dean and Suzanne Albro

John Almeida

Charlotta Anton

Richard and Susanne Archambault

Anne Archibald

Ann and Norman Baker

Glone Baker

James H. Baker

Michelle Baker

Maria Barry

Edwin and Janet Bartholomew

Diane Bartlett

G Bartlett

Rene Bartos

Beth Basile

Charles and Sophia Bauer

Diana Baxter and Thomas Krahn

Laura Belleville

Thomas and Kathryn Bendheim

Dianne Berg

Frances and David Bergeron

Miriam Berkelhammer

Ellen Berren

Ed J. Bertozzi Jr.

John and Patricia Biasuzzi

Harold and Brenda Bibb

Melinda Biernacki

Keith Blackwell HLC

Matthew and Marcella Blank

Bloom Rhode Island

Steven Bloomfield

Carl and Nina Borromeo

Aleesha Bostic

Douglas and Wendy Brennen

Sherri and Thomas Briggs

Wayne and Eileen Browning

Ralph and Rosemarie Bryden

Thomas Bryson

Adrian Burke

Katherine Burnham

Vicki Burns

Christine Bush

Robert and Ellen Bushnell

Melissa Buttaro

Loren Byrne and Kim Seymour

Judith Byrnes

Paula Carmichael and Richelle Russell

Eric and Maria Carpenter

John and Michael Casey

David and Lorraine Casucci

Max Christensen

Mary L. Clark

Christina Clayton and Stanley Kolber

Jen Cleland

Bradford and Cynthia Coates

Sheryl Cohen

Jacqueline Colbert-Muetterties and Mark Muetterties

Susan Collins

Joseph Conley

Donna Conroy

Philip Coombes

Donald Cordner and Jean Cavanaugh

Alfred Corso

Wendy Crandall and Christopher D'Aguanno

Thomas Crawford and Gayle Burchfield

Catherine Cressy and Mike Russo

Linda Criniti

Tim and Joy Csanadi

Leon and Michele Danish

Jerry and Janie Dauterive

Julia Dearden

Virginia Decker

Doris DeFeo

Eric and Ruthann DeLong

Lazarus Demopoulos

Michelle Denault and Mark Palmer

Peter and Penelope Dennehy

Carol DiCarlo

Stan Dimock

Thomas Doeppner and Nancy Bedard

Carrie Drake and Richard Paull

Norine Duncan

Mary Earl

Sally Easton

Stephen Elman and Joanne D'Alcomo

Sandra and Richard Fahey

Bonnie Fairbanks

Will Fazioli

Lloyd Feit and Linda Nici

Andrea Feldman

Wenley Ferguson and John Wolf

Marina and Brian Flannery

Shirley Ann Flynn

Nancy Fried

Nancy and Greg Fritz

Ann P. Gallagher

Elizabeth Gallagher

Thomas Gallagher and Marilyn Scoville

Walt and Hollie Galloway

Sandra Gardner

Thomas Getz and Margaret Finn HLC

Elizabeth Gibb

Kate Gillis

Carol Golden and Stuart Einhorn HLC

Amy Goldfarb & Lisa Futado

Deirdre J Good

Pamela and Paul Goulet

Glenn Graf and Mary Graf

Ann Gray

Patty and Britt Grealish-Rust

Karen Gudmundson

David Gwizdowski

Katrine Hansen and Michael Sandfort

Helen Hardy

Jamie Harrower

John Hartley

Susan Hibbitt

Mark Hilty and Maryanne Noris

Peter A Hollmann

Garry and Cathy Holmstrom

Leigh and Rick Hood

Jill and George Horruitiner

John and Cynthia Hughes

Angela Ionata

Sarah Iwanski

David Izzi

George Johnson

Mary Johnson

Lorraine Joubert and George Loomis

Mimi Karlsson

Phillip Karlsson and Katie Ptak

David Katzen and Barbara Binder

Eric and Esta Kawaoka

Michelina C Kelly

Robert Kenney

Margaret Kerr and Robert Vanderslice

