Coastweeks 2007—A Celebration of the Coast
September 15-October 13

Join us in the 26th annual nationwide Coastweeks—dedicated to fostering awareness, understanding, and improved management of the coast. Contact Jean Gallo at (401) 874-6842 to join the Coastweeks mailing list to receive the free calendar of events every year.

Sponsored by:
R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council
www.crmc.ri.gov
(401) 783-3370

Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program
seagrant.gso.uri.edu
(401) 874-6842

Throughout Coastweeks

Historic Lighthouses Tour with Gansett Cruises
Each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during Coastweeks, Gansett Cruises is offering lighthouse tours of approximately 75 minutes. Enjoy coffee, oven-fresh muffins, fruit, and more aboard the Gansett and learn about Rhode Island's historic lighthouses. Cruises offered September 20-22, 27-29, and October 4-6.

9 a.m. $20.
 
Cruise schedule subject to change due to weather and other circumstances. For more information or to register, visit www.gansettcruises.com or call (401) 787-4438.

Cross' Mills Coastweeks Book Display and Cinema
Cross' Mills Public Library will have books relating to the coast on display. The library will also host "Cross' Mills Coastweeks Cinema." All films are shown at 7 p.m.

September 18: Endless Summer II
September 25:  The Perfect Storm
October 2:  Man of Aran

Cross' Mills Public Library, 4417 Old Post Road, Charlestown, RI 02813. Tel: (401) 364-6211 Web: crossmills.org. Directions: Rte. 1S, after entering Charlestown area, make a U-turn at the sign for Cross Mills, Charlestown Beach. Immediately cross to right lane and take the exit for Cross Mills. Turn left at the Stop sign. The Cross' Mills Public Library is the second driveway on the left.

Thundermist Tours aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer
Every Sunday from September 9 to October 30, passengers aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer will experience historical, architectural, and scenic views between the Thundermist Dam and the state border in Blackstone, which will be highlighted with guided interpretation.  Find out about the development of Woonsocket, from its origins as a conclave of mill villages, to its strong French-Canadian ethnicity, to historic architecture spotlighting the city's role in the American Industrial Revolution in the 19th and 20th centuries. In late September through October delight in the seasonal changes along the river with a breathtaking fall foliage trip. On October 7, half-price tours will be sponsored by Citizens Bank on a first come, first served basis as part of a Footsteps in History event.

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the hour. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children.

These tours depart from Woonsocket Landing, located in Market Square, near the Museum of Work & Culture. A $1 discount will be offered to anyone with a receipt from the Museum of Work and Culture. Reservations recommended. Call (401) 724-2200. For more information visit www.rivertourblackstone.com or www.footstepsinhistory.com.
 
South County Stroller Club
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Would you and your child enjoy spending time with other parents and kids? If so, then this club is for you! During this four-part series, we will be touring some local historical, cultural and ecological attractions, all while getting a bit of light exercise. Be sure to wear your suntan lotion and bug spray. A hat, good walking shoes, water bottle & snack, stroller, and binoculars are also suggested. Please note these programs are for parents and infants or toddlers in strollers or backpacks. Due to the pace of the walk, this program is not appropriate for young children to walk. All walks are from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

September 26: Legends, Fables, and Folklore of South County
October 3: Let's Go Native
October 10: Wonderful World of Wetlands
October 17: Meet the Hazards of South County

Advance registration is required for all. The cost for each adult and child(ren) in a stroller is $9 for residents and $12 for nonresidents of South Kingstown. Call South Kingstown Parks and Recreation at (401) 789-9301 for more information or to register.

September 15

Family Kayak Fun Day
This is a chance to learn about the fun of kayaking as a family. We'll give you a mini-lesson, outfit you with boats and gear, and set off on a leisurely picnic/paddle to Hog Island. Bring your own picnic, or we'll provide a box lunch for you at a cost of $10 per person. Experienced guides and instructors will be along to provide you and your family with a safe, comfortable, and fun-filled day on the water.

$25 for adults, $10 for children.

