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# Rhode Island Natural History Survey

Providing Ecosystem Science and Information

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://rinhs.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Message Board](https://rinhs.org/latest-news-from-rinhs/) - We are saddened by news of the passing of Helen Lusi, teacher, botanist, naturalist of many talents, and longtime supporter of the Natural History Survey. Read her obituary here. Read the citation for Helen's 2022 Founders' Award here. Helen's family has indicated that friends of Helen can remember her through gifts to the Survey in
- [Events Upcoming](https://rinhs.org/register-now/) - Moth Night July 17. Celebrate National Moth Week with an evening around the moth lights seeing what comes in. East Farm, Kingston, RI. Meet at the Survey office, URI East Farm, Building 14 at 8 p.m. Be prepared for mosquitos, wear socks and shoes. Kids welcome, no pets. FREE. Weather day July 18. RSVP at
- [The Survey is Home to the RI Plant Insect Community Network](https://rinhs.org/survey-home-to-picn/) - A healthy network of plants and insects is the foundation of a healthy environment for all life on Earth, including people. In Rhode Island, there’s a whole community of programs working on the plant-insect network: studying pollinators, promoting native plants, building sustainable agriculture, and educating people. The Plant Insect Community Network is a program that
- [Survey's 30th Anniversary Strategic Plan](https://rinhs.org/strategic-plan_25-30/) - The Survey has accomplished many remarkable things in its first 30 years; we need a strong vision to reach new heights in our 4th decade. With input from members, friends, board and staff, and peer organizations, we created a new strategic plan that restates the Survey’s vision and values and its mission. It provides four
- [Rhode Island Naturalist to return in 2020](https://rinhs.org/ri-naturalist-returns-in-2020/) - The Rhode Island Natural History Survey is excited to announce the return of its periodic publication, the Rhode Island Naturalist. This publication covers local natural history stories written by professional and amateur scientists and naturalists. The Survey will publish two issues per year, Summer and Winter. Initially, the Rhode Island Naturalist will appear as a
- [Blog: Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 16, All About Pinnipeds](https://rinhs.org/marine-mammals-of-rhode-island-part-16-all-about-pinnipeds/) - by Robert D. Kenney Three of the previous installments in this Marine Mammals of Rhode Island series have been about seals that occur in our region—harbor seals, harp seals, and gray seals. Gray seals were also the subject of an article in the Fall 2022 issue of Rhode Island Naturalist. There are a couple of
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 11, Common Dolphin](https://rinhs.org/marinemammalsofri11/) - by Robert Kenney Mother Nature is never quite as neat as we’d like her to be. Common dolphins are a good case in point; over the years they have given me quite a headache. Although I first learned as a graduate student that there was just a single species with a global distribution, by 2001
- [Kiss Your Ash Goodbye...No, Really!](https://rinhs.org/kiss-your-ash-goodbye-no-really/) - Way back in 2009 I wrote a blog about Emerald Ash Borer at a time when it was becoming clear it would indeed break out of attempted containment areas in the Mid-west and spread across the east. Well, since then we've watched it move inexorably towards Rhode Island and now it is here. Rhode Island
- [Blog: 2022 Natural History Survey Annual Meeting](https://rinhs.org/blog-2022-natural-history-survey-annual-meeting/) - In 2021, the Survey managed to expand in a number of directions despite the challenges of the continuing pandemic. If you missed the Survey's 2022 annual meeting, which was held online on April 7, you can still catch up on all the news, including the finance report, nominating committee report, and program report, by taking
- [Blog: Possible plesiosaur in Barrington River](https://rinhs.org/possible-plesiosaur-in-barrington-river/) - On April 1, scientists from the Natural History Survey traveled to the Barrington River to investigate a possible Plesiosaur sighting. “We’ve wondered why reptiles like diamondback terrapins thrived in 100 Acre Cove but nowhere else...now maybe we know,” said URI herpetologist Jauncy Farakker. If the sighting checks out, it will be the first spotting of
- [Blog: RI Natural History Survey 2019 Annual Report](https://rinhs.org/ri-natural-history-survey-2019-annual-report/) - Dear Survey Members and Friends, Normally around this time of year we all would be getting together for the Survey's annual meeting…an update on the organization's programs, strategy, and finances, a vote for the directors, and an informative and inspiring talk. The speakers for the annual meeting are chosen because their outreach, conservation, and science
- [Blog: Rhode Island Naturalist back issues now available in Resource Library](https://rinhs.org/rhode-island-naturalist-back-issues-now-available-in-resource-library/) - Publishing a periodical bulletin is a great way for the Natural History Survey to fulfill its mission to connect those knowledgeable about Rhode Island's animals, plants, ecological systems. It is also a great way to memorialize research results, discoveries, commentary, and art pertaining to those same animals, plants, and ecology. After a hiatus, during which
- [The Newport Natural History Society, 1883-1940](https://rinhs.org/the-newport-natural-history-society-1883-1940/) - by Stephen S. Hale If you reached this page following a link to Stephen Hale's blog about the Newport Natural History Society, you should know that he developed his blog into a full-fledged article and we published it in our bulletin, the Rhode Island Naturalist 16(2) Fall 2021, pages 15-17. Here's the link to the
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 5, Harbor Seal](https://rinhs.org/marine-mammals-of-rhode-island-part-5-harbor-seal/) - by Robert D. Kenney In our report for the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan, we showed that 36 species of marine mammals had been recorded in our estuarine and marine waters, and a few others were possibilities. Despite what might seem to some to be a surprisingly high diversity of species, only one
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 8, Harp Seal](https://rinhs.org/marinemammalsofri8/) - by Robert D. Kenney Now where were we? Installment 6 in this series on the marine mammals of Rhode Island was on harbor seals. The next was supposed to be about harp seals to contrast the two species, but the unusual appearance of a beluga in the Bay last summer upset the plan. Since no
