Audubon Environmental Education Center

The Audubon Society of RI is an indepedent, non-profit organization dedicated to statewide environmental education, conservation and advocacy. The Audubon Environmental Education Center strives to create exceptional learning experiences for school groups and the general public that enrich our audience's lives.

Description:
At the Environmental Education Center in Bristol, our programs are offered year-round and designed to bring a wide variety of hands-on environmental learning experiences to students and general public aged pre-K to adult. Indoor programs take place in our classrooms and state-of-the-art Exhibit hall. Our outdoor programs take place on our 28 acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge which features a quarter mile trail and boardwalk system that leads to Narragansett Bay.

History:
The 28 acres of land that is now the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge once belonged to the DesLauriers family, who were well known in Bristol in the early 1900s. At that time, most of the property was a family farm where corn and other crops were grown. Claire was the second of two children, born in 1915. She grew up in the family home at 1389 Hope Street, and also spent most of her adult life there (the house is still in its original location, but does not belong to ASRI). Claire's husband died long before she did and they had no children. A licensed practical nurse and a private duty nurse, Claire had a very strong love of animals and nature and at her death in 1992 left the 28 acres of family land to ASRI, hoping that others would enjoy its wildlife and natural beauty as much as she did during her lifetime. Her will also created the Norman A. DesLauriers memorial fund to endow the property. Norman, her only brother, was killed in action in WWII.

Contact person: Cathy Corey, Volunteer Coordinator, (401) 245-7500 x3119, (email)

Office fax number: 401-245-9339

Address:

1401 Hope St Bristol, RI 02809 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.asri.org

Directions:

From Newport: Route 114 North to Mt. Hope Bridge. Cross bridge, about .3 mi. bear left staying on Route 114, follow approx. 4.4 mi. Center is on the left immediately before Bristol/Warren townline. From Providence: Route 195 East to RI. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: City Line # 60 stops at our driveway, 1 minute minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Interests Served:
	Solutions for Children, Youth, Families
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No

Last updated on October 1, 2009