Ocean State Adventures, 99 Poppasquash Rd., Bristol, RI 02809. Preregistration is required by calling Jack or Cat at (401) 254-4000. Ocean State Adventures is one mile off Route 114 on Poppasquash Road, just south of Colt State Park.

French Farmers Market and Woonsocket Arts Festival
This festival features a Dynamite cookoff, music, arts and crafts, and half-price river tours aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer.

10 a.m.

River Island Park, Market Square, Woonsocket. For more information, visit https://secure.bluehost.com/~reformwa/tour/dynamite.htm.
 
Watercolor Workshop at Watson Farm
Newport artist Natalie Pfanstiehl leads this day-long workshop. After a one-hour demonstration of landscape painting, Pfanstiehl assists with composition, lighting, and painting techniques. Open to all levels of experience.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $25 for Historic New England members, $35 for nonmembers.

Preregistration is required. Contact Heather Minto at (401) 423-0005. Directions: Rte. 138E across Jamestown Bridge, first exit (Helm Street). Turn right at second stop sign onto North Road. Watson Farm is three miles ahead on right. Bring own watercolor supplies. For more information visit www.historicnewengland.org.

A Taste of Spain
Wickford's finest chefs have created a delicious sampler of sausage, cheese, olives and other Mediterranean flavors of Spain. Sangria wine complements today's culinary excursion aboard the Sea Princess.

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $42 for South Kingstown residents, $49 for nonresidents.

Town Wharf, Main Street, Wickford. All participants must be over 21 years of age. Wear clothing appropriate to the season, and bring a jacket. All registrations are final three days before the program is scheduled to run. Space is limited, early registration is suggested! Please note; if the program is full, sign up for the waiting list. We will run additional sessions if interest warrants. For more information or to register, contact South Kingstown Parks and Recreation at (401) 789-9301.

A Morning of Aquaculture
Roger Williams University (RWU) will host a morning of aquaculture at the Center for Economic and Environmental Development. Dale Leavitt, RWU assistant biology professor, will start the morning at 10 a.m. with a one-hour overview of aquaculture in the region and an assessment of the current status of aquaculture in New England and Rhode Island. He will remain available throughout the morning to answer questions.

The presentation will be followed by an open house in the RWU Aquaculture and Seawater Laboratory from 11 a.m. to noon. See the laboratory's ornamental fish hatchery, a small shellfish hatchery, and a variety of aquaculture experiments designed to help solve environmental problems. RWU students and staff will be on hand to explain the many projects currently in progress.

10 a.m. to noon. Free.

RWU, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol. For more information, contact Dale Leavitt at (401) 450-2581 or e-mail dleavitt@rwu.edu. For directions to campus, visit www.rwu.edu.

Oyster Gardening
Aquaculture extension specialists at Roger Williams University (RWU) will offer a session on the aquaculture program R.I. Oyster Gardening for Restoration and Enhancement (RI-OGRE) that is also sponsored by the Rhode Island Aquaculture Initiative under the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council. Through this program, where coastal residents or dock owners can grow oysters for use in a restoration program and-depending upon location-personal consumption. RWU has a dock near the aquaculture facility and will have oysters growing with the gardening techniques. 

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free.

RWU, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol. For more information, contact Steve Patterson at (401) 254-3707 or e-mail oysters@rwu.edu. For directions to campus, visit www.rwu.edu.

International Coastal Cleanup
Volunteers at 65 locations around Rhode Island tally each piece of trash that is picked up in order to provide a snapshot of the origin of trash on the beach. Data is used in policy work to reduce debris. Line can entangle whales, turtles, and propeller shafts. Cigarette butts contain poisons. Litter in the water is a menace to wildlife and humans. Help create a cleaner beach by counting and combing along with teams around the world.

9 a.m. to noon. Free.

Preregistration is not necessary but helpful. Participants must be able to walk and pick up lightweight material. For directions or more information, call (401) 949-5454.

Bold Point Cleanup
Join Rhode Island Sea Grant as we participate in the International Coastal Cleanup at Bold Point in East Providence. This park has a great view of the Providence waterfront. Registered participants receive free T-shirts.