- [RINHS Rediscovers "Lost" Ladybug at Rocky Point](https://rinhs.org/rinhs-rediscovers-lost-ladybug-at-rocky-point/) - At a press event Thursday, June 4, the Rhode Island Natural History Survey announced that citizen scientists participating in the 2014 BioBlitz event at Rocky Point Park, in Warwick, re-discovered a species of ladybug once common throughout eastern North America but now virtually absent. The nine spotted ladybug, or Coccinella novemnotata, used to be a
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 1, Historical Context](https://rinhs.org/marinemammsofri1/) - by Robert D. Kenney Some three dozen species of marine mammals are known to occur in Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, Rhode Island Sound, and nearby coastal and continental shelf areas. Their occurrence in the region has been reviewed in detail in a technical report that was prepared in support of the Rhode Island Ocean
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 4, Harbor Porpoise](https://rinhs.org/marine-mammals-of-rhode-island-part-4-harbor-porpoise/) - by Robert D. Kenney The porpoises are six species of small toothed whales within one family—closely related to the dolphins. The harbor porpoise is the smallest cetacean, and the only porpoise species, that occurs in the North Atlantic. When I was a graduate student, I worked on a project called the Cetacean and Turtle Assessment
- [Invasive Species Mutual Aid Society](https://rinhs.org/invasive-species-mutual-aid-society/) - Have you ever blushed when telling someone you want to spend X dollars (where X is some large number) to control an invasive plant because of what it does to salamanders? I mean who ever even sees salamanders anyway. Well, the New Scientist recently had this news flash. Currently wheat crops in East Africa and
- [Meet the Staff:  Kira Stillwell](https://rinhs.org/kira_stillwell/) - For most people, the first person they talk to or hear from at the Rhode Island Natural History Survey is Program Administrator, Kira Stillwell. Kira not only answers phones, sends email blasts, manages memberships and organizes Survey events, she is the bookkeeping, human resources, and payroll department as well. It is safe to say she
- [Finch Invasion from the North](https://rinhs.org/finchinvasion/) - Today's blog is by nature writer and big-league birder Todd McLeish Southern New England is experiencing an invasion of uncommon finches from the north this winter, and those interested in seeing these unusual birds should be on the lookout for them. These six species of birds typically spend their lives in the boreal forests of
- [Review: Field Guide to the Ants of New England](https://rinhs.org/review-field-guide-to-the-ants-of-new-england/) - REVIEW A Field Guide to the Ants of New England, Aaron M. Ellison, Nicholas J. Gotelli, Elizabeth J. Farnsworth, and Gary D. Alpert, Yale University Press, 2012. By David Lubertazzi, Ph.D., Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University Most people can readily identify a foraging ant as an ant. Some even go as far as distinguishing
- [Hardy's Bird Collection, 100 Years in Providence](https://rinhs.org/manlyhardy100/) - Submitted by Marilyn Massaro, Curator of Collections Museum of Natural History and Planetarium Roger Williams Park, Providence The Museum of Natural History at Roger Williams Park in Providence is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the acquisition of the Manly Hardy Bird Collection this month. Totaling over 2,000 mounted specimens, the assemblage of mainly North American
- [Meet the Board: Bob Kenney](https://rinhs.org/bob-kenney/) - [To put more of a face on the Natural History Survey, we will be running profiles of board members, staff, and members from time to time. The first profile is of marine biologist, long-time RINHS board member, and past-president, Bob Kenney.] When the old Jamestown Bridge was about to be blown up to remove the
- [Review: Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East](https://rinhs.org/review-dragonflies-damselflies-east/) - REVIEW Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East, Dennis Paulson, Princeton University Press, Dec. 2011 by David W. Gregg, Ph.D., Executive Director, RINHS One goal of the Natural History Survey is to support aspiring naturalists to develop their skills, to help them access tools they need to pursue whatever it is they want to, literally, pursue.
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 2,  North Atlantic Right Whale](https://rinhs.org/marinemammsofri2/) - by Robert D. Kenney The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) (abbreviated NARW) is one of three species of right whales, with the other two occurring in the North Pacific and Southern Ocean. They are closely related to the bowhead whale, found only in the Arctic. NARWs were the first targets of commercial whaling, beginning
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 3, Bottlenose Dolphin](https://rinhs.org/marinemammsofri3/) - by Robert D. Kenney The bottlenose dolphin may be the most familiar species of cetacean for many people, for a couple of reasons. Small groups of bottlenose can be seen from the beach almost anywhere along the East Coast—year-round from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico and during the warmer season from
- [Review: The Kingdom of Rarities by Eric Dinerstein](https://rinhs.org/review-rarities-dinerstein/) - by Emilie Holland [Author Eric Dinerstein spoke at the Natural History Week reception, November 8. RINHS has a limited quantity of this book available for purchase at $25, including tax and shipping (which is cheaper than Amazon). Contact the office to take advantage of this great holiday gift opportunity.] The Kingdom of Rarities, by Eric
- [Exec's Blog: Global Warming, Eek!](https://rinhs.org/global-warming-eek/) - [I originally published this in January 2008. I thought in honor of today's low temperatures I'd resurrect it from the back of the blog roll. Enjoy! -DWG] by David W. Gregg, Executive Director, RINHS Today’s Exec’s Blog is about global warming and is RINHS’s contribution to Focus the Nation. I grew up in New England,
- [Meet the Board: Pete August](https://rinhs.org/meet-the-board-pete-august/) - To put more of a face on the Natural History Survey, we are including profiles of board members, staff, and members among our Rhode Island Naturalist blog posts. This time the celebrity treatment goes to Pete August, Rhode Island's bat-man and GIS pioneer. Pete August was the first president of the Rhode Island Natural History
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 6, Sperm Whale](https://rinhs.org/marinemammalsofri6/) - by Robert D. Kenney In a previous installment of “Marine Mammals of Rhode Island” we looked at the harbor porpoise, our smallest cetacean. We now turn to one of the largest—the sperm whale. Both species are toothed whales, or odontocetes; in fact the sperm whale is the largest of the world’s toothed whales. The toothed
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 7, Beluga](https://rinhs.org/marinemammalsofri7/) - by Robert D. Kenney Installment 7 in this series on the marine mammals of Rhode Island was supposed to be on harp seals, but recent events have forced us to let the beluga cut in line without waiting its turn. In June, on the afternoon of Father’s Day, two different belugas were sighted in our