Clare Kirby and Jim Maxwell

Ellen J. Kleinman

Louise Knapp

A. Max Kohlenberg and Rebecca Minard HLC

Michelle Komar

Brian Kortz

Marjorie Lamphear

John Laramee

Suzanna Laramee

Reynold and Marlene Larsen

Jennifer Laurelli

Stephanie Lawrence and Craig Rubens

Ginny A. Leslie

Ann and George Lewis

Rebecca Lister and Norman Kelly

Pete Lord

Elizabeth Lorenc

Agi Louria

Beth Luckenbach and Kathleen Carey

Emily Lyons

Glenn and Ellen MacNaught

Ken and Carol MacNaught

Antonia Magliocchetti

Melinda Mailhot

Charles Mandeville

Susan and Louis Mansolillo

Ellen S. Mara

Susan Marcus

Geoffrey and Loretta Marion

Juan Mariscal

Eugenia S. Marks

Daniel Maser and Jennifer Oswald

Henry and Chris Matos

John E Matthews

Frank Mauran

Gretchen E. Maurer

Thomas Maynard

Elinore McCance-Katz and Michael Katz

Stephanie J. McGann

Alan and Ann McKenzie

Murray McLachlan

Gisela Meyn

Wendy Miller

Blanche Milligan

Kara and David Milner

Rafaela Moore and Robin Hawkes

Edmund Moura

James and Carolyn Moy

David and Cynthia Mullen

Zev and Ari Murgai

Theresa Murphy

Dennis and Linda Murray

Patricia Nanian

David Nastro

David North

Timothy and Jennifer O'Connor

Judith Ode

Peter O'Neill and Lindsay French

Angie Pageler

Lauren Parmelee

Peter and Suzanne Paton

Mark Pearlstein

Ryan Peters

Ashley Piacenza

Richard and Deborah Pilotte

Susan Pitt and Gregg Oehler

Lisa Plante

Brian Pletcher

Bancroft and Mary Poor

Alyson Powell

Candace and Christopher Powell HLC

Lisa A Procter

William and Marilyn Pryor

John and Janet Przygoda

Albert and Karen Pytka

Michael Quas and Sydney Montstream-Quas

Thomas Quinney

Donna-Jean Rainville and Richard Wilkins HLC

Tim Rancourt

Kathleen Redgate and Sheila Finnegan

James Reynolds

Barbara Rich and Roger Watson

Melissa Ridolfi

Barbara Robinson

Derrick and Sarah Robinson

Steven Rodrigues

Megan Rok

Robert and Anne Rothenberg

Kathleen Rourke and Greg Gerritt

David Rozendale

Steve and Judith Ruscito HLC

Lisa Russell

Catherine Sabo HLC

Wendy Lee Sabra

James Sallinger

Salten Weingrod Family Fund

Vijaya & Sundaresan Sambandam

John and Gail Sampieri

Barry and Libby Schiller HLC

Don Schim

Walter Schumann

Frank and Joanne Sciuto

George Seavey HLC

George & Theresa Seidel

Donna Sempolinksi

Dorothy Shackleton and David Abell

Amanda Shannon and John Kennedy

Richard and Trudy Sharpe

Gardiner and Cynthia Shattuck

Barbara Sherman

Deming and Jane Sherman

Karen Sherman and Michael Phillips

Stephanie Sloman

Deborah Smith

Robert and Sarah Smith

Edward Sneesby

Hilary Spatz

John and Linda Stachelhaus

Linda Stanich and Douglas Stephens HLC

Audrey Staples

Jane Steele

William Stone and Carolyn Mark

Megan Stradtman

Jennifer Suellentrop

Catherine and Peter Sullivan

Marianne Sullivan

Robert Swanson and Patti Smith

Edward and Cynthia Szymanski

Irma Tabellione

John Tamul

David Tapscott and Gail Epstein

Susan J. Taylor

Gisleine Tello

Jo-Ann and Matthew Therien

Thomas Esq.

