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 guided hikes, a clamming workshop, art programs, and free admission to Seagrave Memorial Observatory and the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium.
Events in August:
Wednesday, August 1 & 8, at 2 p.m. Haines Memorial State Park, East Providence Support local farmers and producers by shopping for fresh and local food, plants and more at the farmers market! Located on Rte. 103, East Providence, RI every Wednesday from May 2nd to August 8th, at 2 PM to 6 PM. Visit farmfreshri.org to learn more.
Thursday, August 2, at 6:30 p.m. Hearthside House Museum, Lincoln A family-friendly tour of the Hearthside House Museum and Chase Farm! Learn all about the house that love built while touring the property with the staff from Hearthside and a National Park Service ranger.
Thursday, August 2 & 9, at 10:30 a.m. Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown Learn to paint with Elizabeth "Miss Art" Nordstrom. Free classes for children aged six and up. All materials provided. Space is limited, and reservations are suggested. To reserve a spot, call 364-9124. Hosted by Kettle Pond Visitor Center.
Friday, August 3 & 10, at 9 a.m. Goddard State Park, Warwick Support local farmers and producers by shopping for fresh and local food, plants and more at the farmers market! Located at 1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI every Friday from May 4th to August 10th, at 9 AM to 1 PM. Visit farmfreshri.org to learn more.
Saturday, August 4, 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, August 4, 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 4, 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 August is Ocean Wonders. The facility and trails are stroller-friendly.
Saturday, August 4, at 10:30 a.m. Kelly House Museum, Lincoln Free outdoor recreation and science exploration every Saturday in July and August. Families are encouraged to stay after Science Saturday to explore the Kelly House Museum, the Blackstone River and Canal, and the Blackstone Bikeway. In case of inclement weather, alternate activities will be held in the barn at Kelly House.
Saturday, August 4, at 9:00 p.m. Seagrave Memorial Observatory, North Scituate Explore the wonders of the universe through the telescopes during Open Nights at Seagrave Memorial Observatory from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Favorable views are expected of the bright outer planets, Jupiter and Saturn. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Bring a red-filtered flashlight and bug spray; pets are not allowed. The observatory is open on clear Saturday nights. For more information and weather and cancellation updates, visit http://www.theskyscrapers.org/
Monday, August 6, at 9:30 a.m. Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown Free archery program for children aged 10 and older. All equipment will be provided, and participants must take part in a 30-minute safety training session at the start of the program. Children under age 10 are invited to participate in nature crafts, puzzles, games and scavenger hunts inside the Visitor Center. Registration is required by calling 364-9124. Hosted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Thursday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m. Rocky Point State Park, Warwick Learn to quahog with local quahogger Jody King as he teaches families how to dig for clams and the history and value of clamming in Rhode Island. Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. Participants must be registered for the 2018 Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit. To register, visit https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/zyncqxx1ms365d/
Thursday, August 9, at 3:30 p.m. Armory Farmers' Market, Providence Support local farmers and producers by shopping for fresh and local food, plants and more at the farmers' market! Located in Dexter Park at 73 Parade Street, Providence every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit farmfreshri.org to learn more.
Saturday, August 11, at 10:00 a.m. Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln Great Outdoors Pursuit Grand Finale. Event includes refreshments, an appearance by Smokey Bear, a Mastery Martial Arts demonstration, the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America inflatable archery range, the RockSpot rock climbing wall, and awards ceremony for registered participants. 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 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.