- [Meet the Board: Nancy Karraker](https://rinhs.org/karraker/) - Nancy Karraker was born at the Grand Canyon and grew up in Yosemite National Park and Olympic National Park, so it’s no wonder that she became interested in wildlife and conservation. Her father, a ranger for the National Park Service, tells the story of how she ran across a wet meadow near their house at
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 9, Fin Whale](https://rinhs.org/marinemammalsofri9/) - by Robert Kenney Although they don’t get the publicity that North Atlantic right whales or wandering belugas do, or the love from the public that humpback whales do, fin whales (also known as finbacks) are the most common large whale species in New England waters. If you were to take a whale-watching trip with the
- [A Copperhead in Rhode Island?](https://rinhs.org/copperheadinri/) - by Todd McLeish When a northern copperhead snake was reported to have bitten an East Providence resident in his driveway last week, it raised a number of concerns among Rhode Islanders about the state’s snake population. The bite from the venomous snake resulted in a hospital stay for the man who attempted to pick up
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 10, Pilot Whale](https://rinhs.org/marinemammalsofri10/) - by Robert Kenney We’ve reached the point in this series where we need to talk about the differences between a dolphin and a whale. The truth is that there isn’t a real definition; it’s pretty much arbitrary. In general, bigger animals are called whales and smaller ones are called dolphins, but it isn’t consistent. For
- [A Barnacle Stranding at Block Island](https://rinhs.org/barnacle-stranding/) - by Robert D. Kenney Wait a minute. Who cares about barnacles washing up on a beach? Isn’t the beach where barnacles are supposed to be? But what if they’re attached to a whale? Everyone gets excited about a dead whale on the beach, but sometimes it’s the smaller things that few people even notice that
- [Digital Herbarium is NOT an Oxymoron](https://rinhs.org/digital-herbarium-is-not-an-oxymoron/) - By Keith Killingbeck From the annals of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and The Magnificent Carnac, the answer is ... KIRI. The question is: What is ... a) a genetically engineered fruit from New Zealand similar to the kiwi? b) Google’s version of Siri? c) a new country in Africa just north of Namibia? d) the
- [Lone Star Ticks vs. Chiggers](https://rinhs.org/lone-star-ticks-vs-chiggers/) - by David Gregg The $5 term for the ticks and mosquitoes, no-see-ums, deer flies, horse flies, and all that literally bug us while we're enjoying our outdoors pursuits, collectively, is "haematophagous arthropods." Mites are in the Acari, a sub-class of the Arachnida (spiders and kin) and are themselves broken down into ticks and proper mites
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 12, Humpback Whale](https://rinhs.org/marine-mammals-of-rhode-island-part-12-humpback-whale/) - by Robert D. Kenney Humpback whales were not scheduled to be the next installment in this series, but a lot of things have been happening recently, so it seemed like a timely idea to let them cut in line. [Editor's Note: this was sent to us in December 2017, over a year ago, and we've
- [Where Rhode Island Excels: the Natural History of Rhode Island State Symbols](https://rinhs.org/where-rhode-island-excels-the-natural-history-of-rhode-island-state-symbols/) - by Stephen Hale Every state has a list of official state symbols, but Rhode Island is unique in having an official state appetizer. At least seventeen of Rhode Island’s state symbols relate to plants and animals and rocks (see table and images). Relative to the state’s diminutive area, that number shows Rhode Island is one
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 13, Gray Whale](https://rinhs.org/marine-mammals-of-rhode-island-part-13-gray-whale/) - by Robert D. Kenney I know what you’re saying—“He’s really gone off the deep end now! There are no gray whales in the Atlantic.” That’s sort of true (take your pick about which part), but not entirely. In May of 2010 marine biologists conducting a survey off the coast of Israel sighted a whale that
- [Marine Mammals of Rhode Island, Part 14, Gray Seal](https://rinhs.org/marine-mammals-of-rhode-island-part-14-gray-seal/) - by Robert D. Kenney Gray seals (“grey” seals in Canada and Europe) are the second most likely seal species to be encountered in Rhode Island, after harbor seals (harbor seals are covered in installment 5 in this series). Unlike harbor seals, which are found in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific, gray seals occur
- [REVIEW: Amphibians of Rhode Island by Christoper J. Raithel](https://rinhs.org/review-amphibs-of-ri/) - By Scott Buchanan, Ph.D., Herpetologist, RIDEM Division of Fish & Wildlife ... As I neared my home about midnight, there was virtually no amphibian activity, and so a stout frog sitting in the road near an area of unpromising oak woodland could not help but draw my attention. Since the only frogs of this size
- [Exec's Blog: Just Desserts for a Naturalist Dad](https://rinhs.org/just-desserts-for-a-naturalist-dad/) - by David W. Gregg, Executive Director, RINHS I guess it was bound to happen. What do they say? “As you sow so shall you reap”? As anyone who’s hung around with me long knows, I can be pretty tough on people who misrepresent or misappropriate species, ecosystems, or other aspects of natural history in popular
- [Exec's Blog: Nature Giveth and Nature Taketh Away](https://rinhs.org/execs-blog-nature-giveth-and-nature-taketh-away/) - by David W. Gregg, Executive Director, RINHS My wife and I are lucky to live in a beautifully unspoiled leftover from Rhode Island's earlier agrarian days, a small, old dairy farm. The other morning I was walking out to the vegetable garden and just past the barn I flushed a couple of eastern cottontail rabbits,
- [Exec's Blog: Can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em.](https://rinhs.org/execs-blog-cant-live-with-em-cant-shoot-em/) - Introductory Remarks by David W. Gregg, Executive Director, RINHS, at the opening the 16th annual Ecology of Rhode Island conference, organized by RINHS on the topic of "Trends in Human-Wildlife Interaction", held March 29, 2012, in North Kingstown, RI. The conference theme was summarized in this way: Recent research, management directions, and public outreach about

## Pages

- [Rhode Island Natural History Survey Staff](https://rinhs.org/about/staff/) - Main Office: (401) 874-5800General Email: info@rinhs.org David W. Gregg, Ph.D., Executive Director Email: dgregg@rinhs.org David W. Gregg has been director of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey since 2004. An amateur naturalist since childhood, by training David is an archaeologist who's excavated in Europe and Alaska. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Brown University.
