<body><div>Celebrate the Season in the Great Outdoors!December 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode IslandTake a break from the holiday rush and enjoy some time in nature this season. Bundle up for an owl prowl on a crisp winter’s night, bring a friend for stargazing, or craft a beautiful holiday wreath! And if you are looking for a unique experience on the winter trails, head out for some exercise with Audubon’s friendly conservation goats. There is so much to celebrate in December!Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.NEW! Audubon Private Winter Goat Hikes<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0VyIk9_1GufxzRx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0VyIk9_1GufxzRx00" width="650" height="478" ></figure>Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI.Available December 2026 through April 2027; 10:00-11:30am*Join Audubon on a private hike with their four-legged conservation friends. Audubon’s six goats are on a winter break from their regular job of removing invasive species. Help give the herd exercise and enrichment while enjoying a tranquil walk at Audubon’s Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge. Program proceeds support the goat’s winter food and care. Maximum 8 people per hike.*To check availability and book a private hike, please email Laura Carberry at lcarberry@asri.org. Fee per person: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 6+.Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with AudubonLocations Across Rhode IslandDecember 1, 8, 15, 2026; 9:00-11:00amAudubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Locations will be sent to registered participants in advance.Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2027; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Winter Bird Survey TrainingAudubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RIDecember 1, 2026; 4:00-5:30pmDo you like birds, and want to help Audubon conduct important research? Audubon will be surveying 13 wildlife refuges across the state for winter birds from December 15, 2026, to February 28, 2027. Surveys will need be conducted at least twice per location and volunteers must be comfortable walking independently on trails that may be snowy, icy, or muddy. For more information, email Sarah Deckel at sdeckel@asri.orgPowder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Rd, Smithfield, RI; Free. Ages: 15+. Register online at asri.org/calendar.Owl Prowl at Fort RefugeAudubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RIDecember 3, 2026; 6:30-8:00pmJoin an Audubon naturalist for a frosty evening walk at Fort Wildlife Refuge. Meet in the parking lot for an introduction to resident owls, then walk the trails in search of these amazing birds. Dress for the weather by wearing layers, sturdy shoes/boots, and bring a flashlight. For ages 10 and up. Advanced registration is required.Fort Wildlife Refuge, 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Bristol Biweekly Bird Walk with AudubonAudubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RIDecember 4, 18, 2026; 9:00-11:00amJoin an Audubon naturalist for a morning stroll through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll enjoy spotting and learning about resident species and seasonal visitors. Bring your binoculars!Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Wintertime with the Audubon GoatsAudubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RIDecember 5, 2026; 10:00am-12:00pmThe Audubon Society of Rhode Island is now using the help of brush-cutting goats to assist in habitat management plans. Learn all about this new program and meet the conservation goats! Enjoy a short nature walk with them through the stillness of winter.Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Rd, Exeter, RI; Fee: $14/member; $18/non-member. Ages: 6+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Wreaths &amp; CocoaAudubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MADecember 9, 2026; 6:00-7:00pmJoin a festive evening at Audubon’s Caratunk Wildlife Refuge and make your own nature wreath. Sip hot cocoa as you assemble a wildlife-friendly wreath that you can hang on your front door, in your backyard, or wherever you please! All materials provided. Please bring a pair of garden shears or wire cutters if you have them.Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $40/member; $45/non-member. Ages: 12+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Family Owl ProwlAudubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RIDecember 10, 2026; 4:30-6:00pmTake to the trails in search of owls! Join an Audubon naturalist in this guided hike of the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge to listen and look for owls. While we never know if we’ll hear or see an owl, participants will learn a lot and have a great hike. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. This program does not include a live Audubon owl.Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Owling at Fisherville BrookAudubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RIDecember 11, 2026; 7:00-9:00pmIn a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon’s live owls and review what makes these birds so special. Then head out on the trails in search of these wild creatures in their natural habitat. Fisherville is home to Barred Owl and Great Horned Owls. Advance registration is required. This program will be fully outdoors, so please dress for the weather.Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Rd, Exeter, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 8+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Winter Solstice CelebrationsAudubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RIDecember 12, 2026As the longest night of the year approaches, connect with nature and celebrate the return of the light through a guided hike. Discover the calming charm of the season as we walk the frosty trails of Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge embracing the peaceful quiet of the winter woods. After our hike, we’ll gather around the winter spiral by the barn to symbolize the transition from darkness to light and celebrate the gradual return of longer days. Please wear warm clothes and hiking shoes to stay cozy in the winter chill. Advance registration required.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3InD9T_1GufxzRx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3InD9T_1GufxzRx00" width="650" height="440" ></figure>Solstice Celebration for Adults: 5:00-7:00pm; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 15+.Solstice Celebration for Families and Children: 1:00-3:00pm. Fee: $25/member adult, $5/member child; $30/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5+.Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99, Pardon Joslin Rd Exeter, RI; For details and to register, visit the online the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Under the Stars with AudubonAudubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RIDecember 12, 2026; 5:00pm-7:00pmJoin Audubon under the stars at the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol for an enchanting evening during the Geminids meteor shower! Warm up next to a firepit and enjoy classic campfire treats while gazing at the skies above. There will be opportunities to peer into a telescope while learning about the constellations and planets, with astronomy inspired activities and celestial storytelling. Support Audubon with a donation for a S’mores making kit! Dress for the weather and bring blankets and camp chairs. Capacity is limited, and registration is required.Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401, Hope St Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Sensory Friendly HoursAudubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RIDecember 16, 22, 2026; 3:00-4:00pmDuring Audubon’s Sensory Friendly Hours, there will be maximum of 12 visitors in the exhibit spaces along with trained and caring staff that have completed the Kulture City Sensory Inclusive Training. Audubon welcomes any supports needed to make a visit comfortable for guests. Three sensory bags and a weighted lap pad can be borrowed from the front desk and there will be a quiet area designation, Sensory Friendly signs alerting visitors, and a headphone zone (indicative of potentially loud area) at the exhibit hall entry. Please register in advance.Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free for members; $10/non-member adult, $7/nonmember child. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Winter Birding on Prudence Island<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2QImtO_1GufxzRx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2QImtO_1GufxzRx00" width="650" height="461" ></figure>Prudence Island, RIDecember 18, 2026; 9:45am-4:45pmPrudence Island is home to a wide variety of habitats, making winter birding unpredictable and exciting. Depending on the weather and trail conditions, spend the day birding in habitats ranging from salt marsh, shrub/thicket edges, meadows, pitch pine, deciduous forest and of course, sweeping views of the open bay. Expect to walk upwards of four to five miles over the course of the day. Due to limited space, registration is required.Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member, $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. For details and to register for Prudence Island programs, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Bank of America Free Family Fun DayHibernationAudubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RIDecember 19, 2026; 10:00-3:00pmThanks to Bank of America, once a month the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public with programs and activities throughout the day. No need to register!All Day: Craft Table10:00am: Nature Story11:00am &amp; 2:30pm: Animal Interview1:00pm: Where’s the Wildlife? Have you ever wondered where the wild animals go in the winter? Join an Audubon naturalist and get an up-close look at real animal biofacts while learning about the unique strategies and adaptations local wildlife species use to help them survive the cold.Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.December School Vacation WeekAudubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RIDecember 28-31, 2026; 10:00-3:00pmNot sure what to do during school vacation week? Join Audubon for a week full of exciting nature activities! Special programs and activities available each day and are free with admission. Registration is not required.10:00am: Nature Story11:00am: Animal Interview1:00pm: Special program schedule below:Monday, December 28: Winter Nature Walk – Bundle up for an invigorating walkaround our beautiful wildlife refuge. Weather dependent.Tuesday, December 29: Creepy Crawly Investigation – What makes an insect an insect? Find out in this engaging presentation followed by an encounter with a live insect – the Madagascar hissing cockroach!Wednesday, December 30: Whoo are You? – This is the time of year that owls are calling! Come learn all about these amazing birds and observe a live owl up close.Thursday, December 31: Reptile Investigation – Explore the world of reptiles and learn about their unique adaptations, then meet two reptiles up close.Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401, Hope St Bristol, RI; December 28, 29, 30, 31, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm; Free with admission. Ages: All.Sleepy TurtlesAudubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MADecember 30, 2026; 1:00-2:00pmWhere did all the turtles go? What do reptiles do when the weather gets cold? Join an Audubon naturalist for this engaging family program to find out! Meet one of Audubon’s live animal ambassadors and make your own turtle craft to take home! All ages welcome but recommended for children ages 5+.Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; December 30, 2026; 1:00-2:00pm; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 5+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.Tide &amp; Talon: Portraits of Rhode Island’s Coastal Birds &amp; RaptorsOriginal Artwork by Hilary ArcherAudubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RIThrough December 31, 2026; 9:30am – 4:30pmThe paintings of Rhode Island wildlife artist Hilary Archer explore the beauty, symbolism, and presence of birds along the region’s shorelines and skies. Inspired by direct observation in the natural world, Archer captures coastal birds and birds of prey with striking attention to light, color, movement, and personality.Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.Photos:<ul><li>Audubon Conservation Goats. Register for a public program on December 5, 2026, or email lcarberry@asri.org to schedule a private goat hike.</li></ul>Photo credit Richard Staples.<ul><li>Audubon School Vacation Week. Photo credit Richard Staples.</li><li>Northern Mockingbird in winter by Butch Lombardi</li></ul></div></body>

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December 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Take a break from the holiday rush and enjoy some time in nature this season. Bundle up for an owl prowl on a crisp winter’s night, bring a friend for stargazing, or craft a beautiful holiday wreath! And if you are looking for a unique experience on the winter trails, head out for some exercise with Audubon’s friendly conservation goats. There is so much to celebrate in December!

RHODE ISLAND AUDUBON: DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

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December 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Take a break from the holiday rush and enjoy some time in nature this season. Bundle up 

RHODE ISLAND AUDUBON: DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

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