Audubon Field Naturalist Series

Audubon Field Naturalist Series

Five Saturdays: August 29, September 26, October 10, October 17, November 7, 2026

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Various Audubon locations are noted below.

Fee: Audubon & RIEEA Members $300, Non-members $350

Ages: 16 to adult.

Go ahead, indulge your curiosity and delve into the complexities of the natural world!

Let the experts be your guide to the ecosystems, plants, and animals found in Southern New England in this five-program series. Explore Audubon wildlife refuges and Prudence Island with scientists and skilled naturalists who will facilitate indoor presentations and outdoor investigations. Each session provides a new layer of insight, as you build your understanding and skills as a beginning naturalist.

Be prepared to walk a mile or two. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, bring water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent. Resources, such as field guides recommendations, articles and on-line tools will be shared.

All participants will receive complimentary passes to attend Audubon’s 2026 Raptor Weekend on September 12 or 13, 2026.

Exploring Biodiversity Across Habitats

Introduction to the Autumn Field Naturalist Series

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA

Saturday, August 29, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Acclaimed naturalist Joe Koger will launch the autumn series with an overview of the five-week program. Get to know other participants as you head out on a guided exploration of the field, forest, pond and stream ecosystems on the wildlife refuge. Koger will lead engaging and thought-provoking discussions on how the diversity of life serves as an indicator of a healthy habitat.

Exploring Coastal Ecosystems

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI

Saturday, September 26, 2026,

Meet at the Bristol Ferry Dock at 9:30 am, returning on 4:15 pm ferry

Spend a full day exploring the diverse coastal habitats of Prudence Island, from salt marshes and rocky shorelines to sandy beaches and eelgrass beds. Narragansett Bay Research Reserve staff will guide you throughout the day as you learn about the vast array of plants and animals that call these places home. Participants will also learn about the Reserve's ongoing monitoring and research projects and will have the opportunity to explore the shallow waters of the bay and salt marsh to collect marine fish and invertebrates. Cost of ferry included.

Wildlife Tracks & Signs

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI

October 10, 2026, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Autumn is a busy time for wildlife, and an exciting time to investigate animal tracks and signs. The transitional changes in behavior elicit a “frenzy” of movement as animals prepare for winter. Join naturalists and certified New England Wildlife Trackers Tracey Hall and Marina Flannery for this adventure.  A hands-on activity on mammals of Rhode Island will top off the day.

Trees & Shrubs of Rhode Island

Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI

October 17, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Learn to identify the trees and shrubs found in local forests. Dr. Scott Ruhren, Audubon Senior Director of Conservation, works on protection, management and restoration of habitats for native plants and animals. Growing up he wandered many wooded acres and has a special fondness for forests. Audubon’s Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge is both large and diverse and participants will be able to see many species in their autumn glory.

Introduction to Geology

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI

Saturday, November 7, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Our amazing planet Earth has been forming and re-forming for 4.5 billion years! Delve into this long history through investigations with Lisa Maloney, Audubon educator and naturalist with a passion for geology.  Learn the basic rock types and how they are formed. Discover special properties of minerals and test and compare soils in different habitats. Look for evidence of how the landscape is shaped by geologic processes and gain a deeper appreciation of the connections between living things and the physical environment.