- [Projects & Publications](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/) - Links to publications & discrete projects, some running now, some wrapped up, with links to results. Bulletin: The Rhode Island NaturalistTo help make information on the state’s natural history more widely available, the Rhode Island Naturalist provides an outlet for the work of scientists, naturalists, students, and artists. Published since 1994, the bulletin used to
- [Directors and Advisors](https://rinhs.org/about/directors-and-advisors/) - Directors: April Alix, Assoc. Director of Education, Audubon Society of Rhode Island Peter V. August, Professor Emeritus, URI Dept. of Natural Resources Science Caitlin Chaffee, Chief, RIDEM Narragansett Bay Research Reserve Donald DeHayes, Provost Emeritus, URI, RINHS Vice-president Heather Faubert, Director, Retired, URI Plant Protection Clinic Benedict Gagliardi, Collections Manager, Lawrence Nature Lab, RI School
- [BioBlitz 2023: auke ut Nahiganseck](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2023-charlestown/) - Date: June 9-10 Location: auke ut Nahiganseck (translates from Narragansett to "we dwell here"); the English name of the place is Charlestown, RI. At the invitation of the Narragansett Tribal Office of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management, the Rhode Island Natural History Survey partnered with the Tribe to hold the 2023 RI BioBlitz on
- [Founders' Award for Exceptional Service](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/founders-award/) - This award acknowledges and celebrates the organization’s heroes: people or other organizations that have made extraordinary contributions—of time, things, money, expertise—that substantially advanced the Survey’s longevity and its mission. Distinguished and golden-eyed naturalists are critical for meeting the Survey's mission and are fittingly called out through our other awards. In 2020, however, the board of
- [Helen Lusi, 2022 Founders' Award for Exceptional Service](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/founders-award/helen-lusi/) - Helen Lusi received the Founders' Award in 2022. She passed away on July 21, 2026, at age 98. The text below was written by Survey Program Administrator Kira Stillwell for the occasion of Helen's award and published in the Rhode Island Naturalist on in Spring 2023 (volume 18, number 1, pp 19-21). It has been
- [Jobs](https://rinhs.org/get-involved/jobs/) - Employment at the Natural History Survey is a great way to get involved in environmental science and management. Click links below to view PDF Job Notices. Program Assistant (part-time; posted 7/6/2026, still open as of 7/20/2026) Forest Legacy Technician (full-time; posted 7/6/2026, review begins 7/27/2026, continues until filled)
- [Biodiversity Programming Sponsors](https://rinhs.org/biodiversity-programming-sponsors/) - Biodiversity Programming Sponsors are businesses and foundations that contribute substantial resources . . . cash or in-kind . . . to advance the Survey's biodiversity programming. Like the Natural History Survey, Biodiversity Programming Sponsors are stewards of the environment and believers in science and community. Being a Biodiversity Programming Sponsor is good for your business
- [Get Involved](https://rinhs.org/get-involved/) - Sign Up for E-News Become a Member Make a Financial Contribution If you value biodiversity and believe environmental conservation is better when informed by science, then you can be part of the Natural History Survey. How do you want to get involved? Sign up for E-News Our e-news is the best way to stay up
- [Invasive Species](https://rinhs.org/species/invasive-species/) - Quick link to RIISC list of invasive and weedy plants of Rhode Island IMPORTANT NOTE: The Rhode Island Natural History Survey promotes awareness of and actions to manage invasive species as part of its mission to promote ecosystem resilience, conserve biodiversity, and engage curious observers in field-based experiences. Neither the Rhode Island Natural History Survey
- [Biodiversity, Rare Species, and Invasives](https://rinhs.org/species/) - The Natural History Survey uses a variety of tools and methods to document Rhode Island species and natural communities in space and time, be they rare, invasive, or ‘regular'. Our primary digital tool is BORIIS2, the second Biota Of Rhode Island Index System. BORIIS2 is a relational database that serves as a guide to evidence
- [Botany Fellows Program](https://rinhs.org/species/botany-fellows/) - In Rhode Island, data on plant biodiversity, including rare, invasive, and other plants, are gathered and updated largely by volunteers. BORIIS2, the Survey's biodiversity database, contains thousands of records largely of rare plant sites. There have been only limited efforts to systematically re-survey those sites, however, to ascertain current condition or viability. The Native Plant
- [BioBlitz 2026: Kingston (and Narragansett)](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2026-kingston/) - Date: June 5 & 6 Location: URI East Farm & Kington Wildlife Research Station, Kingston (and South Ferry Beach, Narragansett) The 2026 RI BioBlitz was a home game for the Rhode Island Natural History Survey! We bioblitzed the 86 acres of URI's East Farm campus, plus the abutting 84-acre Kingston Wildlife Research Station, and, to
- [Rhode Island BioBlitz](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/) - In a BioBlitz, volunteers working in teams have 24 hours to tally as many species of animals and plants as they can on a particular parcel of land. The goals are several: 1) to demonstrate that biodiversity is important here at home, not just in distant places; 2) to show by example how field biologists
- [Rhode Island Plant Insect Community Network Conference](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/diversity-trends-plant-insect-communities/) - March 7, 2026Quonset O Club, North Kingstown, RI This conference featured the Rhode Island Plant Insect Community Network, a program of the Natural History Survey that connects the efforts of organizations, programs, and projects that work on pollinators or “pollinator adjacent” topics in Rhode Island to leverage strengths, identify gaps, and raise the profile of
- [Conferences](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/) - The Survey began its life by planning a conference. Since 1993, Survey conferences have provided a forum for scientists and conservationists, policy-makers and land managers, amateur naturalists, educators, and students to discuss issues related to our biota and habitats. RINHS conferences are widely regarded for assembling a broad spectrum of people and as an excellent
- [Golden Eye Award](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/golden-eye-award/) - A Golden Eye Award recognizes a naturalist for reporting an extraordinary field find—a new species for Rhode Island, a rare or otherwise unusual species, an invasive species, or some other natural historical phenomenon. The award recognizes not just luck, though luck plays a part in many good field finds, but the exercise of the best
- [Rhode Island Wetland Program Development](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/ri-wetland-prog-dev/) - The Natural History Survey has led efforts to assess and monitor the condition of wetlands across Rhode Island since 2007. This initiative utilizes existing tier 1 (remote) methods and develops new, rapid (tier 2) methods and intensive (tier 3) methods. Methods for assessing salt marshes and freshwater wetlands, including rare types such as Atlantic White
- [Linda Green, 2015 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/linda-green/) - Linda Green came to Rhode Island in the 1970s from just outside the Bronx to enroll at the University of Rhode Island. After having spent most of her teenage years sailing in Long Island Sound and watching Jacques Cousteau on television, she was determined to become an oceanographer. But as a sophomore she fell in
- [Steve Reinert, 2016 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/steve-reinert/) - . . . a passion for nature, exceptional skills, a relentless pursuit of answers to questions about the natural world. Steve Reinert is the embodiment of a naturalist, with distinction. His expertise, gained over more than 35 years, spans from estuarine and coastal bird ecology to land bird migration. He has authored several scientific papers,
