PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced the August schedule of events for the state's popular Great Outdoors Pursuit. The public events include a birding workshop, lighthouse tours, outdoor movies, guided hikes, a Rocky-Point themed scavenger hunt, arts and educational exhibits, and more.
Events in August:
Friday, August 4, at 5:00 p.m. Beavertail State Park, Jamestown DEM Division of Parks & Recreation hosts a Bioluminescence Night at the Aquarium at one of Rhode Island's most scenic state parks. The event features Beavertail Lighthouse Tower tours (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), an outdoor movie, stargazing and illuminating jelly fish and sea creatures. Children of all ages are invited to join for this Pursuit event.
Saturday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. Browning Woods Trail, South Kingstown One to three-mile hike through a pine and oak forested area with amazing stone walls. Kids and leashed dogs welcome. The hike is part of the new National Park Rx initiative which healthcare providers in South County have joined to "prescribe" taking walks and spending time in nature for better physical and mental health. Hosted by South Kingstown Land Trust.
Saturday, August 5, at 1:00 p.m. Museum of Work & Culture, Woonsocket One-mile walking tour along the banks of the Blackstone River and Main Street. Tour guides will explain how the river influenced the birth of the Industrial Revolution and how the mills impacted the environment. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens and includes complimentary admission to the Museum. Children under 10 are free with a paid adult admission. Space is limited and reservations are suggested; call 769-9675 to reserve. Hosted by the Museum of Work & Culture.
Friday, August 11, at 7:00 p.m. Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge at Nockum Hill, Barrington Leisurely two-three mile walking tour on the coastal walking trails along Hundred Acre Cove. Participants will view the largest regional nesting ground for the diamondback terrapin. Due to the sensitivity of the nesting terrapin population, dogs are not permitted at the Refuge. Sunset will be at 7:50 p.m. and twilight will last until 8:21 p.m. on this date. Flashlights are optional, and insect repellant is recommended. The GPS address is 111 George St, Barrington, RI 02806. Carpooling is encouraged, and all ages are welcome. Hosted by the Barrington Land Conservation Trust and the RI Land Trust Council.
Saturday, August 12, at 12:00 p.m. Rocky Point State Park, Warwick Great Outdoors Pursuit Grand Finale. Event includes a Rocky Point-themed scavenger hunt, rock wall, lawn games, arts and educational exhibits, food trucks, and a double-header vintage baseball game between the Providence Grays and the New York Mutuals. This event is open to the public; however, only registered families are eligible for prizes and give-a-ways.
The Great Outdoors Pursuit challenges families to visit state parks and other outdoor areas throughout the summer and participate in activities, ranging from birding to golfing and quahogging. Participants register online and self-print a Pursuit Passport. At each event attended, "stamps" are earned for the Passport. Registration is free, and participating children are eligible for prizes. Last year, more than 1,550 people joined the Pursuit.
Last year, Governor Raimondo convened the Rhode Island Outdoor Recreation Council – with membership from state and local government, industry and community – to develop an actionable vision for promoting and growing outdoor recreation in Rhode Island. The Council released its Final Report last December, highlighting the importance of this recreational network to Rhode Island's economic and cultural vitality. A recent study conducted by the University of Rhode Island found that State-managed parks and bikeways alone contribute $311 million to the economy annually and support over 3,700 jobs and nine million visits.
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