We welcome people of all botanical abilities at our events. Beginners or experts, amateurs or professionals ...
we all come to enjoy and learn about wild plants.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
for all events with fees (and sometimes for those without fees). Register by contacting the RIWPS office at 401-789-7497 or office@riwps.org or on occasion, the person
listed as a contact. Registration closes 48 hours before the walk, so please register early.
STANDARD FEE for members is $5, for non-members, $7. There are
some programs that are free or have a higher fee. If possible payment should be made prior to the walk. This reserves your place in the program. Send check to RIWPS, PO
Box 414, Exeter, RI 02822.
CONFIRMATION: Registered participants will receive directions to the site and more details by e-mail or telephone.
CANCELLATION: If you must cancel, please notify the person with whom you registered as soon as possible so that we may notify those on the waiting list. Leave a
message if no one answers. If you cancel within 24 hours of an event, or on a weekend, call the RIWPS office at 401-789-7497 and leave a message. |
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WALK NOTES |
SPRING-SUMMER WALKS & LECTURES HANDOUT Click Here Most of our programs can
accommodate only a limited number of participants, so we ask that you do the following to secure your spot:ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
for all events with fees (and sometimes for those without fees). Register by contacting the RIWPS office at 401-789-7497 (be sure to leave a message – we'll get back to you within 24 hours) or
office@riwps.org, or on occasion, the person listed as a contact. Registration closes 48 hours before the walk, and may fill
up even sooner, so please register early.STANDARD FEE
for members is $5, for non-members, $7. Payment must be made 48 hours prior to the walk. If you have a program credit, be sure to let us know. Send check to RIWPS, PO Box 414, Exeter, RI 02822.
CONFIRMATION: Registered participants will receive directions to the site and more details by e-mail or telephone. Email is the most
efficient and timely way to receive a quick response. Remember we often have a waiting list for the walks and programs, so it is to your benefit to complete
your registration as soon as possible. DIFFICULTY:
For your guidance, our walks are rated easy, moderate, or strenuous for healthy people of average physical ability. Our leaders are volunteers with no special training in first aid; therefore, participants assume full responsibility for their own well being.
CANCELLATION:
If you must cancel, please notify the person with whom you registered as soon as possible so that we may notify those on the waiting list. Leave a message if no one answers. If you cancel within 24 hours of an event, or on a weekend, call the RIWPS office at 401-789-7497 and leave a message.
DRESS AND EQUIPMENT FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS: Dress appropriately, usually in long pants, socks (for protection from poison ivy, briers and
ticks) and sturdy shoes. Equipment options might include insect repellent, hat, rubber boots, field guides, hand lens, small notebook, and/or hiking stick.
PLEASE HELP US PROTECT OUR NATURAL AREAS: No smoking, collecting, or pets at our
events. |
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PLANT FORM – A SERIES OF THREE WORKSHOPS Three 3-hour workshops on Saturdays, 9:30 to 12:30
- Saturday, July 11, 2009
"Bud, Flower, Leaf & Stem" Leader: HOPE LEESON, Ecologist and staff RINHS
- SEPT. tba "Flower, fruit, rhizome & root"
- NOV. tba "Bark, bud, branch & architecture"
Locations TBA Min. 5, Max. 15 Fee: (for each session) Members $8; Non-Members $12 At first glance, many plants have similar
characteristics, and it can often be difficult to distinguish one green plant from another. This series of three workshops will combine classroom and field
observation in order to help the budding botanists sort through the terminology describing plant forms and learn what to look for in order to be able to
identify plants on their own. You may sign up for one, two or all three, but only session one is open at this time. The others will be listed as open in a late
summer Program News message about Aug. 1. A hand lens and a Newcomb's Wildflower Guide would be useful, but not required. Easy. SUMMER EVE PADDLE ON THE WOOD RIVER Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:00 to 7:30 pm
Leader: DENISE POYER, Program Director, Wood-Pawtucket Watershed Assoc. Mid-summer is the perfect time to see blooming wetland plants and late day is a wonderful time to
enjoy the Wood River. Join Denise Poyer on this easy paddle to look for floating hearts, pickerel weed, button bush, and may other beautiful and interesting
water dependent plants. Along the way we may observe dragonflies, damselflies, ducklings, great blue herons and beaver. This event is open to WPWA and RIWPS members only. Single person kayaks are
available for rent for an additional $10. This paddle is suitable for beginners. Fee: $10. Limit: 12. Pre-registration required at least 48 hours in advance.
