Get out
and explore Rhode Island’s great outdoors
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management (DEM) is hosting a series of events throughout February school
vacation week to encourage families to get outdoors and explore Rhode Island.
Opportunities include guided hikes, seal and
birdwatching, and a visit to a trout hatchery. The program is part of the
State's broader efforts to promote outdoor recreation and healthier lifestyles
among Rhode Islanders.
"Rhode Island abounds with beautiful parks, forest
and shore-side trails, scenic bikeways, and so many other incredible places to
explore and observe a diversity of wildlife," said DEM Director Janet
Coit.
"These experiences are available for
free, year round. We also offer special opportunities throughout the year for
families to get outside and join us for a fun adventure at our state parks,
campgrounds, and other recreational areas. And we're thrilled to offer this
exciting lineup for school vacation week. I encourage all to come out and learn
about the fascinating natural world all around them. What fun!"
Scheduled events include:
Tuesday, February 21: 12:30 p.m.: George Washington Management Area, 2185 Putnam Pike, Glocester DEM's Divisions of Forest Environment and Law Enforcement will host a guided hike in this 4,000-acre management area. Participants will learn about wildlife, trees, and conservation practices.
The guided hike will depart from the campground cabin
located within the George Washington Campground on Putnam Pike. The cabin is
located ¼ mile beyond the Campground entrance on the left, overlooking Bowdish
Reservoir. Space is limited to 30 registered children and their families. To
register, send the name and ages of participants to Bruce Payton at
bruce.payton@dem.ri.gov. Participants are encouraged to bring a t-shirt that
can be used for wildlife footprint stamping.
Tuesday, February 21: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Lafayette
Fish Hatchery, 424 Hatchery Road, North Kingstown DEM Division of Fish &
Wildlife will host an open house with continuous tours of the trout hatchery –
one of three facilities where DEM raises fish until they are stocked in state
waters. There will be arts & crafts, and participants will learn about the
life stages of trout, fly-casting and fly-tying, and fish-feeding.
Wednesday, February 22: 10:00 a.m.: Arcadia Management
Area, Hopkinton/Richmond/Exeter DEM's Division of Forest Environment will host
a guided hike in the 14,000-acre Arcadia Management Area, which is the state's
largest recreation area for hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking
and horseback riding. Participants will learn about forests, hiking and trail
etiquette, warm water fisheries, wildlife, and how to identify trees in winter.
The guided hike will depart from the parking area at Browning Mill Pond off
Arcadia Road.
Thursday, February 23: 1:00 p.m.: John H. Chafee Nature Preserve
at Rome Point, North Kingstown DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation will host
a walk at the 230-acre nature preserve which is home to a variety of wildlife,
beachfront, and hiking trails. Participants will learn about the different
plant and tree species within the preserve and view the seals hauled out on the
rocks just offshore.
Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and binoculars/cameras are
recommended. The guided walk will depart from the parking area on Boston Neck
Road. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early. Rain date is
Friday, February 24.
Saturday, February 25: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Beavertail
State Park, Jamestown DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife will host a birding
workshop on sea duck identification. Participants will learn to identify the
various species of sea ducks that call Narragansett Bay home during the winter.
Binoculars and field guides are suggested; participants may also download the
Merlin app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology prior to the workshop.
Registration is recommended. Participants should assemble in the parking area
to the right of the main drive just before the lighthouse.
Rhode Island is well known for its outstanding network of
historic parks, beaches, bikeways, and other recreational areas, including more
than 400 miles of hiking trails.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association,
outdoor recreation in Rhode Island generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending
and supports 24,000 local jobs.
Last year, Governor Gina Raimondo tasked the
Rhode Island Outdoor Recreation Council with advancing an actionable vision for
growing and managing the state's recreational system and promoting public
health.
In its Final Report, the Council cited the wealth of recreational
opportunities available and the need to better support and promote them. For
more information on outdoor recreation in Rhode Island, visit www.riparks.com.
Rhode Island's
small game hunting season is now open. All users of state management areas, and
all hunters statewide, are reminded to wear at least 200 square inches of solid
daylight-fluorescent orange material through the end of the season, February
28. The fluorescent orange has to be worn above the waist and must be visible
from all directions.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives,
visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM
or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
