What Grows On in Rhode Island News

Volunteer at Raptor Weekend!

September 8 & 9

Join the fun at Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Raptor Weekend, the largest celebration of birds of prey in New England! Help with kids' games and activities, admission, parking, food table, crafts, face painting, and more. Volunteer shifts are 9 AM to 1 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Setup shift also available on Friday, September 7 from 2-5 PM. Groups of up to 15 people welcome. Volunteers are welcome to enjoy the event for free before or after their shift. Located at the Environmental Education Center at 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI. Contact July Lewis at [email protected] or at 401-949-5454 x3044 to sign up! www.asri.org
 
* Volunteers must be at least 13 to participate, and 13-15 year old volunteers must be accompanied by an adult.

RI In the Know: Legislative Hearing ~ February 2, 2012 ~ Establishing 4x4 Trails on State-owned Land

The House Environment Committee will be holding a hearing at the rise (around 4:30 pm) on Thursday on three bills. One of those bills, H7195, would direct DEM to establish trails on state-land for 4 wheeling.

House Bill No. 7195
BY  Winfield, Petrarca
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS (would provide for the establishment of four-wheel drive (4x4) trails on state owned land.)
{LC707/1}
01/19/2012 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
01/31/2012 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/02/2012)
 
There are problems with this legislation: user conflicts, land management challenges, and other issues as they relate to allowing 4 wheeling on DEM/state land- or more broadly on land protected/procured using federal and private funding that restricts such a use. The challenges to establishing 4 wheeling trails on DEM land are numerous and would add responsibilities and costs for DEM at a time when resources are being reduced.

FYI: Here are links to the committee and to contact information for all members of the RI House of Representatives:

• House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Members
• Contact Information for RI House of Representatives

 

Fall Fishing Classes ~ September - October 2011

DEM'S AQUATIC RESOURCE EDUCATION PROGRAM OFFERING SALTWATER AND FRESHWATER FLY-FISHING WORKSHOPS, A FLY-TYING PROGRAM, AND FLY-FISHING TRAIN SAFARI ON AQUIDNECK ISLAND THIS FALL

 
            PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold several fishing programs this fall. Hosted by the Division's Aquatic Resource Education program, the fee-based programs include an introduction to saltwater and freshwater fly-fishing, a fly-fishing trip via train around Aquidneck Island, and fly-tying. Pre-registration is required for most programs.

            The introduction to saltwater fly-fishing program will be held on Saturday, September 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Kettle Pond Visitors Center in Charlestown.  Premier fly-fishing instructors will teach participants fly-tying, casting techniques, and knot-tying. All materials and equipment are included with the $35 per-person registration fee. Lunch is not included, so participants should pack a lunch. The program is open to adults and children age 10 and older.
 
            The introductory workshop on freshwater fly-fishing will be held at Addieville East Game Farm in Mapleville on Saturday, October 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Whether you are a beginner or need a refresher course, this workshop will cover all the basics on freshwater fly- fishing. Top Rhode Island fly-fishing instructors will teach casting techniques, fly-tying, tackle needs, and knot-tying. Participants will also put their skills to work on the water.  The workshop is open to everyone 10 years of age and older.  All materials and equipment are included with the $35 per-person registration fee. Lunch is not included, so participants should pack a lunch.

            A fly-fishing safari around Aquidneck Island on the Old Colony Train will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The train will stop at several remote public access fishing areas around the island. Fly-fishing instructors will offer advice on the best flies and fly- fishing tactics. The program is designed for advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced fly- fishing anglers, and is perfect for those who have already participated in the Introduction to Saltwater Fly-Fishing workshop and would like to hone their fly-fishing skills while fishing.  Pack a lunch and your chest waders and join other anglers on this fishing adventure.  All other equipment, including flies, is provided with the $35 per-person registration fee.

            From October 27 to December 8, fly-tying classes will be held each Thursday (except November 24) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North Kingstown Community Center. Professional fly-tyers will teach beginning and intermediate fly-tying techniques for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Cost of the program is $6 for each class or $30 for all six sessions. Pre-registration is recommended, although walk-ins are accepted.

            For additional information and for registration materials, contact Kimberly Sullivan in DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education program at 539-7333 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Scoop the Herring Rain or Shine ~ April 23, 2011

So what if it may rain, the fish don't care. They're on a mission and we need to help!
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Dam at Omega Pond 
Off of Rogers Williams Ave.
Look for the signs 
 
REGISTER HERE

Call Claudia for more information at 331-2298

Volunteer Goose Force Field Training ~ April 23, 2011

Press release from Eastern RI Conservation District:
 
Tiverton, RI – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with the RI State Conservation Committee, RI Conservation Districts and the Town of Bristol, RI would like to announce the Kick Off of the Volunteer Goose Force with a Field Training for all people interested in learning and implementing the GeesePeace approved Canada Goose Egg Oiling method.

Resident Canada Geese populations can inflict significant damage in the form of water quality impairment, vegetation loss, and subsequent erosion. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, geese also produce heavy concentrations of fecal droppings which can lead to excess nutrient enrichment of ponds and lakes. The additional nutrients then lead to excessive plant growth such as algae and other nuisance plants. Rapid increases in algae can then limit the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water for other aquatic organisms. Excessive fecal droppings can also contribute to shellfishery and beach closings.  These large, dense geese populations also pose a risk to other species of birds through transmission of avian diseases.

To mitigate effects on water quality, NRCS and ERICD are offering a pilot conservation program to help manage resident Canada goose populations in Rhode Island towns in Newport and Bristol counties.