To register, contact Denise Poyer at 401-539-9017 or email denisep@wpwa.org. Address is 203 Arcadia Rd., Hope Valley, RI 02832. Past Events
SIN AND FLESH BROOK Sunday, June 14, 2009 9:30 am to 12 noon Tiverton, RILeader: GARRY PLUNKETT, Habitat Manager,
Tiverton Open Space Comm.
The loveliness of this meandering brook belies its lurid name, given to it in colonial
times, following a bloody encounter between resident Pocasset Indians and a Quaker preacher in transit to Newport. The stream flows through the beautiful eighty-acre
maritime hardwood forest of Fort Barton Woods, a site reeking with history and plant diversity. Streamside wetlands, vernal pools, and glacial upland soils provide an
opportunity to see an excellent array of wild flowers and native ferns. NOTE: the walk is over 2 1/2 miles of terrain that is rugged so it requires good stamina and
sure-footedness and sturdy shoes. Strenuous walk. Fee: Members: $5. Non-members: $7. Min. 4, Max. 12. FERNS IN THE LANDSCAPE ASRI Saturday, June 13, 2009 10 am to 12 noon Bristol, RI
Instructor: CHERYL CADWELL Our native ferns can be found in all types of habitats and they add a rich dimension to
any landscape. In this workshop you will learn ways to use ferns in the landscape, as well as how to grow, identify and propagate them. The session will be a training for
those signed up for the ASRI woodland garden project. Easy walk. Fee: Member rate, RIWPS or ASRI; registration required, but pay at the door. A VISIT TO NORCROSS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Wednesday, June 10, 2009
10 am to 2 pm + travel time Monson, MA
Instructor: LESLIE DUTHIE Min. 6, Max 15 Registration and payment REQUIRED by June 3
Leslie Duthie was the excellent speaker at our Jan. 09 General Meeting. She will be our walk leader from 10 to 12 noon. We can have our lunch in the picnic area and then
check out some more of the 6000 acres sanctuary on our own. There are walking trails, wooded hills, wetlands, lakes and streams. The purpose of the Sanctuary is the
active conservation of wildlife; this is accomplished by preservation of habitats and propagation of native plants. The gardens and walking trails represent habitats found
throughout New England. There are natural history exhibits and museums on the property. We will get to Monson by carpooling. Registration and payment is required by
June 3, so that there is time to arrange the cars and drivers from different parts of RI. Please indicate if you are willing to drive when you register.
www.norcrossws.org. Moderate walk.
Fee: $5. Members, $7. Non-members, plus share of the gas. RI WILD PLANT SOCIETY'S ANNUAL PLANT SALE Saturday, June 6, 2009 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, rain or shine URI Greenhouses Flagg Road
Kingston, RI Best Native Plant Sale in RI! Unique sale of native wildflowers, shrubs, ferns, pond plants and more. Ecologically grown for you by RIWPS members.
MORE INFO
OPEN GARDENS AT GLEANER GARDENS
May 23-25, 2009 - Memorial Day Weekend 10:00 am to 4:00 pm 299 Gleaner Chapel Road North Scituate, RI
Gleaner Gardens, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, is pleased to invite you to its tenth annual Open Gardens at Gleaner Gardens in North Scituate.
Come see the gardens that have been featured in several local and national magazines, with over 300 Rhododendrons and Azaleas in bloom and over 100 varieties.
Stroll the garden and woodland paths and see the restoration in progress of these 50-year-old gardens!