Dorothy J. Thornley

Elaine Thorpe

Anne and L. Michael Tierney

Philip Tierney

Sandra Tierney

Karen and Pentti Tofte

Jennifer Trachtman

William Trimble

Carol Lynn Trocki

Bradford R. Turner

Kerry Tyson and Zachary King

Martha Ullman

Carl and Susan Valenstein

Teresa Valentine

Robert VanDernoot & Betsey Matthiessen

Frederick and Loraine Vincent

Thomas and Linda Walden

Courtney Walsh

Tammy Walsh

Linda Ward and John Leighton

Gary Watros and Beverly Larson

Thomas and Friend Waugh

Richard and Tamar Wells

Rosanna and James Wertheimer

Barbara and Bob Westlake

Dorothy A. Wilkes

Stephen and Barbara Williams

Jessica and Doug Wilson

Bruce and Carolyn Winter

Ina and David Woolman

Michelle Wu

Nathaniel Zane

Carol and Harvey Zimmerman

Bernard Zimmermann and Cheryl King

Paul S. Zompa

Michael Zucker

Supporter ($150+)

Lea Alexandre

Lisa Me Allen

Charles Allott

Kimberly Amons

Kenneth and Deborah Amylon

Cassie Andrade

Ann and Joseph Anesta

Mark Angell

Greg and Julie Anthony

Molly Anthony

Roxanne Arakelian

Barbara Arditte

Joanne Arsenault

Kristen Atwood

Elaine and Dennis Auger

Carol Ann and Alfred Ayala

Barbara Bachand

Susan Payne Bacher

Virginia Bainton and Meredith Artigas

Nancy and Sarah Baldwin

Nancy Baler

Carolyn Balinskas

Luke and Kate Balleny

Rebecca Ballou and Beth Schurman

Taylor Baltzer

Debbie R. Barchi

Sarah Barker and Steven Hamburg

Stuart Bargery

Ryan Barker

Sandra J. Barkley

Paul Barlow

Alexander Batten

Kathryn Beauchamp

Karen Beauchesne

Patricia Becker

Thomas Belleville

Stephen and Deborah Bentz

Karen Berman

Mindy Berman

Becky Berman

Mercedes Bernal

Courtney and Kai Bernal-Leclaire

Michael Bernarsky

Samuel and Barbara Bidwell

John and Karen Biernacki

Daniel Blackford

William Blais and Wayne Leaver

Jacob Blenkiewicz

Charles Bluto

Michael and Barbara Boday

Kevin and Stephanie Bongiovanni

Paige Bonn

Pierson Booher

Pam Coletta and Len Borges

Barbara Bourgery

Carolyn Bowles

Cathleen and Eric Breitkreutz

Jeremy and Sandi Brenner

Jonathan Brooks

Palmira Brummett

David and Joanne Brunetti

Linda Bruscato

Diann Bryans

Marylou Buyse

Audrey Cabral

Marjorie J. Caldwell

Michael Callaghan and Mary DohertyCallaghan

Karen Callan and John Winters

Nancy Cassidy and Jeffrey Schreck

Pamela Campellone

Brenda and Thomas Cardullo

Polly Carpenter

Nathan and Gina Chaney

Robin Cherenzia

Peter Child

George Christie

Matthew Cichon

Anne Ciresi

Joey Clair

Rick Claypool and Teresa DeFlitch

Jeff and Amy Cohen

Julie Colby

Sarah Collins

Charles and Joanne Compton HLC

Karen Confort

Jenica Conley

Donald and Ellen Conner

Claudia Cooper

Leanne Cooper

Ryan Cormack

Kate Costantino

Walter B. Cotter

Dominique and Patrick Coulombe

Susan Cournoyer

Megan Couto

Donna Couture

Sharon and Julius Cresci

Dianne Curran

Sharon Cutts

Anna Cynar

Kanaan Daher

Ryann Damaso

Emily Daniell

Michelle Daniels

Ashley DelCorno

Carol A. Delisle

Lynn DeLuca

Katrina Demulling