- [J. Stanley Cobb, 2013 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/stan-cobb/) - …soft spoken and humble, much loved and admired, devoted to education, deeply concerned with the health of and prospects for our natural world. Dr. J. Stanley Cobb received the 2013 Distinguished Naturalist Award. Cobb, a retired URI professor, is a marine biologist and internationally recognized expert on lobsters. He distinguished himself as a teacher at
- [Lisa Lofland Gould, 2009 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/lisa-lofland-gould/) - . . . learning and teaching about the natural world to better preserve and protect it. For many Rhode Islanders, Lisa Lofland Gould’s name is synonymous with plant ecology, plant identification, invasive plant preparedness, and natural history field trips. Lisa is a well-known speaker on native plants, led programs or taught classes on such topics
- [Christopher Nerone, 2007 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/chris-nerone/) - . . . an accomplished scientist and committed educator, with a deep passion for the flora of the region, who jumps at the chance to excite others about the intricacies of the natural world. The moniker fits—Mr. Nature. Disregard the fact that the Mr. Nature sign on Chris Nerone’s door at the University of Rhode
- [David L. Emerson, 2004 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/david-emerson/) - . . . ,for deepening our understanding of Rhode Island's avifauna and generously sharing his knowledge with a new generation of ornithologists. No one since Harry Hathaway has been more central to the Rhode Island birding community than David L. Emerson. He was among the charter members and the nearly permanent secretary of the Rhode
- [Peter B. Lord, 2012 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/peter-lord/) - The Rhode Island Natural History Survey awarded its 2012 Rhode Island Distinguished Naturalist Award to Providence Journal environmental reporter Peter Lord, who also served as the journalism co-director of the Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting at the University of Rhode Island. The award presentation was part of the Natural History Survey's 16th annual
- [Douglass H. Morse, 2010 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/doug-morse/) - . . . motivating generations of students to a life-long fascination with nature and its enduring complexity. Imagine a handful of third graders racing across an open field trying to keep pace with tiny puffs of milkweed seeds drifting on the wind. Easy enough to imagine. Now add at least a decade to those kids
- [William H. Drury, Jr. (1921-1992), 2010 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/bill-drury/) - "Order in nature must not be presumed, it must be demonstrated" ~Theophrastus It gives me tremendous pleasure to present William Holland Drury, Jr., as a recipient of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey's Distinguished Naturalist Award. Bill has been called a pioneering ecologist for his thinking on plant succession. But it was how he came
- [Join](https://rinhs.org/join/) - The Survey IS its members. Around 400 individuals, families, and organizations maintain a membership, most of the support there is for talks, walks, workshops, videos, and of course BioBlitz. $50 — Family$35 — Individual$25 — Full-time Student$25 — Senior (65+)$40 — Student Family$40 — Senior Family$125 — Organizational JOIN NOW Print and send this downloadable
- [Godzala Research Fund](https://rinhs.org/events/godzala-fund/) - The Henry and Theresa Godzala Research Fund of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey supports research important to our understanding of Rhode Island’s natural history (e.g. biota, ecology, geology, and natural communities and systems), especially research of potential importance but of small scale that might not otherwise be undertaken. Pilot studies, investigations by avocational naturalists,
- [Distinguished Naturalist Award](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/) - The Rhode Island Natural History Survey Distinguished Naturalist Award is presented to individuals who have excelled in one or more of the following areas: —Made significant contributions in the advancement of scientific knowledge of Rhode Island’s organisms, geology, and ecosystems as evidenced by published books, scientific papers, and monographs —Recognized as an outstanding teacher and
- [James Franklin Collins (1863-1940), 2025 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/j-franklin-collins/) - The 2025 recipient of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey’s Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist Award is James Franklin Collins. Collins was a silversmith by trade, working at Gorham Manufacturing Company in Providence, and originally a botanist only by avocation. He proved so adept at taxonomy and field research that he left silversmithing and enjoyed an accomplished
- [Matthew Largess, 2025 Founders' Award for Exceptional Service](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/founders-award/matthew-largess/) - With its 2025 Founders' Award, the Natural History Survey recognizes Matthew Largess for 25 years of generous, unceasingly energetic support that has taken many forms. Largess Forestry has been a major sponsor of Rhode Island BioBlitz every year since 2001, and Matt has also led others into sponsorships. He has led tree walks at many
- [Margaret Lamb, 2024 Founders' Award for Exceptional Service](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/service-award/faes-lamb/) - In the early 1990s, information about Rhode Island’s biodiversity was incomplete and hard to access. A committee was formed to consider the problem and recommended a new organization to encourage study of the state’s ecology and to coordinate people and information. At that time, Margaret Lamb was a student in URI Professor Keith Killingbeck’s graduate
- [Kimberley Gaffett, 2025 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/kimberley-gaffett/) - Those who know Kim Gaffett and her work agree: there are few who more fully embody the criteria of a distinguished naturalist than Kim Gaffett. On Block Island, where she grew up and has spent most of 50 years as a naturalist, Kim has been involved in virtually every aspect of environmental education, conservation, and
- [Lisa Lofland Gould Native Plant Program](https://rinhs.org/events/lisa-lofland-gould-native-plant-program/) - Lisa Lofland Gould was the first director of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey. She held the post from 1994 to 2004, and her accomplishments are hard to overstate. Gould helped define the Survey's mission and activities in its early days. She developed the Biota of Rhode Island publications, Rhode Island Naturalist bulletin, and public
- [Donate](https://rinhs.org/donate/) - Do you believe in the power of science to foster conservation? Do you believe in the many lasting benefits of public involvement in conservation science? The Natural History Survey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (TIN 05-0478525) and when you make a financial contribution to the Survey you further these values. Special funds established at the Natural
- [Grace Klein-MacPhee, 2002 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/grace-klein-macphee/) - …for her contributions furthering knowledge of Rhode Island's marine fish and her unique ability to culture marine fish larvae. Grace Klein-MacPhee has had a career that sounds idyllic for a fish ecologist. She has spent her whole adult life out-of-doors, seining rivers, hauling nets from boats, and raising little fish in the laboratory. Grace specializes
- [BORIIS2 (Biota of Rhode Island Index System)](https://rinhs.org/species/boriis2/) - The second Biota Of Rhode Island Index System is a guide to evidence about the animals, plants, and other living organisms—the biota—of Rhode Island and its environs. BORIIS2 is based around “Observations” which take the form of the question: “Who saw what species when and where and how do we know?” BORIIS is an index,
- [William Whitman Bailey (1843-1917), Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/william-whitman-bailey/) - There may be no historic figure more deserving of the title of “Rhode Island Distinguished Naturalist” than William Whitman Bailey. First chair of the Natural History Department at Brown University, field trip leader, author of books and journal articles, private school teacher, artist, and poet, Bailey inspired a generation to the study of botany at
- [BioBlitz 2004: West Greenwich](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2004-west-greenwich/) - Date: June 18-19 University of Rhode Island's W. Alton Jones Campus The 5th Rhode Island BioBlitz took place in West Greenwich on the beautiful 2,300-acre W. Alton Jones Campus of the University of Rhode Island. Approximately 109 scientists, naturalists, and volunteers participated. BioBlitz 2004 began at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 18 and continued for
