What Grows On in Rhode Island News

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].

DEM to Host 2nd Great Outdoors Pursuit Event Sunday, June 12, 2011

Via email

From: "Gail Mastrati"
Date: June 9, 2011 3:50:09 PM EDT
Subject: DEM to Host 2nd Great Outdoors Pursuit Event Sunday, June 12

News Advisory
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TTY/711 www.dem.ri.gov


Date: Sunday, June 12, 2011
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Haines Memorial State Park, East Providence, RI
Event: RI Great Outdoors Pursuit Event #2


RI Great Outdoors Pursuit to Hold Second Event Sunday at Haines Memorial State Park

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will hold its second event for the 2011 Great Outdoors Pursuit at Haines Memorial State Park on Sunday, June 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The event will have a host of activities geared towards children and their families to encourage outdoor play and more physical activity. Children will be able to touch and feel sea creatures captured in Narragansett Bay at the EPA's touch tank, create art using seaweed from Rhode Island beaches, climb a 35-foot rock wall, and bike, walk, or rollerblade on a picturesque stretch of the East Bay Bike Path! East Providence Cycle and REI will also provide free bike safety checks and tune-ups to registered participants. A full list of activities and schedule appears below.

The event is free and open to the general public but teams that register for the Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit are eligible for raffles. Registration is free.

For more information, visit www.riparks.com , contact Terri Bisson at (401) 222-3434, or email [email protected].

RI Farm Scavenger Hunt & Pick Your Own ~ May thru October 2011

It's time for the farm stands and more farmers' markets to open, which are enjoyable by themselves. But the RI Fruit Growers Association has created a scavenger hunt to juice things up even more. There's a gameboard with photos to identify. Some special prizes will be awarded to the first people who enter their completed boards. And while you are out at the farm stands, you can pick your own strawberries or other fruit as they ripen. The strawberry plants in my yard are now setting yellowish fruits, and soon they'll be ready for munching. I'm sure the farmers will have fresh strawberries soon.

Wondering how to find out when fruit is available for picking? The RI Fruit Growers Association website has a list of the fruit-growing farms with detailed info about what's grown where and when it's ripe. Click on the links to the fruit growers' own websites for more details. Call ahead if in doubt about open hours and what's in season.

Farm Fresh RI also has an updated list of what is in season and where you can Pick Your Own fruit as well as vegetables. The RI Harvest Calendar is a good place to begin, and you can find more details through the links on the great Farm Fresh RI website.

For instance, today, May 20, on the Farm Fresh RI home page, the following are "What's in Season:"

Edible flowers • Lavender • Lemon Verbena • Sliced + Diced Veggies • Sprouts • full Harvest Calendar...

For details about the Scavenger Hunt, see the Providence Journal 7 to 7 blog post of May 13: Game boards available for scavenger hunt at RI fruit farms. Especially note:

"Organizers urge that families check a farm's operating hours before visiting. Addresses, phone numbers and websites of participating farms are listed on the brochure and in the list of farm stands on the Fruit Growers Association website."

4th Annual Great Outdoors Pursuit Event #1 ~ May 22, 2011

Rhode Islanders Invited to Discover State Parks and
Compete for Prizes at the 4th Annual Great Outdoors Pursuit

Teams climb, jump, run, walk, row and swim their way into better shape

Teams may register for free and low-cost activities
that promote healthier lives and environmental conservation

PROVIDENCE – On Sunday, May 22nd at Lincoln Woods State Park, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will launch the 2011 Great Outdoors Pursuit, a summer-long program and game designed to help children, families and individuals enjoy the recreational resources and outdoor activities our state parks have to offer to encourage more physical activity. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
 
The game will take Rhode Islanders to seven different state parks and forests over a 13-week period. Teams can register for the game at: www.riparks.com. Teams of children and adults will be challenged to visit different facilities and take part in outdoor adventures and learn about environmental and health issues.

Teams will receive points for participating in each event and will be eligible for prizes of outdoor equipment donated by local retailers and sponsors that will be awarded at the Pursuit finale on August 20. The full schedule and game rules are posted on the program website at www.RIparks.com.
 
The first event at Lincoln Woods, presented by UnitedHealthcare, will feature health screenings and appearances by Dr. Health E. Hound, a healthy cooking demonstration by Kid's First RI, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, tree identification, and old-fashion lawn games. Children will also be able to help DEM stock trout in Olney Pond and meet PAWS, the Pawtucket Red Sox’ mascot.

Registered participants will enjoy free chowder provided by Blount Fine Foods and free healthy drink samples provided by Garelick Farms. Each registered child will also receive a free toy, compliments of Hasbro, Inc. All activities, except for kayaking and horseback riding, are free thanks to the generous support of local business. Kayaking and horseback riding will be offered at deeply discounted rates. A complete list of activities is attached and also available at www.RIparks.com.
 