10 a.m. to noon. Free.

Pier Road, just south off Exit 4 from I-195. For more information, contact Monica Allard Cox at (401) 874-6937 or allard@gso.uri.edu.

Norman Bird Sanctuary Coastal Cleanup of Third Beach
Volunteers welcome!
                   
9 a.m. Free.

583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown. Registration encouraged to receive free T-shirt.
Directions from Newport Bridge/Rte.138E: After bridge, follow signs to Fall River/Cape Cod. Turn left at the light and continue 1.6 miles through four stoplights. At the four-way stop, take a right onto Third Beach Road. The sanctuary will be ahead on your left. More information at www.normanbirdsanctuary.org or call (401) 846-2577 x10.

South Ferry Road Beach Cleanup
Join the Rhode Island Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in cleaning up the beach at the end of South Ferry Road in Narragansett, next to the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography. Free T-shirts to all registered participants.

10 a.m. to noon. Free.

Contact Pam Rubinoff at (401) 874-6135 or rubi@gso.uri.edu.

September 16

Shoreline Biathlon
This is the 17th annual shoreline biathlon to benefit the Chariho-Westerly Animal Rescue League. This course can be completed as a team, with one person as the runner and another as the cyclist. The biathlon consists of a five-mile run from Atlantic Avenue through Weekapaug and a 16-mile bike ride (a double eight-mile loop) along Atlantic Avenue, Shore Road, and Weekapaug. This course can be completed as a team, with one person as the runner and another as the cyclist. First 150 applicants receive T-shirts. Helmets are required.

11 a.m. Individual: $35 for preregistration, $45 after September 10. Team: $45 for preregistration, $55 after September 10.

Westerly Town Beach Pavilion, Atlantic Avenue, Misquamicut. Contact the Chariho-Westerly Animal Rescue League at cwarl@aol.com, visit www.cwarl.org, or call (401) 596-2090.

Bird Walk at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Explore the grasslands, wetlands, forests, rocky ridges or sandy beaches of the Norman Bird Sanctuary on a bird walk with Jay Manning & Bill Saslow. Wear weather proof shoes and bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Continues every other Sunday through December.

8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Free.

Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown. Directions from Newport Bridge/Rte.138E: After bridge, follow signs to Fall River/Cape Cod. Turn left at the light and continue 1.6 miles through four stoplights. At the four-way stop, take a right onto Third Beach Road. The sanctuary will be ahead on your left. More information at www.normanbirdsanctuary.org or call (401) 846-2577 x10. No registration required.

September 17

Guided Hike to Hanging Rock
Hike the rocky ledges and unique ridge trails of the Norman Bird Sanctuary, learning about the local geology and enjoying vistas of Rhode Island Sound and the Sakonnet River. Expect some rugged terrain and wear sturdy footwear. Distance 1.5 miles.

4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for children.

Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown. Minimum age 7. Registration required by 1 p.m. on day of program by calling (401) 846-2577 x10. Directions from Newport Bridge/Rte.138E: After bridge, follow signs to Fall River/Cape Cod. Turn left at the light and continue 1.6 miles through four stoplights. At the four-way stop, take a right onto Third Beach Road. The sanctuary will be ahead on your left. More information at www.normanbirdsanctuary.org.

September 19

Book Discussion: The Outermost House
Join Monica Allard Cox of Rhode Island Sea Grant Communications in a discussion of Henry Beston's chronicle of a solitary year spent on a Cape Cod beach in a home he had originally planned to occupy only two weeks in the summer. The Outermost House has been called a "classic of American nature writing."

7 p.m. Free.

North Kingstown Free Library, 100 Boone St., North Kingstown. Please contact the library at (401) 294-3306 to reserve your seat. The library will have copies of the book available in advance. For directions, visit www.nklibrary.org.

Fall Gardens and Pumpkin Patches of Prudence Island
Explore Prudence Island's cultural and natural history by van with the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve (www.nbnerr.org) with stops to visit local gardens, the island's one room schoolhouse, farms, saltmarshes, and beaches. Following lunch at the Reserve's Lab and Learning Center, we will head to the north end of the island and catch the 4 p.m. ferry arriving in Bristol by 4:30 pm.

