PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced the June schedule of events for the state's popular Great Outdoors Pursuit. The public events include guided hikes, a fish hatchery tour, and free admission to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium.
Events in June:
Saturday, June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, at 10:00 a.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.
Saturday, June 2, 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, June 2, at 10:00 a.m. Audubon Society of RI Education Center, Bristol Free Family Fun Day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thanks to the Citizens Bank Foundation, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public on the first Saturday of every month. Join Audubon for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. The theme for June is Pollinator Palooza. The facility and trails are stroller-friendly.
Thursday, June 21, at 8:30 a.m. Weeden Park Trail, South Kingstown Join the South Kingstown Land Trust (SKLT) for a guided hike every 3rd Thursday on a featured SKLT trail. All ages welcome. Hosted by South Kingstown Land Trust.
Sunday, June 24, at 1:00 p.m. Lafayette Fish Hatchery, North Kingstown The Lafayette Fish Hatchery is one of three hatcheries where DEM raises fish until they are stocked in the state's waters. Personnel from DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife will explain the functions and procedures of the hatchery as well as the life stages of fish. Tours will run continuously from 1:00 p.m. to 4: 00 p.m. This event has been rescheduled from June 3.
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 fly-fishing and archery. 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 850 people joined the Pursuit.
Rhode Island is home to a wealth of historic parks, beaches, bikeways, and other recreational facilities that support the economy and residents' quality of life. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs each year. 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.
For a complete list of events and to sign up for the Pursuit, visit www.dem.ri.gov/Pursuit. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RIGreatOutdoors for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.