Jane and Allen Dennison

Sonya and Jay Dent

Sarah DeRosa

Vaibhav Deshpande

Carla B. Destefano

Patricia Devereux

Connor Devin

Karen Griffith-Dieterich and Mark Dieterich

Katherine Dika

Danielle Dillon

Matthew A. DiMaio III

Shane DiMaria

Linda Sable and Vivian Dionne

Judy A. Doherty

Karen and Peter Dorfman

Diana Doyle

Emlen and Elizabeth Drayton

Robert and Judith Drew

Elise Duffy

Steven Dulude

Katelyn Dumont

Jocelyn Dunn

Robert Dunn

Laura Duquette

Valerie Dymsza

Nancy Eaton

Amanda Eayrs

Mary Ann Ebner

William J. Eccleston

Karen Edwards and Kenneth Ramsay

Karen Elkins

Matt Ellsworth

Michael Emma and Wendy Davis

Emily Enos

Andrew and Mary Erickson

Lori Esposito

Sarah Evelyn

Jessica Farrar

Terry and Patricia Faulkner

Jonathan Feinstein

Kelly Fenton

Robert and Heather Ferguson

Mallory Ferreira

Ms. Martha Fish and Ms. Adrian Boney

Peter M. Fish*

Heather Fitzgerald

Alan Flam and Judy Semonoff

Pamela Fleming

Sara Fogarty

John and Hope Foley

Richard Foley

Patti Folsom

Donald W. Forsyth

Laura Foss

Edward Foss

Catherine Foster

Joanne Foster

Robert Fouser

Joanne Fowler

Elizabeth Franks

Carolyn Frayne

Gregory Frazier

Marion Freiberg

Kathleen Frenette

Brian Freyermuth and Amy Holden

Steven and Barbara Fuller

Theresa Gallagher

Ronald and Linda Gardrel

Jennifer and Bud Geary

Diane Gendreau

Bill and Jennifer George

Lawrence Geuss and Pamela Lenehan

Elizabeth Gibbs and Eliot Raymond

Thomas Gleason

Stephen Glinick and Elizabeth Welch

Frederick and Kathleen Godley

Arthur and Marion Gold

James Goldberg and Michelle Solis

Katherine Golden

Lenore Gonsalves

Leandro Gonzalez

Richard and Susan Graefe

Lindsay Green

Peter Green and Adam Olszewski

Diane Greenwald

Kristen Gross

Lissette Guillermo and Ricardo Blancas

Lindsey and Daniel Gumb

John Gwynne and Mikel Folcarelli

T. James and Dorothea Hallan

Teresa Hamel

Brendan Hammatt

Michael and Peggy Hanney

Leslie and Joan Harnish

Ross and Lisa Harris

Hilary and Ken Hartlaub

Edward and Wendy Harvey

Glen Hatfield

Michael Hayes

David Heaps

Carla and Richard Heath

Marguerite and Roland Hebert

Justin Hedlund and Lila Sarwono

Courtney Henderson

Jim Hendrickson

Jane Hennedy

Linda V. Hennessey

Harlan Hersey

Sarah Hesson

Marilyn Hewitt

Jonathan Hicks

John Hirschboeck

Tiffany Hogan

Kay Holland

Rachael A. Holt

Andrea Holt

Emi Homura

Janet and Jim Hosmer

Alexia Hozella

Joseph Hozempa

Elizabeth Hubert and Ron Dumais

Donna Hutchinson and Kitty Cook

Elizabeth Hutton

Elias and Kathryn Hyams

Marilyn Ingham

Walter and Eileen Jachna

Diana and Leland Jackson

Margaret and David Jackson

Warren and Janet Jagger

Mirvett Jaillet

Bruce and Susan Jala

Mark and Deborah Jennings

Walter Jimenez

Christine Jocelyn

Elizabeth Johnson

Douglas Jung

Rebecca Kasdon

Judy and Larry Katz

Kathleen Kelleher

Marilyn Kellogg

John and Phyllis Kennally

Elaine C. Kenney

Barbara and James Kenney

Judy Kerr

M Siu-Li Khoe

Susan and Robert Kieronski