10 a.m. (ferry). $20 per person plus $6.30 roundtrip ferry ticket.

For directions, visit www.nbnerr.org/Content/Get_to_PI.pdf. For ferry schedule and parking information call the Prudence Island Ferry Company at (401) 253-9808. Preregistration is required by contacting the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (401) 949-5454. This is primarily a van tour, but will include several stops and a few short walks (5-10 minutes max.) to access gardens and historic features. There is only one restroom stop in the middle of the day. Bring camera, packed lunch, water, insect and tick repellent, comfortable foot wear, $6.30 (cash or check) for ferry tickets, and dress for the weather. Ticks are an issue on Prudence Island, so be sure to wear long-sleeved, light-colored pants and shirt, and shoes with tall socks.

September 20, 21, 22, and October 2

Commercial Fishing Trawl
Be a commercial fisherman for a day, bottom trawling aboard the URI Fisheries vessel Cap'n Bert, learn about the fishing industry in Rhode Island, and bring home a fish for supper.

Half-day trawl: 8:30 a.m. to noon. $30.

Wickford Shipyard, 125 Steamboat Ave., Wickford. Preregistration required. Don't wait! Call Jean Gallo at (401) 874-6842 after September 1 to preregister. Boots are recommended, as this is a working boat and apt to be slippery. Suitable for adults and children 12 and older. Sponsored by Rhode Island Sea Grant. More information.

September 22

Salt Marshes of Jamestown
Join the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Scott Ruhren on a tour of common and lesser-known salt marshes protected by Audubon. Salt marshes are home to specialized and sensitive plants, algae, and animals, and also serve as nurseries for many ocean species. At low tide we will explore some of the unique features of these ecosystems not always open to the public.

9:30 a.m. to noon. $8 per member adult, $4 per member child; $12 per nonmember adult, $6 per nonmember child; Ages 6+.

We depart from the parking lot of the Park & Ride at Rtes. 1A and 138 in Narragansett just before the Jamestown Bridge. (Transportation may be provided if necessary.) Wear sturdy waterproof shoes and appropriate clothing. This is a flat but occasionally mucky walk. For more information or to register, call (401) 949-5454 x3041.

A Taste of the Bay
We'll celebrate the end of summer with a fabulous sampling of the bounty of the bay: oysters, little necks, and smoked fish, with sweet mustard and cream cheese. Sample our fabulous raw bar while enjoying a wonderful two-hour sail aboard the Sea Princess.

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $42 for South Kingstown  residents, $49 for nonresidents.

Town Wharf, Main Street, Wickford. All participants must be over 21 years of age. Wear clothing appropriate to the season, and bring a jacket. All registrations are final three days before the program is scheduled to run. Space is limited, early registration is suggested! Please note; if the program is full, sign up for the waiting list. We will run additional sessions if interest warrants. For more information or to register, contact South Kingstown Parks and Recreation at (401) 789-9301.

Prudence Island Coastal Cleanup
The Narragansett Bay Research Reserve (www.nbnerr.org) on Prudence Island is participating in the International Coastal Clean-up (a week later due to high tide). A sign-in table will be set up at the ferry landing on the island. All participants will receive a free t-shirt.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $6.30 for roundtrip ferry ticket.

For directions, visit www.nbnerr.org/Content/Get_to_PI.pdf. The ferry leaves Bristol at 10 a.m. For ferry schedule and parking information, call the Prudence Island Ferry Company at (401) 253-9808. Preregistration is required by contacting Kristin Van Wagner at (401) 683-1478 or Kristin@nbnerr.org. Dress in clothes appropriate for a beach cleanup with layers and comfortable footwear or rubber boots. Bring camera, a packed lunch, at least one full water bottle, and insect and tick repellent. There is only one restroom stop in the middle of the day. We will be working in the outdoors for approximately 3 hours. Ticks are an issue on Prudence Island, so be sure to wear long-sleeved, light-colored pants and shirt, and shoes with tall socks.