A $2 donation per person to benefit the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society is being requested. Contact Cindy and Chuck at (401) 934-9212 or gleanergardens@cox.net for info. LATE SPRING BLOOMS AT TRUSTOM POND NWR (co-listed with USFWS)
South Kingstown, RI Saturday, May 23, 2009 (Weather Date: Sun., May 24) ~ 1:00-3:00 pm
Leaders: DAVE & NANCY CLAYTON, USFWS Volunteer Naturalists
Join experienced naturalists Dave and Nancy in searching for wild flowers in bloom, such as Wood Betony and maybe, if we are lucky, a species of "Concern", the Arethusa bulbosa. Easy walk.
Fee: $5 members, $7 non-members
SPRING WILD FLOWERS ON THE BEN UTTER TRAIL Exeter, RI Saturday, May 16, 2009 (Weather Date: Sun., May 17) ~ 1:00-3:00 pm
Leader: DOUG McGRADY
This scenic trail is a wonderful spot for seeing a variety of woodland wild flowers. May is a great time to go because many of the plants bloom before the leaves come out.
Along the river there are rich, moist areas with Marsh Marigolds, Anemones, Bellworts, Dwarf Ginseng and Canada Mayflower. We will detour to a rocky, upland Sugar Maple
forest, where the soils are richer and less acidic, not typical for Rhode Island. There we will see some unusual ferns, including Maidenhair and Rattlesnake, along with some
uncommon Violets and Bellworts. Moderate walk. Fee: $5 members, $7 non-members RHODE ISLAND WILD PLANT WEEK May 10-16, 2009
HIKE A NEW TRAIL! (co-listed with Richmond Land Trust) Richmond, RI Sunday, May 3, 2009
~ 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Leader: DENISE POYER This new trail, developed by the Richmond Land Trust, is short and easy. It has some
interesting wild flowers, which will be shared with us by Denise Poyer, the Program Director of the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association and board member of the Richmond Land Trust. Easy walk. Fee: standard for each organization. Pre-registration required. Call RLT office 401-539-9017
HOW HISTORY HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE MIX
OF PLANTS AT CANONCHET FARM Friends of Canochet Farm Ann Hoxie Lane Narragansett Sunday, April 26, 2009 ~ 1:00-3:00 pm Leader: FRANCES TOPPING
Explore the habitats of this area and learn how history has combined to produce a
varied landscape, with a mixture of native, non-native and invasive plants. Early spring sees trees and shrubs leafing out and some early spring flowers emerging. Join Frances
Topping , a member of the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, on a leisurely walk through the property identifying and discussing these plants.
FREE. NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Questions? friendscanonchet@aol.com; Phone: Kathy, Secretary of FCF, 783-3951; map on web: http://canonchet.org
SHADBUSH STROLL (co-listed with USFWS) Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge South Kingstown, RI Saturday, April 25, 2009 (Weather Date: Sun., May 3) ~ 1:00-3:00 pm
Leaders: DAVID & NANCY CLAYTON, USFWS Volunteer Naturalists
Spring in southern RI is marked by the bloom of the Shadbush. Dave's guess for this year is that on Sunday, the 26th, we will be rewarded with some in bloom, maybe
even the allee out to Osprey Point will oblige. He points out there are other reliable wild flowers on the refuge which we will find in early bloom. Come celebrate the real
arrival of spring with Dave and Nancy! Easy walk. Standard fee. TREES & SHRUBS OF SWAN POINT CEMETERY Blackstone Boulevard Providence, RI
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 ~ 10:00 am to 12:00 noonLeader: KELLY PERRY, Horticulturalist
The Swan Point Cemetery in Providence is renowned for its trees and shrubs. We are delighted to have Kelly Donnelly Perry, their horticulturalist, lead us on a walk to see
some of the highlights of this 200-acre facility. We hope to catch the new buds and other signs of spring in this beautiful spot, as well as have a peek into some of the
greenhouses. Easy walk. Standard fee.