Michael Kirchner

Cynthia Kirkhart

Frank Kirstein

Heidi Koehler

Kathryn Kogan

Melissa Kollitides

Joel and Cynthia Kramer

Kathryn Kulpa

Peter and Margaret Lacouture

John and Alexandra LaForce

Susan and Paul Lague

Ronald and Lorraine Laliberte

Cindy Pierce and Joshua Lamb

Robert and Judith Lambe

George and Elizabeth Lamphere

Paula and Bob Lang

Barbara J. Lataille

Berit Lavender

Gayle and Chip Lawrence

Leeds IV

Sharon and Denis Lefebvre

Stacey Lehrer

Douglas and Carol Leith

Nicole Lemay

Victoria Leytin

Moshe and Toby Liebowitz

Randal and Cynthia Lilly

Morgan Lindberg

Christopher and Michelle Little

Karla Little

Rebecca Lowry

Irene Lucarelli

David and Diane Madsen

Jed and Nicole Mahoney

Kathleen Malin

Courtney Maloney

Joseph Mancuso

Kathryn and Peter Mandel

Louise Manfredi

David Manning

Marissa and Matthew Marcoux

Kimberly Marion

Lianna Maris and Henry Minardi

Emily Markovitz

Ellen Marschall

Carole and Barry Marshall

Tanya Martin

Jessica and Jeffrey Martin

Jill and Raymond Mathieu

Michael Matias

Charlie and Karen Maule

William Mayer

Laura Mayer

Thomas A. McCarthy

Colm McCarthy

William McClintick

Owen McEntee

Diane McFall

Nancy McGill

Lisa McGreavy

Jane E McIlmail

Bruce McLeish

Em McManamy

Bill McManus

Pamela Mead

David Mehl and Lynne Seacord

Carlo and Betty Mencucci

David Mercier

Peter and Wanda Michaelson

Giuliana Micheletti

Francesca Micheletti

Christina Millar

Lindsey Miller

Thomas and Deborah Miller

Shelby Carpenter and Mark Miller

Srilakshmi Mitta

Crosby Modrowski

Tara Moll

Michael and Sharon Monsour

Eliza Moore

Savannah Moran

Elizabeth Morancy

Wendy Morgan

Ann Morse

Charlotte and Robert Morse

S Mowrer

Carol Murchie

Xenia and Deron Murphy

Ryan and Cailin Murphy

Murphy Prior & Infantolino

Kevin and Karen Murray

Colin Nagle

Robert Nagle

Lindsey Nardolillo

Mary M. Neil

Kevin J. Nelson

Greg Nemes

JoAnne Neville

Jennie Newkirk and Kennon Miller

Herbert Nichelson

Sheryl Noelte

Wendy Norris

Mary and Steve Nugent

Alyssa Oliveira

Michael and April O'Malley

William O'Neill

James and Carol O'Neill

Cynthia and James Opaluch

Suzanne and Peter Oppenheimer

Linda Overton

Aubrie Pace

John and Cheryl Pace

Barbara Pagh and Jeff Bartwell

Adam Pallant and Elizabeth Toll

Edward Paluch

Richard and Carolyn Panofsky

Elizabeth Paquette and Jacqueline

Proulx HLC

Donna and Joseph Pariseau

Elizabeth Parker

Elizabeth Paroli

Mark and Lorraine Parsons

Rachael Paull

Susan and Joseph Peckham

Annalisa Pederson

Sarah Perrotta

Georgia and Matthew Perry

Christina Phipps

Roni Phipps

Rachael Pierce and Brian Adae

Alex Pirri

Mary Jane Pizza

Yahaira Placencia

Plum Beach Garden Club

Karen Ponte

Gigi Porcelli

Leah Prats

Timothy and Christina Pratt

Stewart Pucci

Robert Pump

Judith Queen

Petya Radoeva

Jessica Ralston

Thomas Ramotowski

Barbara J. Ray

Ryan Reed

Victoria Reid

Lucine and Scott Reinbold

Steven and Beverly Reinert HLC

Daniel Reis

