What Grows On in Rhode Island News

Bike Sale and Strawberry Picking Ride! ~ June 18, 2011

Find the Red Shed Bike Shop
Riverside Mills Park  
50 Aleppo Street in Providence

Stay tuned for more information about the shop
and upcoming weekly rides!

Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council
27 Sims Avenue
Providence, RI 02909
401-861-9046

Woonasquatucket River Paddle ~ June 14, 2011

On Tuesday, June 14 at 5:30pm the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) is leading a canoe/kayak trip on the downtown portion of the Woonasquatucket River. This easy two-hour paddle from South Water Street to Atwells Avenue and back will give participants a new perspective on the city. We will travel past some of the old mills as well as through Waterplace Park and past downtown Providence where the Woonasquatucket River meets the Moshassuck River to form the Providence River.

"This stretch of the Woonasquatucket is a surprising oasis of wilderness running through the heart of Providence" says Erik Talley, WRWC paddle leader. The complete round trip is about 4 miles. The WRWC has canoes and kayaks available but participants can also bring their own. Life jackets and paddles will be provided with WRWC boats but must be brought by the paddler if they use their own boat.

For participants who are using a WRWC boat, the cost is $20/person. For participants bringing their own boat, the price is $5/person.

This event is part of a series of paddling events called “Explore the Woonasquatucket,” organized by the WRWC this summer and fall throughout the Woonasquatucket River Watershed. Details on the full schedule of paddling events is available on the Watershed Council’s website: http://www.wrwc.org/events.php.

To register or for more information, call or email Erik Talley at (401)481-1376 or [email protected] . Advanced sign-up is required so that we can determine how many boats we need and keep the trip from getting too large.

The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is a 501c3 non-profit organization working to promote environmental, recreational, and cultural restoration and preservation in the Woonasquatucket watershed.

Contact: Erik Talley, [email protected], (401) 481-1376

Source: Press release via email

Families in Nature Hike at Ninigret ~ June 11, 2011

We hope you can join us for this month's hike in the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge and Kettle Pond Visitor Center.

The hike is this Saturday at 9:45am. It is very easy for children and will be about 1 mile long.

Visit our website for more information or contact us if you have any questions. 

After Dinner Stroll

We are quickly approaching the summer solstice (June 21), which is the longest day of the year. Kids are having fun in sprinklers and pools, on bicycles and swingsets. Others are having trouble falling asleep with all the sunlight!

Take advantage of the long evenings by taking a family walk after dinner. It's a nice, quiet time to reflect on the day with your older kids, wear out the little legs a bit more, and enjoy the beginning of summer. Heck, we waited long enough to get here!

Read us on Kidoinfo!

Ready, Set, Hike!Wear layers to keep you cool and dry, and sturdy sneakers or hiking boots. Don't forget your sunscreen and bug-spray!

Bring water and snacks.

Click here for an extensive list of guidelines for hiking with kids. 

In the case of severe inclement weather, our hike may be cancelled. Check the website by 9am the day of the hike.

Copyright © 2011 RI Families in Nature, All rights reserved.

Added via email from RI Families in Nature eNewsletter.

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].

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.

 

2011 Earth Day Greetings from Audubon Society of RI

Happy Earth Day! Discover Rhode Island Wildlife Refuges on our Website and Explore the Outdoors!
 
From all of us at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

Contact: Jeff Hall

AMC Narragansett Chapter April 2011 Events are in What Grows On in Rhode Island

What Grows On in Rhode Island lists all kinds of outdoor events, including Appalachian Mountain Club Narragansett Chapter. They have scheduled hikes, bike rides, a first aid class, rock climbing course, and several hike/socials. There's even a paddle trip! On April 8, there's a potluck social for new, current and prospective members in Providence.

Other groups that list hikes in Rhode Island's most comprehensive environment-related calendar include Rhode Island Families in Nature. Rhode Island has so many beautiful places to explore. Spend some time outside in our parks, management areas, and beaches this month.

Hiking With Dogs in the Great Swamp ~ February 12, 2011

The Narragansett Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club will host a Hike with Dogs at the Great Swamp in Kingston, on February 12^th at 9:30 am.

It will be an easy, pleasant hike in that historic area, and a great place for dogs to get in some good trail time.  Bring water and a snack.  Leashes are required in all State Parks and must be attached to both dog and owner at all times.

All are welcome to participate.  Hiking with Dogs is a new venture for AMC.  We are excited about developing many more trips in the near future.  There is no fee or obligation to join.  Information will also be available about AMC’s upcoming ski trips, winter hikes, ice climbing, backpacking and much more.

Contact Bonnie Dune at [email protected] for meeting place and more details.  This registration is mandatory.  Those without email access may call 270-4838. 

The Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest nonprofit conservation and recreation organization. Information about the 2,600-member Narragansett Chapter’s activities can be found at www.amcnarragansett.org.

Source: Appalachian Mountain Club - Narragansett Chapter press release

 

Maria Mitchell, Astronomer ~ January 7, 2011

The monthly Skyscrapers Meeting shines a spotlight on Maria Mitchell, recognized as America's first woman astronomer. If you have ever been to Nantucket, you may have been to her observatory near her birthplace.

Weather does not look ideal for star gazing this weekend, and the Seagrave Memoral Observatory has already canceled their viewing for Saturday but keep in mind:

Did you know there are (at least) three observatories open to the public in Rhode Island? The Ladd Observatory of Brown University, located at Hope St & Doyle Ave in Providence is open Tuesdays, weather permitting. On Fridays, see the stars at Frosty Drew in Ninigret Park, Charlestown, and on Saturdays, go out to North Scituate to the Seagrave Memorial Observatory.

See What Grows On in Rhode Island for hours, and links to these observatories.

 

Fall Happening on Neutaconkanut Hill ~ October 24, 2010

Twilight on the Hill
Join us for a Fall Happening on Neutaconkanut Hill
Saturday, October 23
Public Walks at 1 and 2 p m
Meadow event from 3:30 - 6:30 p m
Rain Date, Sunday, October 24

Enjoy a Magnificent Sunset & Views of the City
Meet at the Meadow at the Top of the Hill on Legion Memorial Drive. Parking on Circle Road - attendants will assist
• Walk the forest trails to the King Monument
• Return to the Meadow for the Festivities
• Pumpkin Painting for the Children
• Story Telling (Join in with your own Tales)
• Providence Fire Engine
• Providence Mounted Command
• Roast Marshmallows on the Open Fire
• Hot Cider & Donuts
• The Grand Finale - a Magnificent Sunset on the Hill
• Dress for Walking Forested Trails • No Masks or Costumes please. Bring a Flashlight.
Questions? Call 946-6594 or 943-1219 or e-mail <[email protected]> or <[email protected]>

Directions: Go to nhill.org

Sponsored by the Providence Parks Department & the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy Inc.