- [BioBlitz 2003: Tiverton](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2003-tiverton/) - Dates: June 20-21 Locations: Pardon Gray Preserve, Weetamoo Woods, Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge RI BioBlitz 2003 was held from 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. Science Central was located at the Tiverton Land Trust’s Pardon Gray Preserve (purchased with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island
- [BioBlitz 2025: Glocester](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2025-glocester/) - Date: June 6 & 7 Location: Steere Hill & Phillips Farm Conservation Area, Glocester, Rhode Island The Glocester Land Trust hosted the Rhode Island BioBlitz at its SPECTACULAR Steere Hill and Phillips Farm Conservation Area. Among secondary forests, headwater streams, red maple swamps, shrubby hedgerows between old farm fields, and boulders, ledge and stone walls,
- [BioBlitz Team Page](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-team-page/) - We use teams to help organize RI BioBlitz. Teams are organized a) taxonomically (birds, fungi, beetles), b) by habitat type (marine shoreline, leaf litter, freshwater aquatic), or c) by activity (art, writing, education, hosting). All participants must be assigned to a team during pre-registration, usually whatever taxon or habitat they specialize in or are most
- [History](https://rinhs.org/about/history/) - In spring 1992, members of the University of Rhode Island's Natural Resource Issue Group, concerned over the scattered and incomplete nature of the state's ecological information, invited ecological scientists from around the state to meet to discuss the establishment of a natural history survey in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Service then offered
- [Awards](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/) - Awards build community by recognizing exceptional skills, knowledge, observational powers, and generosity of spirit. Rhode Island Natural History Survey Distinguished Naturalist Award This award is presented to individuals who a) make significant contributions to the scientific knowledge of Rhode Island’s environment and organisms; b) is recognized as an outstanding teacher and educator about the natural
- [Rosa and Raul Ferreira Young Entomologists Fellowship](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/ferreira-fellowship/) - The Rosa & Raul Ferreira Young Entomologists’ Fellowship Fund promotes youth engagement, education, and research in entomology (insects) in Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut. It recognizes excellent students with particular interests in and commitment to entomology and the study of insects, and it provides resources for students to advance their entomological learning, to explore and
- [About the Natural History Survey](https://rinhs.org/about/) - phone: 401-874-5800email: info@rinhs.orgThe Survey is a 501(c)(3) Rhode Island non-profit, TIN 05-0478525 Contact Info, Office & Hours Ecosystem Resilience Through Biodiversity A growing majority of Americans experience nature as a top source of meaning and fulfillment in their lives. The natural world, however, is increasingly threatened by numerous forces. Climate change, air and water pollution,
- [Joyce Valentine-Kenney, 2021 Founders' Award for Exceptional Service](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/service-award/faes-valentine-kenney/) - The recipient of the 2021 Rhode Island Natural History Survey Founders' Award for Exceptional Service is Joyce Valentine-Kenney. As a volunteer, director, and during her nearly 10 years as treasurer, Joyce contributed more to the growth and maturation of the Survey than anyone else you can easily think of. Joyce joined the Survey's board of
- [Walter Henry Snell (1889-1980), 2024 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/walter-henry-snell-1889-1980-2024-posthumous-distinguished-naturalist/) - On November 16, 2024, the Rhode Island Natural History Survey honored Walter Henry Snell (1889-1980) with a Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist Award. The successful letter of nomination was submitted by Brown Herbarium Director Rebecca Kartzinel and URI Professor Emeritus Keith Killingbeck. We would like to nominate Dr. Walter Henry Snell for consideration as a Rhode Island
- [Howard S. Ginsberg, 2024 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/howard-s-ginsberg-2024-distinguished-naturalist/) - On November 16, 2024, the Rhode Island Natural History Survey honored Howard Ginsberg with its Distinguished Naturalist Award at a gala at the Quonset O Club in North Kingstown celebrating the Survey's 30th anniversary. The successful letter of nomination was submitted by URI Professor Emeritus Roger Lebrun. Dr. Howard Ginsberg [Howie to most of the
- [BioBlitz 2024: Middletown](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2024-middletown/) - Date: June 7 & 8 Location: Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, Rhode Island Norman Bird Sanctuary was the local host for the 2024 Rhode Island BioBlitz. This marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of Norman Bird Sanctuary, the 30th anniversary of the Natural History Survey, and the 25th annual Rhode Island BioBlitz! Norman Bird Sanctuary
- [Events & Awards](https://rinhs.org/events/) - Henry & Theresa Godzala Research Fund Grants made to fund small-scale but important research on Rhode Island's biota, geology, and natural systems. Supported by Survey members and friends. Mark D. Gould Memorial Lectures Lectures and similar “sit-down” programs are held several times a year at venues around Rhode Island. Out There! (Walks, Workshops and Demos)
- [Mark D. Gould Memorial Lectures](https://rinhs.org/events/lectures-and-presentations/) - Lectures present topics in biological and environmental science to professionals and the public. Sometimes lecture topics are not directly related to Rhode Island but are intended to stimulate debate on important issues or catalyze interest in natural history generally. Beginning in 1999, lecture programs have been identified as the Mark D. Gould Memorial Lecture Series
- [Books](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/books/) - Since its inception, publishing has been one important way the Survey pursues its mission. Here are books published by the Survey. All are still available for purchase, albeit some in limited quantities, by contacting the main office. Illustrated Key to the Seaweeds of New England (1st & 2nd editions). Martine Villalard -Bohnsack. Kingston, RI: Rhode
- [C. Robert Shoop (1935-2003), 2004 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/bob-shoop/) - by Keith Killingbeck “. . . for pioneering research on the biology and ecology of a diverse array of vertebrate species, and for inspiring students to understand and appreciate the natural world.” So what does a hair-challenged young man growing up on the outskirts of Chicago in Cicero, Illinois keep in his basement to impress
- [Harold Nelson Gibbs (1886-1970), 2004 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/harold-gibbs/) - by Charlotte Sornborger . . . for pioneering work in shellfish aquaculture in Narragansett Bay and promotion of Rhode Island's first anti­pollution legislation. Harold Nelson Gibbs (1886-1970) was known and respected as a self-taught scientist, marine biologist, ornithologist, conservationist, crusader against pollution, artist, inventor, and sportsman. He spent most of his life in Barrington—from his
- [Edna Winifred Lawrence (1898-1987), 2023 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/edna-lawrence/) - Edna Lawrence is the founder and namesake for the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab at Rhode Island School of Design. In her fifty-three years of teaching at the RISD, Lawrence inspired countless students to understand and appreciate nature and instructed them on how to observe deeply and depict accurately and artfully. Aside from her noted skills
- [Peter Paton, 2023 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/peter-paton/) - Throughout his career, including the past nearly 30 years at the University of Rhode Island, Peter Paton has been a leading researcher, influential teacher, and well-known naturalist. Paton received his Ph.D. in wildlife biology from Utah State University, his M.Sc. in wildlife biology from Colorado State University, and his B.A. from Lewis & Clark College.