John and Marianne Renza

Lisa Reynolds

Donald Rice and Joella Adams

Karen Rich

David and Jennifer Riedel

Amanda and Jim Rinderle

Gary and Judy Ritts

Katherine and Luna Roberts

Denis Robichaud

Stephanie Robillard

Aimee Rocha

Stephen F Rock

Humberto Rodrigues

Monica Rodriguez and Azikiwe Husband

Linda and Makayla Rogers

Alfred Romano

Amanda Rondeau

Francis T. Rose

Tiferet and Brendan Rose

Victoria Rosenbecker

Linda Rouleau

Brenda Rubadou

Ellen and John Ruggiano

John Runk

Geoffrey and Jacqueline Russom

Ashley Rutan

Michele Ruttenberg

Ray and Bonnie Sabourin

Ellen P. Salvatore

Justin Salvatore

Laura Sanders

Albert Sanford and Demi Delorme

Patricia Sanford

Cynthia Scheinberg and Eliahu Klein

Robert and Mary Schmidt

Thomas Schmitt

Janet Schortmann

John Seaboldt

Nancy and Carl Seadale

Mary Shapiro

Katherine Sharp

Joel Sheveck and Dawn Bourcier

Richard and Elizabeth Shorrock

Caroline Silva

Deborah Silva

Elizabeth Silva

Dawn Silvia

Jack Simonds

Christine Skog HLC

Barbara Slaight

David Slipp and Nancy Hodd

Nicholas Smith and Susan Pavlow

Susan and Clifford Snow

Amy Soares

Joook Song

Mary Jane Sorrentino and Richard Stahl

Curt and Patrice Spalding

Rick and Tracy Spates

Mary M. Speakman

Cindy Spurr and Chris Hubbard

Richard and Emma St Germain

Bruce and Carol Stevens

Nick Stevens

Timothy Stewart

Ann and Roderick Stieg

Donna and Phil Stiness

Christine Stone and Christopher Howe

Clare Stone and Martin Wencek

Richard Strangman

Joanne Stubbins

Erin Stubbs

Amy and Philip Swayze

Sara and Richard Sweetman

Marc and Leslie Tatar

Elizabeth Taylor

Lynn Taylor and Boris Bally

Hazel Temple and David Whelan

Gary Theriaque

Amy Thibeault

Ann Telfer and David Thomas

Trisha Thorme

Becky Thorpe

John C. Thresher

Peter Tirrell and Heather Evans

Judith A. Titzel

Kelly Tocci and Bradley Grube

Jayson Tolbert

Chris Tompsett and Nancy Raposo

Jessica Torres

Darlene Towne HLC

Jane Trehy

Kevin Turbitt and Tomoko Shibusawa

Jessica Urick

John and Brandi Varlaro

Robert and Jennifer Vergnani

Jean Vinci

Susan Viveiros

Allison Voth

Pamela Walker

Merritt Walsh

Donald and Taylor Warner

Winston Webster

Bethany Weinstein

Steve G. Weiss

David Welsh

Meredith and Clark Wescott

Rita Wheatley

John Whelan

Lee and C. Martha Whitaker

David White and Denise Murphy

Michael White and Jane Desforges

William and Donna Wieters

Lisa Wildman

Ryan Wilkes

Alyssa Wood

Charles and Barbara Worcester

Elsa Yeung

Gerald and Mary Young

Richard A. Younkin

Michael and Anna Zaino

Shanley Zeilstra

Meredith Zenowich

Lauren and Samuel Zurier

* = Deceased

HLC = Hawkes’s Legacy Circle

Audubon thanks the 2,033 donors who gave less than $150 in 2024. We appreciate support in any amount to protect birds, wildlife, and their habitats. Thank you.

If you don’t see your name listed or a donor acknowledgment is missing, please contact our development office at jcleland@asri.org so we can thank you properly.