September 23

Explore the Nettie Marie Jones Preserve
Join naturalist Frances Topping and explore the mixed hardwood forest, streams, and old fields of the Nettie Marie Jones Preserve, at the URI Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich. We'll look for early fall flowers and identify some trees and shrubs.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. $3 for Rhode Island Wild Plant Society members, $5 for nonmembers.

Preregistration is required no sooner than two weeks prior to the walk by contacting Topping at (401) 364-8002 or fmtopping@cox.net. Payment must be made at the event with exact change (cash or check).

Off the Beaten Path
Farm manager Don Minto takes participants on a two-mile hike through the seaside agrarian landscape of the historic Watson Farm. The farm's history is placed in the larger context of the local island community and Rhode Island's history. The walk focuses on the land, people, and natural resources of Narragansett Bay.

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. $3 for Historic New England members, $8 for nonmembers.

Directions: Rte. 138E across Jamestown Bridge, first exit (Helm Street). Turn right at second stop sign onto North Road. Watson Farm is three miles ahead on right. For more information, contact Heather or Don Minto at (401) 423-0005 or visit www.historicnewengland.com.

September 26

Moonlight Paddle
A spectacular way to end a summer's day! Join us for a moonlight kayak paddle on scenic Bristol Harbor. We gather early enough to get everyone through the safety drill and familiar with basic paddling techniques, then we head out under the setting sun. As the sun sets and the moon rises over the Mount Hope Bridge, look for the natural phosphorescence in the water, then enjoy paddling back leisurely under the light of the full moon. We provide boats, paddles, and safety gear.

$65.

Ocean State Adventures, 99 Poppasquash Rd., Bristol, RI 02809. Preregistration is required by calling Jack or Cat at (401) 254-4000. Ocean State Adventures is one mile off Route 114 on Poppasquash Road, just south of Colt State Park.

September 29

Autumn Faire at South County Museum
"Celebrating Coastal Village Life" is the theme of this year's Autumn Faire at South County Museum. There will be cooking demonstrations, blacksmiths, antique cars, crafts, and plenty of South County food. Songs and games for kids are provided by Atwood Donnelly Band. A pirate encampment and kids zone will keep children of all ages entertained. South County Museum is a campus museum of five exhibit buildings, a "Living History" farm exhibit, and a letterpress print shop situated on beautiful Canonchet Farm Town Park.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.

South County Museum is located on Strathmore Street in Narragansett and is handicap accessible. Free parking access through Narragansett Town Beach parking lot. For more information call the museum at (401) 783-5400 or visit www.southcountymuseum.org.

Salt Marsh and Sculpins
Join ecologist Keith Killingbeck for a southern New England triptych-Succotash Salt Marsh (for plants), Cap'n Jack's (for chowder & clamcakes), and Ninigret Pond (for underwater inhabitants). We'll start by identifying salt-tolerant plants that grow in the salt marsh and discuss their ecology, then botanize along a sandy beach adjacent to the marsh. We'll stop at Cap'n Jacks on our way to Ninigret Pond. At sunset, we will roll up our pants and wade into the pond, armed with flashlights, to search out fish, crabs, and everything else!

3 p.m. to 8 p.m. $35 for New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) members,  $40 for nonmembers (dinner on your own).

Meet at East Matunuck State Beach. Preregistration is required by contacting the NEWFS registrar at (508) 877-7630 x3303. A list of what to bring and wear will be provided with registration confirmation.

THIS EVENT POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 14: Fall Coastal Habitats Walk
Crisp fall air, a moon low tide, what better time to explore Rhode Island's coastal habitats? The Jamestown Salt Marsh is one of the largest in the state, bisected by a tidal river that meanders out to the bay. Join naturalist Hope Leeson and explore the various habitats, within and along the edge of the marsh, and discuss plant adaptations to the saltwater environment. We'll travel to the southern tip of Conanicut Island and walk along the coastal bluff of Beavertail State Park, looking at plants living at the juxtaposition of freshwater seeps and raging surf. You may want to bring an evening picnic and stay to watch the sunset and the moonrise. Participants should be prepared to walk on a combination of wet mud and sloping rock surfaces.

