This Outdoor Retreat In The East Bay Is The Best Spot For A Fall Stroll
Another Open Air Adventure For Fall 2020
We masked up and revisited the Audubon Society Nature Center on Hope Street in Bristol yesterday.
We had initially explored the grounds — the 25 acres of the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge that include a boardwalk that intersects with the East Bay bike path (An animal and nature lover, Claire DesLauriers McIntosh died in 1992, leaving the land to ASRI.) — about three years ago, and especially for someone who grew up on Providence’s West Side and had never really ventured over to that part of that state as a kid, it was quite eye opening.
Ecstatic to report that it is as strikingly beautiful as ever.
As a matter of fact fall might just be my favorite time of year to stroll the boardwalk there that leads out to the Narragansett Bay. (See my phone photos below.)
The trees are starting to turn, it was chilly (enough for a heavy sweater and closed toe footwear) yet still sunny and bright, and we could hear a lot of different birds all around us.
All Photos Courtesy Of Me, Patty J
Also, we encountered a flock of turkeys who have made themselves right at home on the grounds.
And who could blame them?
The Audubon’s mission, after all, is to protect birds (way to go, very wise move turkeys!) and other wildlife native to the area along with the fields, woods, and wetlands there that are their habitat.
In addition to all that, which frankly is nothing to sneeze at, they are also known for their emphasis on education and a variety of fun-tastic programs for kids and families. (Of course they’ve probably had to modify all of that right now with the pandemic, but definitely check out their site if this sounds like something of interest.)
It’s really one of the best spots I’ve found (again there are water views at the end of the wooden walkway in the photo above) for clearing your head (if you’re not stressed rn, hats off to you), reconnecting with nature, and appreciating the natural beauty of Lil’ Rhody.
*The Audubon Society Of RI Nature Center is located at 1401 Hope Street in Bristol, Rhode Island.