“Reconnecting children and families with the natural world will ensure a healthy future for our children and for our planet,” said Janet Coit, Director of DEM. “Rhode Island State Parks provide some of the best places to try healthy outdoor activities, and through the Great Outdoors Pursuit we hope to build the next generation of stewards who will preserve and protect these precious natural areas.”
 
"In Rhode Island, 62% of adults are overweight or obese and 30% of children ages 10-17 are overweight or obese," said Interim Director of Health Dr. Michael Fine. "This program is a great way for Rhode Islanders of all ages to get out and become more physically active. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for many chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Increased physical activity is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle."

Registration is free. Teams that register are eligible for prizes. Everyone, even if they don't register, is welcome to come to the events and enjoy the fun and educational activities.  More than 2,000 people participated last year and the Department of Environmental Management is expecting a larger turnout this year.
 
 “UnitedHealthcare is proud to sponsor the Great Outdoors Pursuit,” said Stephen Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare of New England. “We are providing an obstacle course, jump rope activities and health screenings because we firmly believe that one of the best ways to stay physically fit is to enjoy your physical surroundings.  We applaud the Department of Environmental Management for developing a creative and fun way to help people live healthier lives.”
 
“Since the 2010 Pursuit, I have joined a gym and exercise regularly, dropping about 30 pounds. The whole family looks healthier and we're feeling much more energetic,” says Mia Johnston, a Pursuit team member from Coventry. Marie Pfefferle of North Smithfield says, “Its old fashion fun. No computers, texting, or television. It’s the kind of childhood I remember. I’m glad my children are able to get a small taste of that.”

Support for the project comes from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Walmart, United Healthcare and other businesses. A full list of sponsors and partners appears on the program website at www.RIParks.com.
 
Please contact Robert Paquette at (401)222-2632, email [email protected] or Terri Bisson at (401) 222-2776, ext. 4402, email at [email protected] for more information.
 
Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit - Event #1 at Lincoln Woods State Park

List of Activities

• Free Health Screenings, Kid’s Obstacle Course and Appearances by Dr. Health E. Hound – United Healthcare (Free Hasbro toy - to all registered children under age 18 who complete bingo card activities)
• Tree Identification Walk around the 2.5 mile Olney Pond loop – led by DEM Forestry and Parks staff
• Naturalist Program – DEM Parks & Recreation
• Kayaking $10 per person/hour – Eastern Mountain Sports
• Fishing and Fishing Lessons – 12:30 pm – 3 pm DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife
• Horseback Riding – $25 per person/hour (Limited to the first 40 Pursuit registered riders; ticket required; minimum age is 8 years old) - Sunset Stables
• Pony Rides ($3 per child) and Equestrian Information –– Sunset Stables
• Trout Stocking Demonstration – 11 am – 12:30 pm - DEM Division Fish & Wildlife (Kid’s can help stock the pond)
• Swimming in Olney Pond Beach —Self-Guided Activity
• Free Healthy Drink Samples – Garelick Farms
• Free New England Clam Chowder – Blount Fine Foods (Registered families only while supplies last—coupon required)
• Healthy Kids Cooking Demonstration – Kids First RI sponsored by the DEM Division of Agriculture and Whole Foods Market
• Books for sale on nature, animals, health and fitness by Usborne Books & More
• John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Information Cart – featuring National Parks Service and volunteers with activity, maple sugaring walk and watchable wildlife walk
• Recreational Sport Fishing, Hunting and Shooting Information – compliments of the Federated Rhode Island Sportsmen's Clubs, Inc. with raffles of fishing equipment
• Make & Take Arts and Crafts, Music and Tunes the Turtle – 11 am to 1 pm - Coast 93.3
• Radio Disney – 1:30 to 3:00 – music games and prizes – sponsored by WIC RI
• Appearance by PAWS, the Pawtucket Red Sox Mascot - 12 pm to 1 pm
• Big Sisters of Rhode Island Exhibit
• Recycling Info and Appearances by MaxMan, the Recycling Super Hero  – Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation
• Martial Arts Demonstration by Mastery Martial Arts – 12:30 pm
• Conduct Forest Meteorology Experiments with the University of Connecticut
• Raffles 3:00 p.m.

 

RI DEM Free Fishing Days, May 7-8, 2011

DEM ANNOUNCES FREE FISHING DAYS MAY 7 AND 8

Anglers Will Have Opportunity to Catch a Golden Rainbow Trout at Little Round Top

and Big Round Top Ponds in Burrillville

 

            PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 are free fishing days in Rhode Island. During those two days, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in freshwaters without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. The free fishing days provide local residents and visitors a special incentive to get outdoors and try something new while enjoying their natural surroundings.