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3 for Rhode Island Wild Plant Society members, $5 for nonmembers.
 
Preregistration is required no sooner than two weeks prior to the walk by contacting Leeson at (401) 783-5609 or hleeson@rinhs.org. Payment must be made at the event with exact change (cash or check).

Birding at Napatree Point with Audubon
Join Mary Jo Murray and Scott Tsagarakis for great birding at Napatree Point. Spectacular views of Little Narragansett Bay await us at the end of a walk along the beach to the point in search of fall migrants. We'll then stop by a convenient dune for lunch and some shorebird- and hawk-watching (often some oystercatchers or a peregrine falcon). Bring your binoculars and field guides, and pack your favorite lunch. Spotting scopes will be available.

9:30 a.m. $8 for Audubon Society of Rhode Island member adults, $4 for member children; $12 for nonmember adults, $6 for nonmember children.

Westerly. For more information or to register, call (401) 949-5454 x3041.

September 29-30

Annual Harvest Fair at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy an old-fashioned style fair with crafts, food, and educational family activities. All proceeds support the bird sanctuary.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 for adults, $3 for children.

Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown. Directions from Newport Bridge/Rte.138E: After bridge, follow signs to Fall River/Cape Cod. Turn left at the light and continue 1.6 miles through four stoplights. At the four-way stop, take a right onto Third Beach Road. The sanctuary will be ahead on your left. More information at www.normanbirdsanctuary.org.

September 30

Greenwich Cove Walk
The East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society will lead a coastal walk from Rocky Hollow Road (where the Maskerchug River empties into Greenwich Cove) to the East Greenwich/Warwick town line. The walk is a way for the society to remind citizens that they still own part of the waterfront by the rights-of-way and public access created in 1754. Walking distance is about a mile.

2 p.m. Free.

Meet at the East Greenwich Town Overlook on Crompton Avenue, which can be reached by taking Rocky Hollow Road at traffic light on Main Street. Plenty of free parking. Wear comfortable walking shoes. For more information, contact Marion Helwig at (401) 826-0178. 

October 3

Prudence Island Bicycle Tour
Have you always wanted to explore Prudence Island? If you have an off-road bicycle and want to learn about the cultural and natural history of Prudence Island, this experience is for you!
 
The day begins at 9:45 a.m. with a half-hour ferry ride from Bristol to Prudence Island. You will be greeted on Prudence Island by educators from the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve (www.nbnerr.org). We will bike the island, visiting the island's one-room schoolhouse, historic features such as farms, stonewalls, and mansions, and natural features including salt marshes, overlooks, and beaches. At lunchtime we will visit the Reserve's Lab and Learning Center where you will have a chance to use the facilities and explore the Learning Center. We will be biking moderately hilly terrain and dirt roads, and exploring the outdoors for approximately 3 hours.
 
Bring off-road bicycle, camera, a packed lunch, at least one full water bottle, insect and tick repellent, $6.30 (cash or check) for ferry tickets, comfortable foot wear, and dress for the weather with layers. A tire repair kit, spare tube, and small bike pump are also good items to bring along. Please note:  Ticks are an issue on Prudence Island, so be sure to wear long-sleeved, light-colored pants and shirt, and shoes with tall socks.

9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $16 for Audubon Society of Rhode Island members, $20 for nonmembers (this does not include the round-trip ferry fee to be paid separately at the ferry landing); Ages: 12+.

Register early as there is a maximum of 12 participants for this tour. A minimum of six registrants is needed for a tour to run. For more information, directions, and to register, please contact  Kristin Van Wagner at (401) 683-1478 or Kristin@nbnerr.org.