Bringing a Juvenile Bald

Eagle Home

YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK

Thanks to your generosity, Audubon has been able to confidently move forward in preparations to bring a juvenile Bald Eagle home to Rhode Island.

The wildlife rehabilitator in Indiana has sent updated photos and video that allow staff to study the Bald Eagle’s injuries and movements. This information has been used in designing the eagle’s new aviary. Your donations have already allowed the purchase of lumber, screening, a heated hose, perching materials, and a small pool. Construction of the aviary will begin once the warmer weather breaks.

The timing of this raptor’s arrival depends on Audubon’s receipt of an eagle permit, which due to federal cuts, will most likely take longer to process than anticipated. We will provide updates on her arrival.

The juvenile Bald Eagle will require significantly more food than our other avian ambassadors. Please consider donating today to support her food, health, and veterinary expenses. Visit asri.org/eagle-fund

Weddings

In a Unique Setting Surrounded by Nature

From ceremonies in seasonal gardens to receptions in a historic barn or award-winning aquarium and natural history museum, Audubon has two locations available for unforgettable weddings.

The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI and The Barn at Caratunk in Seekonk, MA offer an extraordinary nature-inspired destinations for wedding receptions, ceremonies, and bridal showers.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

• Indoor capacity of up to 125 guests

• Set on 28 acres with gardens, meadows, and a boardwalk trail to views of Narragansett Bay

Barn at Caratunk Wildlife Refuge Seekonk, MA

• Indoor capacity of up to 100 guests

• Surrounded by nearly 200 acres of serene forest and trails

RESERVE YOUR DATE TODAY

To discuss additional details or reserve your date, contact Sarah Bradley at 401-949-5454 x3016 or sbradley@asri.org.

EDITORIAL

By Betsy and Richard Staples

Through the Eyes of a Grandchild

The name “Audubon” is familiar to many Rhode Islanders, and we are no exception. But, for a long time we thought Audubon here was part of a larger organization, and that Rhode Island was the lucky beneficiary of beautiful open space refuges we could explore—for free—while clutching Ken Weber’s Weekend Walks in Rhode Island as we wandered about.

But then, in 2020, the pandemic hit and we began providing day care to our toddler grandson, Reid. The best place to be with him was outside. And while Audubon’s Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol were closed, its walkways and gardens were accessible… and in need of care. So after his second birthday, we brought him and put him to work.

He loved it, pulling on his little work gloves and pushing his tiny wheelbarrow around as he weeded, mulched, and raked alongside us. When the Center reopened, he marveled at the Rhode Island-centric exhibits and aquariums, and he continued volunteering outside. He enjoyed summer camps and school visits, and soon, his younger sister and two cousins became Audubon fans.

Through Reid’s eyes, we learned more about what Audubon Rhode Island really is. It turns out our Audubon is an Ocean State native, founded here in 1897.

Our Audubon is unwavering in its commitment to the environmental health of our state’s air, land and water, and of all species of birds, wildlife, and fish. Our Audubon offers accessible educational opportunities for all ages and especially to children in our cities. Our Audubon has permanently conserved nearly 10,000 acres of open space, providing bird migration pathways, pollinator havens for butterflies, vernal pools for small woodland creatures, and protected vital river watersheds. And our Audubon has made a landmark pledge to phase out its use of fossil fuel with solar through RePower Audubon.

Thanks to Reid’s eyes, our own eyes were opened and we have become stronger supporters of Audubon Society of Rhode Island, both philanthropically through our United Way MyFund and with our time. And we encourage our friends and neighbors to do the same.

Our state is small, so every action we take has a larger impact, and Audubon is always ready to do more. Reid is, too, but with bigger work gloves now.

This letter originally was published in the Providence Journal in December 2025 as part of a United Way partnership with the newspaper to promote and support the work of RI nonprofit organizations. Richard Staples currently serves on the Audubon Board of Directors.

Each

Summer is right around the corner. Support Audubon Camp Scholarships today. Visit asri.org/sendakidtocamp.