            Anglers will have an opportunity to catch a prized Golden Rainbow trout on Saturday, May 7 during a fishing tournament sponsored by DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at Little Round Top and Big Round Top Ponds in Burrillville.  This is the second year for this annual Hatchery-sponsored fishing event.  DEM’s hatchery staff will stock the Rhode Island hatchery-raised Golden Rainbow trout at these two fishing access areas for the event, and prizes will be awarded to the lucky anglers who catch a Golden Rainbow. There will also be loaner fishing rods and bait available for those who need them. DEM hatchery staff and volunteers from fishing clubs will be on hand to assist families during the fishing event.

            The Coventry and Lincoln libraries also have a fishing rod loan program, available through the CLAN network to people throughout the state with library cards. DEM's aquatic resource education program and the RI Saltwater Anglers Association sponsor the fishing rod loan program.

            The free fishing program was established nationally about 20 years ago as an opportunity to encourage people to experience new recreational opportunities outdoors, and therefore become more active stewards of the environment.

            All usual regulations on size and limits apply during the two free fishing days. Information about size and limits can be obtained at bait and tackle shops, or by calling DEM's Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281. The regulations can also be found on DEM's website at www.dem.ri.gov by clicking on “Fish and Wildlife” under “Offices and Divisions.”

            A list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can also be found on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on “Fish and Wildlife” under “Offices and Divisions,” and then choosing “Freshwater Fisheries.”

Washington County Fair ~ August 11-15, 2010

It's time for the 44th Annual Washington County Fair, the largest agricultural event in Rhode Island located on the fairgrounds on Rt 112 in Richmond, RI!

The website has details of the activities that range from country music (including grand ladies of the Grand Old Opry) and amusements that include a 4-story-tall roller coaster (billed as the largest traveling coaster on the East Coast); Rooster crowing contest; various tractor pulls; swine, goat, and draft horse shows; dairy clipping contest; woodsmen contest; horseshoe pitching contest; lawnmower races; watermelon seed spitting contest; tug-o-war; and much more.

The photo in this post is from the Washington County Fair's slideshow for August 11. If you have never been to the Fair, the photos on the website will give you a good idea of what you'll see. Many of the farmers and young future farmers supply and will supply our local food ~ if you like the farmers' markets, this is another side of the story.  There are all sorts of vegetable and flower competitions, something to keep in mind for future years as more of us grow our own vegetables and expand our flower gardens.... I could go on and on, but go to the Fair if you can!

Governor's Bay Day and Great Outdoors Pursuit ~ July 25, 2010

Rhode Islanders love the ocean and outdoors, so this Sunday is especially great. It's Governor's Bay Day and The Great Outdoors Pursuit.

Governor's Bay Day, means there's free parking to all state beaches, free RIPTA Beach Bus Express, plus special events at several beaches and parks, especially Goddard Park, Roger Wheeler State Beach, and Scarborough State Beach. 

Also, Governor's Bay Day means Free Fishing Day for Saltwater Anglers. A State Recreational Fishing License OR registration with the National Saltwater Angler Registry is NOT required for saltwater anglers fishing in Rhode Island waters on Bay Day!

And Scarbourgh State Beach is the location for The Great Outdoors Pursuit, an ongoing game for mixed groups of adults and children. Find out about this enjoyable outdoor exploration, perfect for families and neighborhood groups.

RI Fishing Season Opening ~ April 10, 2010

press release from RI Department of Environment:

DEM URGES THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE CAUTION ON OPENING DAY OF FISHING SEASON THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 10

High Water Levels and Quick Currents in Rivers and Ponds Call for Safety Precautions
 
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is advising anglers that are expected to turn out at dawn Saturday – the opening day of the 2010 trout and general freshwater fishing season – to exercise personal safety precautions while in pursuit of the season’s first trout.
 
            The state's fishing season will open as scheduled at sunrise this Saturday, April 10.  Due to the flooding event of last week there continues to be dangerously high waters and limited access in several rivers and streams.  The Department warns fishermen to exercise caution and be selective in choosing where to fish until water levels subside.  The fast-moving cold water combined with limited or poor footing is extremely hazardous along some stretches of rivers and streams, particularly in the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed.  At this time the Department is recommending that anglers fish at ponds rather than in rivers statewide. 

            Several popular fishing areas will not be stocked for opening day due to very high water and damage to roads and other access from the storm.  These temporary changes to the trout stocking program are due to the flood event; DEM hopes to stock additional areas sometime after opening day. 

Urban Agriculture Spring Kickoff ~ March 20, 2010

Celebrate Spring and Learn About Growing Food in the City with Providence’s Community Gardeners!