TREE ID IN PARKER WOODLAND George B. Parker Woodland Coventry, RI Saturday, March 21, 2009 (Snow Date: Sun., March 22) 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Leader: FRANCIS UNDERWOOD Join Francis Underwood, one of RIWPS' most knowledgeable tree lovers, to learn to
identify the trees and shrubs of ASRI's Parker Woodland by examining the bark, buds, habitats and communities, without the leaves and flowers to distract you. Bundle up,
bring your guidebook and expect to enjoy the outing on this geologically and historically interesting preserve. Moderate walk. Standard fee. RIWPS ANNUAL MEETING Kettle Pond Nature Center Charlestown, RI
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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PLANNING A WATER GARDEN FOR YOUR BACKYARD North Kingstown, RI Saturday, March 7, 2009 (Snow Date: Sun., March 8, 2009) 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Leader: BARNEY WEBSTER
Barney will demonstrate a variety of options for building a simple pond. He will show you how to incorporate simple shelves to avoid the rock necklace look. Emphasis will
be on using native plants and maintenance-free set-ups, upflow filters and pump cages. Standard fee. WATER LILIES – A SLIDE SHOW PRESENTATION Peace Dale Library Peace Dale, RI Saturday, January 24, 2009
(snow date: Sunday, January 31) ~ 2:00 pm
Leader: SINDY HEMPSTEAD Sindy will present a slide show illustrating her adventures in learning about the biology
and ecology of water lilies. In addition, members are invited to bring up to 10 slides each to share with the group. Fee: $5 for members; $7 nonmembers.
Advance registration required 48 hours in advance. Call Jackie at RIWPS office 401-789-7497. NATURE JOURNALING WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN (co-sponsored with Blithewold) Blithewold Mansion & Garden Bristol, RI
Saturday, January 24, 2009 ~ 2:00-4:00 pm
Instructor: CHRIS KALINA Join us for an afternoon of nature study. Children will explore a variety of nature
printing techniques and create a hand-made nature field guide. This program combines nature exploration with creative arts. Each field guide will be unique and individual.
Dress appropriately as we will be using acrylic paints. Appropriate for students in grades 3 through 5. Fee: $10 plus $5 material fee to be paid on the day of the workshop.
Advance registration required. Register at http://www.blithewold.org For additional information or questions, contact Jackie at the RIWPS office – 401-789-7497. WINTER WALK IN WEETAMOO WOODS ... NEW 2008 TRAIL Tiverton, RI
(Specific directions provided at time of registration) Sunday, January 25, 2009 ~ 1:00-3:00 pm
Leader: GARRY PLUNKETT
This 650-acre preserve of maritime hardwoods and wooded swamp is at the heart of an on-going effort to protect an unusually large, unfragmented forest on the southern
New England coast. Its primary natural community is coastal oak-holly forest that surrounds a remnant Atlantic white cedar swamp. We'll practice winter tree and shrub
ID, while checking out footprints from the past – cellar holes, slab bridges and the remains of a 19th century sawmill and stone arch bridge on Borden Brook. Moderate walk.
Fee: $5 for members, $7 nonmembers. Advance registration required 48 hours in advance. Call Jackie at RIWPS office 401-789-7497. EXPLORE ARCADIA'S BLACK SPRUCE BOG IN WINTER Arcadia Wildlife Management Area Exeter, RI
Saturday, February 7, 2009 (Snow Date: Sun., February 8) ~ 1:00-3:00 pm
Leader: DOUG McGRADY
Bogs form in kettleholes, or depressions, that have poorly-drained soils. Unlike swamps and fens, bogs lack flowing water. The water that does collect becomes acidic and
low in oxygen, resulting in poor growing conditions for most plants. The lack of oxygen also slows decomposition. This allows generations of Sphagnum moss to gradually fill
the kettlehole, creating a spongy mat of peat. Some plants do well in their peaty "soil". Black Spruce, found in only fourteen states, is one that tolerates these
conditions, and is quite uncommon in RI. Other plants include Leatherleaf, Highbush Blueberry, Rhodora, Sheep Laurel and some carnivorous plants. Moderate+ walk. Standard fee. RHODE ISLAND SPRING FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW
RI Convention Center Providence, RI February 19-22, 2009
MORE INFO
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