- [BioBlitz 2001: Middletown](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2001-middletown/) - Date: September 14-15 Locations: Norman Bird Sanctuary, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Oakland Forest, Nune's Farm, Raytheon Natural Areas This was the second ever Rhode Island BioBlitz. It was held in September to contrast it with the first one, held in June, and because the pattern of having BioBlitz in June had not yet been
- [Rare Species & Natural Communities](https://rinhs.org/species/rare-species/) - Current Rhode Island Natural Heritage List: PlantsCurrent Rhode Island Natural Heritage List: AnimalsCurrent Rhode Island Natural Heritage List: Natural CommunitiesA "Natural Heritage Areas" GIS layer is available through RIGIS Superseded heritage lists are available in the Resource Library (keyword "rare"). When a species naturally part of Rhode Island's biota is in danger of extirpation from
- [BioBlitz 2000: Providence](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2000-providence/) - Bioblitz 2000 was the first bioblitz in Rhode Island, and took place from 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at Roger Williams Park in Providence, RI. It was cosponsored by the Rhode Island Natural History Survey and the Roger Williams Park and Zoo. The plan was to engage
- [BioBlitz 2021: Cumberland](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2021-cumberland/) - Date: October 1-2, 2021 Location: Mercy Woods Preserve Rhode Island BioBlitz 2021 took place October 1 and 2, between 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. At the close of the event, about 723 species had been documented. As of 10/13, the total had risen to 780 as team captains reported final IDs. The BioBlitz in Mercy
- [Charles F. "Charlie" Brown IV, 2022 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/charlie-brown/) - Ever observant of Rhode Island’s biota—mammals, insects, plants, and much more; a thoughtful mentor to students and volunteers. Charles F. “Charlie” Brown retired in February 2022 from the RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, where he was the expert on all things mammalian. If you Google his name, even adding “Rhode Island” and “mammals” to
- [Virginia A. "Ginger" Brown, 2022 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/ginger-brown/) - A meticulous field scientist and a conservationist; when the little things count, you can count on her. Virginia “Ginger” Brown is the state’s leading expert on the Odonata—the order of insects comprised of the dragonflies and damselflies—and the author of two authoritative books on the group. Early in her career, Ginger worked for the Cape
- [Hugh Willoughby, 2003 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/hugh-willoughby/) - Mention Hugh Willoughby’s name to anyone in Rhode Island with an interest in natural history, and they will likely respond, “I know Hugh. He’s been a good friend of mine for years. He’s the one who got me interested in….” That interest might be birds, dragonflies, mammals, wildflowers, geology, or any one of the many
- [BioBlitz 2015: Little Compton](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2015-little-compton/) - Date: June 12 - 13, 2015Location: Dundery Brook and Goosewing Beach The 16th annual Rhode Island BioBlitz was held in Little Compton Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, 2015. There were 215 participants, including once again a class from Central Falls. Over the 24 hour event, the count of species reached 1,203. Many interesting
- [BioBlitz 2012: Jamestown](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2012-jamestown/) - Date: June 8 - 9, 2012Location: North Rd. Farms & Great Creek The 13th annual Rhode Island BioBltiz was held Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, in Jamestown, hosted by the Jamestown Conservation Commission and the Town of Jamestown, the proprietors of four working farms on the site, and other conservation land owners. The
- [Rhode Island Pollinator Atlas](https://rinhs.org/ripollinatoratlas/) - THIS IS A TEST PAGE: WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE INFORMATION There's an exciting project going on to document the status of Rhode Island's many, important pollinators. Dr. Katie Burns is Rhode Island's Pollinator Biologist, working for Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish & Wildlife. She came to Rhode Island in 2021
- [Rhode Island Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/rinaturalist/) - The Rhode Island Naturalist is the bulletin of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey. To make information on the state’s natural history more widely available, the Rhode Island Naturalist provides an outlet for the work of scientists, naturalists, students, and artists. The Rhode Island Naturalist contains scientific research papers, shorter research notes, histories, essays, and reviews, biographies and even poems,
- [Francis R. Underwood, 2017 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/fran-underwood/) - by Keith Killingbeck On Friday, November 17, 2017, at a Natural History Week reception at the Quonset O Club, the Survey recognized Fran Underwood with the Rhode Island Natural History Survey Distinguished Naturalist Award. Survey board member and URI botany professor emeritus Keith Killingbeck prepared this citation for Fran's award: Imagine you are in the
- [Christopher Raithel, 2019 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/christopher-raithel/) - At a ceremony on Friday, March 29, 2019, Rhode Islander Christopher Raithel was recognized for outstanding achievements in environmental scholarship and natural resource management by the Rhode Island Natural History Survey. Mr. Raithel received the Rhode Island Distinguished Naturalist Award from the Natural History Survey at an evening event at the Quonset O Club in
- [Mabel "Sindy" Hempstead (1925-2020),  2021 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/mabel-sindy-hempstead/) - Mabel (Sindy) Hempstead (1925-2020) is the recipient of the 2021 Rhode Island Natural History Survey Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist Award. Sindy was 66 years-old when she left retirement behind to become an accomplished botanist, sought-after field trip leader, mainstay of the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, water quality monitoring volunteer, and expert on the ecology and
- [Richard Ferren, 2020 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/richard-ferren/) - Richard “Dick” Ferren is one of the most accomplished ornithologists ever to work in RI. That he has not previously been recognized by the natural historical community is somewhat amazing. Ferren is a significant "bridge" figure in the continuum of RI ornithologists. In this continuum, Harry Hathaways' career spanned from the “shooting era” to the
- [Reynold T. Larsen, 2020 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/rey-larsen/) - Birders sometimes speak of a “spark bird”: the first bird that really grabbed their attention, often at an early age...a bird that “sparked” their love of birding. It may be a bird as common as a robin; it may be something more exotic, like a roseate spoonbill. For Rey Larsen, the recipient of this year’s