Volunteers will meet Saturday, April 23, 2011 at the VFW Hall Parking Lot Bristol, RI at 10AM for a Field Outing at Silver Creek, Mt. Hope Farm, Blithewold and Walker Island in Bristol, RI. This will be a hands-on training on how to locate Resident Canada Goose nesting sites and perform egg oiling using the GeesePeace approved Canada Goose Egg Oiling method (approved by PETA and the Humane Society).

Future Field Outings will be held every Saturday until May 21, 2011. Other outing dates will be added as volunteer availability dictates. Outing locations will vary as we will be locating nests in different areas of Bristol and Newport counties over the next few weeks.

Please contact Jessica at (401) 816-5667 or email [email protected] to sign up to volunteer or to get more information on this important conservation project and how you, your community or your town can get involved. Also, keep informed of outing dates and locations by viewing the What Grows On in RI calendar at www.whatgrowsonri.com.

Goose Force Volunteers will meet Saturday, April 23, 2011 at the VFW Hall Parking Lot Bristol, RI at 10AM for a Field Outing at Silver Creek, Mt. Hope Farm, Blithewold and Walker Island in Bristol, RI.
      
When:            Saturday, April 23, 2011
Meeting at:    VFW Hall parking lot - 850 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809
Travel to Silver Creek, Mt Hope Farm, Blithewold and Walker Island
Time:              10 AM

RI Coverts Cooperator Class [Wildlife Habitat Preservation] ~ April 15-17, 2011

FOREST OWNERS NEEDED TO MANAGE FOR WILDLIFE HABIATAT

[Press Release]-- RIRC&D President Harriet Powell announced that the 4th annual RI Coverts Cooperator Class will be held at URI’s W. Alton Jones Whispering Pine Conference Center, April 15 - 17, 2011.

The RI Coverts Project is a program of the RIRC&D and its partners designed to educate woodland owners on sound forest management practices that can make wildlife healthier, more diverse and abundant. Its goals are to create a network of landowners and opinion leaders who are able to work on wildlife and forest management issues and serve as a source of information to other landowners, their organizations and communities.

A “coverts” (pronounced kuh-vert) is an old English word that refers to a thicket that provides sheltering cover for wildlife. This year, up to twenty woodland owners will be chosen to participate in the two and onehalf day workshop that focuses on forest ecology and stewardship, wildlife management and land conservation. The training consists of both indoor and field sessions, as well as informal time to learn from fellow participants. In addition, each participant is given materials to take home. All costs of the seminar including meals, lodging, and reference materials, are covered with the exception of the registration fee which is only $100.00. In exchange, we will ask participants to return to their communities and share what they’ve learned with others and to become part of a state-wide coverts cooperator network. Participants will be kept supplied with reference materials that allow them to either answer questions on forest and wildlife management, or direct the questioner to the proper professionals.

Now in its 4th year, the project has trained 57 landowners from across the state through its two and one-half day workshop that focuses on forest ecology and stewardship, wildlife management and land conservation. A model of a successful conservation, the participating landowners cumulatively own and manage 1,771 acres and manage another 6,199 acres for other people and/or groups.

Powell said that,”We hope that more woodland owners will participate in the project and serve to promote the sustainability of Rhode Island forests.”

Anyone interested in participating in the program, or who would like more information, should contact Paul Boisvert, RI Coverts Project Coordinator, at: 401-822-8878 or email at [email protected].

The RI Coverts Project is sponsored by the Rhode Island Resource Conservation & Development Area (RIRC&D), the University of Rhode Island - Department of Natural Resources Science (URI), the RI Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS), the RI Department of Environmental Management Division’s of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), and Forest Environment (DFE), USDA-NRCS, and the RI Forest Conservators Organization (RIFCO).

Upcoming Environmental Films in RI ~ February 2011

See The What Grows On in RI Books/Films/Plays/Readings SubCalendar for the details of these and other movies. These are only SOME of the films being shown in or near Rhode Island this month. Too many to list!

Great Backyard Bird Count ~ February 18-21, 2011

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. The count website wi'll be adding updated GBBC materials for the next count as they become available.

The bird count is organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Canada Goose Abatement for Livestock and Agricultural Producers ~ February 2, 2011

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with the RI State Conservation Committee and ROI Conservation Districts is offering a free workshop on “Canada Goose Abatement for Livestock and Agricultural Producers” in RI.  Resident Canada Geese populations can inflict significant damage on agricultural land in the form of water quality impairments, crop loss, and subsequent erosion.  Livestock and agricultural producers in Bristol County and Newport County, RI are encouraged to learn about Canada Geese and strategies for coexistence with them.
 
The workshops will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2011  7:00 PM
 
Eastern Conservation District Office
(White Wine Plaza)
2490 Main Road
Tiverton, RI 02878  
 
To register for this free and informative educational workshop, please call (401) 349-0262.

Norman Bird Sanctuary opens Camp Registration ~ February 1, 2011

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is excited to announce that online registration for the 2011 camp season will begin at 10:00 a.m. on February 1, 2011. This camp program is accredited by the American Camp Association and provides a fun, exciting way to immerse your children in nature.  In addition to the standard camp programs offered each year, this year NBS is introducing an all new High School Community Service Camp and Chickadees, an extended half-day camp for children ages 4 to 6 years.  To offset the economic conditions in Rhode Island, camp prices will be the same as last year and a limited number of partial and full scholarships are available.
 
For registration information and a list of camp themes and dates, please visit: www.normanbirdsanctuary.org.  If you would like to register for camp but are unable to do so online or would like additional information on scholarships, please contact Nicole Lavoie, Education Coordinator at 401-846-2577 ext.32 or by email at [email protected].