October 4

Public lecture: "Fresher Over Saltier: Stratification and Hypoxia in Narragansett Bay"
Hypoxia is a condition of reduced oxygen that degrades water quality and harms marine organisms. Density stratification—typified by fresher, less dense water overlying saltier water—is a key factor in the development of hypoxia. The relation of stratification to river flow, wind, and tidal stage will be described based on empirical modeling, a component of NOAA's Coastal Hypoxia Research Program in Narragansett Bay. Applicability of the modeling methods to hypoxia, and feasibility of forecasting, will also be discussed.

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free.

Main Auditorium, Coastal Institute Building, URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett. For directions to campus or a campus map, visit gso.uri.edu. For more information about the lecture, contact Dan Codiga at d.codiga@gso.uri.edu or read the press release.

October 6

Oktoberfest Aboard the Sea Princess
When you hear the word Oktoberfest, it is almost certain that one thing comes to mind-beer!  We will be featuring a rousing tasting of beers from around the globe. To complement this festive atmosphere, we will also feature a variety of artisan cheeses from small American companies who make cheese the old-fashioned way. A sampling of pates and olives will round out this traditional fall celebration.

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $42 for Audubon Society of Rhode Island members/ South Kingstown residents, $49 for nonmembers/nonresidents.

Town Wharf, Main Street, Wickford. Sponsored by Audubon Society of Rhode Island and South Kingstown Parks & Recreation. All participants must be over 21 years of age. Wear clothing appropriate to the season, and bring a jacket. All registrations are final three days before the program is scheduled to run. Space is limited, early registration is suggested! Please note; if the program is full, sign up for the waiting list. We will run additional sessions if interest warrants. For more information or to register, contact Audubon at (401) 949-5454 x3041, or South Kingstown Parks and Recreation at (401) 789-9301.

Swallows Spectacular on the Connecticut River
In Essex, Conn., there are two spectacular avian happenings each year. The first is the spectacular concentration of eagles that over-winter on the Connecticut River. The other highlight of the birding year on the river is the Tree Swallow. Thousands of swallows congregate on the lower Connecticut River and at sunset settle in on a giant communal roost. The birds come from as far away as 25 miles and converge at dusk, often creating a "ballet" and "funnel" of birds before and as they settle down to roost. Join us on a journey onboard the RiverQuest from Essex to see the spectacular display. Bring a picnic supper and your favorite beverage to enjoy on the trip, and your binoculars. A truly awe inspiring display!

2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. $55 for Audubon Society of Rhode Island member adults, $50 for member children; $60 for nonmember adults, $55 for nonmember children; Ages: 8+.

For more information or to register, call the Audubon Society of Rhode Island at (401) 949-5454 x3041.

Foliage Kayak Tour
Join our interpretive naturalists for delightful tours along the coastline, local estuaries, and inland waterways. Watch wildlife and learn about the rich diversity of our bays and their watersheds. Avoid the crowded highways this fall and enjoy a front-row seat as Nature puts on her most colorful show of the year. No prior paddling experience needed.

$70.

Ocean State Adventures, 99 Poppasquash Rd., Bristol, RI 02809. Preregistration is required by calling Jack or Cat at (401) 254-4000. Ocean State Adventures is one mile off Route 114 on Poppasquash Road, just south of Colt State Park.

October 6 & 27

Waterscape/Streetscape Symposium
The future redevelopment of Newport's waterfront is a pressing planning issue, and this symposium will serve as a visioning process on successfully redeveloping the waterfront. The symposium will feature speakers describing Newport's historic and economic waterfront assets, a case study of a similar plan for Newburyport, Mass., study tours, and charettes.

IYRS, 458 Thames Street, Newport. For more information or to register, contact (401) 272-6418 or execdir@aia-ri.org. The symposium is sponsored by the American Institute for Architects, the city of Newport, the Alliance for a Livable Newport, and Rhode Island Sea Grant/URI Coastal Resources Center.

October 7

Foliage Kayak Tour
See description under October 6.

October 10

Book Discussion: Shadow Divers
Join David Beutel of Rhode Island Sea Grant Sustainable Fisheries for a discussion of Robert Kurson's Shadow Divers, a book that chronicles two divers' discovery of a U-boat embedded in the sea floor off the coast of New Jersey, and their quest to solve the mystery of where the boat came from and why it sank.