Join Southside Community Land Trust, Providence Community Garden Network, and the Urban Agriculture Task Force on Saturday, March 20th
 

• WHO:             Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) & The Urban Agriculture Task Force          
• WHAT:             Urban Agriculture Spring Kickoff          
• WHEN:             Saturday, March 20, 1pm-4pm          
• WHERE:             The Highlander Charter School, 42 Lexington Avenue in South Providence*
• WHY:             Jump-start the growing season with SCLT’s Community Gardeners

Music, Food, and Workshops and Demonstrations on Growing Food  in the City.

 *(On the corner of Lexington & Broad Streets)     

Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) and Providence Community Gardens Network are excited to invite gardeners of all ages and experience levels to the Urban Agriculture Spring Kickoff to celebrate the upcoming season. The event is free and open to the public. Saturday, March 20th, the first day of Spring, community gardeners from every neighborhood of Providence will enjoy food, music, and food growing demonstrations at the Highlander Charter School.

The Celebration will also be the kickoff event for the Plant Providence Calendar, a new initiative of the Urban Agriculture Task Force. The Plant Providence Calendar is a listing of all the workshops, events, and celebrations that will take place in 2010. You can find the calendar at www.plantprovidence.org, or on posters in coffee shops, libraries, and shops around Providence. The Calendar highlights 11 free workshops on a wide range of gardening topics, including a three-part “Beginning Growers’ Series.”

The Urban Agriculture Spring Kickoff will be a fun celebration, but also a preview of the events and workshops to come in 2010. Longtime community gardeners of Southside Community Land Trust will lead workshops and demonstrations on topics including Rain Barrels – to save rainwater for your garden, Soil Testing – to test urban soil’s safety for growing food, Garden Planning – to map out your garden plot to grow the highest yield of fruits and vegetables, Seed Starting – to ensure that your seeds sprout healthy in the early Spring, and Compost – to make the most of organic fertilizer in your garden.

SCLT’s gardeners will also have samples of ethnic foods at the Urban Agriculture Spring Kickoff. Learn how to make your own Nime Chow and sample cuisines from around the world. The event is free and open to the public. Gardeners are reminded to bring seeds for a Seed Swap.
 
Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) provides access to land, education, and other resources so people in Greater Providence can grow food in environmentally sustainable ways and create community food systems where locally produced, affordable, and healthy food is available to all. For more information, please visit www.southsideclt.org.

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Ed Note: Don't forget that you'll find all of these events in a nice neat Calendar format at What Grows On in Rhode Island so you can plan your days with the Earth in mind! More info about City Farm and urban agriculture in Providence, including a video from YERT (Your Environmental Road Trip) is in the Providential Gardener post, Urban Agriculture ~ Providence Continues to Grow!

Vacation Kids' Days at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center ~ February 15-19, 2010

From the URI Outreach Center:


Take the kids somewhere tropical this February vacation!  Join us at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center from February 15-19th for URI's Learning Landscape environmental field trip program or break out the paintbrushes for a kids' botanical illustration class.

February Vacation Kids' Days

February 15th - 19th, 2009
Located at the Roger Williams Botanical Center, Providence

ADVANCE RESERVATION ONLY    

Space is limited.  Call (401) 874-2900 or Email us to make a reservation today!
Monday, Feb. 15th and Wednesday, Feb. 17th
URI's Learning Landscape Program
1:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Travel from the tropics, to the desert to a rainforest this February vacation!  Kids have the chance to feel a coyote's fur, learn how to compost with red wiggler worms, examine a robin's nest, feed a venus fly trap and much more in our specially guided field trips. Each child will plant seeds in their own greenhouse, bring them home and watch them grow! This environmental science program is open to children 5 - 12 years old accompanied by their adult chaperones. The cost is $5.00 per person (cash or check accepted). Available by advance registration only. Space is limited. Call (401) 874-2900 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot today!


Tuesday, Feb. 16th, Thursday Feb 18th and Friday, Feb. 19th
Children's Botanical Illustration Class
10:00 am -11:30 am

Let your child's creative side shine! Artist and teacher, Victoria Carlton, will show your child the skills they need to craft their very own masterpiece in the stype of Georgia O'Keefe.  Inspiration will be provided by the lush, exotic atmosphere and colorful flowers and foliage of Roger Williams Park Botanical Center.  Each day will feature a different artist media such as watercolors (Tuesday) or pastels (Thursday or Friday).

You MUST register in advance by calling (401) 874-2900 (URI Outreach Center - Kingston) or emailing [email protected]

• The fee is $6.00 per child, per session - all materials are included
• Children MUST BE chaperoned by a parent or guardian AT ALL TIMES during classes.
• Classes are open to children 5 - 15 years old.
• Space is limited, so register early to reserve your child's place in class.

URI Outreach Center
3 East Alumni Ave.
Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: (401) 874-2900
Email: [email protected]
www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc

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