7 p.m. Free.

North Kingstown Free Library, 100 Boone St., North Kingstown. Please contact the library at (401) 294-3306 to reserve your seat. The library will have copies of the book available in advance. For directions, visit www.nklibrary.org.

October 13

Nature Poetry Writing
Participants will begin writing using the physical/natural-observed environment found at the Historic Watson Farm to connect with memory. Exercises and discussion will focus on the inner dialoue the writer has within himself/herself of the present, past, and imagined future. Ira Schaeffer and Patte Weathers-Parry, both published poets, will lead the workshop. Group sharing and discussion of written work is encouraged. Open to journal writers and poets of all levels.

9 a.m. to noon. $10 for Historic New England members, $20 for nonmembers.

Directions: Rte. 138E across Jamestown Bridge, first exit (Helm Street). Turn right at second stop sign onto North Road. Watson Farm is three miles ahead on right. Contact Heather Minto at (401) 423-0005 or visit www.historicnewengland.org.

A Taste of Provence Aboard the Sea Princess
We have brought back a popular favorite for our fall boating season. The finest chefs of Wickford have created a sampler of breads, cheeses, and other culinary delights to conjure the flavors of this famous region of France. Fine food and a splash of wine will round out an unforgettable day on the bay.

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $42 for Audubon Society of Rhode Island members/South Kingstown residents, $49 for nonmembers/nonresidents.
 
Town Wharf, Main Street, Wickford. Sponsored by Audubon Society of Rhode Island and South Kingstown Parks & Recreation. All participants must be over 21 years of age. Wear clothing appropriate to the season, and bring a jacket. All registrations are final three days before the program is scheduled to run. Space is limited, early registration is suggested! Please note; if the program is full, sign up for the waiting list. We will run additional sessions if interest warrants. For more information or to register, contact Audubon at (401) 949-5454 x3041, or South Kingstown Parks and Recreation at (401) 789-9301.

Shoreline Adventures Aboard the Southland/Coastal Crafters Cruise
All aboard! Join us aboard the riverboat Southland to explore the shore next door. You will be able to sit back and relax while listening to a narrated tour of Point Judith Harbor. As we cruise along our picturesque coastline, you will get to see the beautiful islands of the Great Salt Pond. And, if you're a crafter, register for the craft program taking place on board during the cruise, and create your own nature-themed craft.

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shoreline Adventures only: South Kingstown residents: $13 for adults, $10 for children. Nonresidents: $16 for adults, $13 for children. Coastal Crafters Cruise: South Kingstown residents: $16 for adults, $13 for children. Nonresidents:  $21 for adults, $16 for children.

We leave from the port of Galilee at the State Pier, docked next to the Block Island Ferry. Be sure to dress for the weather since we run rain or shine, and be sure to bring your camera!  Advance registration is required. A registered adult or guardian must accompany all children.  Please call South Kingstown Parks and Recreation at (401) 789-9301 for more information or to register.

October 14

NOTE: THIS EVENT RESCHEDULED FROM SEPT. 29: Fall Coastal Habitats Walk
Crisp fall air, a moon low tide, what better time to explore Rhode Island's coastal habitats? The Jamestown Salt Marsh is one of the largest in the state, bisected by a tidal river that meanders out to the bay. Join naturalist Hope Leeson and explore the various habitats, within and along the edge of the marsh, and discuss plant adaptations to the saltwater environment. We'll travel to the southern tip of Conanicut Island and walk along the coastal bluff of Beavertail State Park, looking at plants living at the juxtaposition of freshwater seeps and raging surf. You may want to bring an evening picnic and stay to watch the sunset and the moonrise. Participants should be prepared to walk on a combination of wet mud and sloping rock surfaces.

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3 for Rhode Island Wild Plant Society members, $5 for nonmembers.
 
Preregistration is required no sooner than two weeks prior to the walk by contacting Leeson at (401) 783-5609 or hleeson@rinhs.org. Payment must be made at the event with exact change (cash or check).

Thank you for your interest in Coastweeks!