- [Richard W. Enser, 2008 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/rick-enser/) - In 2008, the Rhode Island Natural History Survey honored Rick Enser, a founding member and past president of the Survey, with its Distinguished Naturalist Award. The award was made at the Survey’s spring Gould Memorial Lecture, held at the University of Rhode Island on March 28, 2008. The award was presented by Keith Killingbeck, URI biology
- [Elise Lapham, 2006 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/elise-lapham/) - A true citizen scientist, a subtle educator, a committed conservationist, a generous benefactor with a legacy that generations to come (both avian and human) will treasure. Elise Lapham is among the elite of Rhode Island’s naturalists. She is a top notch scientist, an educator who has enlightened the lives of countless people over the years,
- [Roger D. Goos, 2005 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/roger-goos/) - by Keith Killingbeck “Mushrooms Grow On Him.” That was the title of an article published in the South County Independent on 20 November 1997 describing Roger D. Goos, Professor Emeritus at the University of Rhode Island. Although the title was probably more fitting for a low-budget sci-fi movie involving pesky Amanitas with a propensity for
- [E. Douglas Rayner, 2001 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/doug-rayner/) - ...for his tireless efforts to protect the Diamondback Terrapin and Rhode Island's estuaries, and to increase children's awareness of the wonders of the natural world. Born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, Doug Rayner moved to Barrington in the 1930s. He was in his early teens at the time, and, with his new home on the periphery of
- [Francis C. Golet, 1999 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/frank-golet/) - by Peter August and Peter Paton When someone has any question related to the natural history of wetlands in New England, THE authority who people turn to is Frank Golet. No one else in the region knows more about wetlands than Frank. He is a walking encyclopedia whose depth of knowledge is staggering, as it
- [Douglas L. Kraus, 1998 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/doug-kraus/) - by Richard Ferren and Rick Enser If one person was to be named as the most prominent, or important, and certainly tenacious, Rhode Island bird observer of all time, it would certainly be Douglas L. Kraus. Doug grew up partly in Princeton, Massachusetts. His father was a research chemist at MIT until 1914 and later
- [Richard L. Champlin, 1996 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/richard-champlin/) - by Christopher Raithel Following school, Richard was hired by the Redwood Library of Newport in 1951, eventually attaining the title of Cataloguer and Assistant Librarian, a job that Richard quips was "a double title without double the pay." Having access to the combined resources of the Redwood Library was obviously to Richard's liking, and during
- [Irene H. Stuckey, 1994 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/irene-stuckey/) - At the RINHS Annual Conference in October, 1994, Dr. Irene H. Stuckey was the recipient of the first Rhode Island Natural History Survey Distinguished Naturalist Award. Dr. Stuckey is well known to the public for her beautiful photography, exemplified in her book Rhode Island Wildflowers, and for her years leading nature walks throughout the state.
- [Prentice K. Stout, 2000 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/prentice-stout/) - by Candace Oviatt Prentice K. Stout has devoted his career to teaching, lecturing, wildlife photography, and writing. He has taught at all levels from kindergarten through twelfth grade, university, graduate school, and public education classes. Prentice grew up in New York City where his father, Gardner D. Stout, was a Wall Street broker. As a
- [Mark Gould (1946-1999), 2000 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/mark-gould/) - It is fitting to name Mark D. Gould among the distinguished naturalists of Rhode Island. The award is based on outstanding contributions made in teaching, or in advancing scientific knowledge, or in enhancing public awareness of the state's ecosystems. Mark Gould excelled not in one of these areas, but in them all. Born in Washington,
- [Elizabeth Dickens (1877-1964), 2000 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/elizabeth-dickens/) - by Kimberley Gaffett The bare facts of Elizabeth Dickens's life are easily quantified, but the extraordinary effect of her simply-led life is more than a measure of years. Elizabeth Dickens was born December 2, 1877 and died on June 17, 1963; she lived her entire life on Block Island, traveling only occasionally and then usually
- [Harry Hathaway (1869-1946), 2003 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/harry-hathaway/) - When one considers the most important and influential naturalists in Rhode Island history, high on that list--if, indeed, not at number one--would be Harry S. Hathaway. Considered by his contemporaries to be the "Dean of Rhode Island ornithologists," it is without question that Hathaway contributed more to the understanding of the state's avifauna than any
- [Elmer A. Palmatier (1912-1995), 2005 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/elmer-palmatier/) - by Keith Killingbeck A tour-de-force in the teaching profession, Elmer A. Palmatier engaged more than 12,000 students in the fine art of thinking during the 40 years he spent in the Department of Botany at the University of Rhode Island. A hallmark of his teaching strategy was the devious ways in which he inspired and
- [Les Sirkin (1933-2000), 2002 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/les-sirkin/) - ...for his many contributions toward understanding the geology of Block Island and adjacent areas, and for bringing that understanding to all citizens and visitors to the Island. Born in Dover, Delaware, Leslie Arthur Sirkin, or Les as he wished to be called, grew up in Watertown, NY, and retained close ties to the Adirondacks while
- [Resource Library](https://rinhs.org/resource-library/) - Downloadable reports, papers, lists, etc. Click column heads to sort alphabetically by title, author, date, or source.Or enter keyword(s) in the SEARCH box to the right. List of Keywords All Rhode Island Naturalist issues are in a separate table HERE. [table id=1 /]
- [Submission Guidelines for RI Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/rinaturalist/submissions/) - The Rhode Island Naturalist is the bulletin of the Natural History Survey. Downloadable Rhode Island Naturalist Author's Guidelines (PDF) Submissions of all types are sought by the editors. Deadline for the Fall issue is July 31, deadline for the Spring is January 31. Contributions on Rhode Island natural history are welcome, including: • Descriptions of specific taxa;•
- [Museum Mentorship Program](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/rwpm-mentor-prog/) - RINHS seeks to support Roger Williams Park Museum to achieve its mission by coordinating interns from local colleges to assist with collections management.
- [BioBlitz 2017: Johnston](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2017-johnston/) - Date: June 9 & 10 Location: Snake Den State Park & Farm The Rhode Island BioBlitz 2017 came to Johnston on June 9 and 10, visiting 1,000 acres of forests, fields, bedrock ledge, streams, and even a small pond on the old Dame Farm and other historic farms between Greenville Ave. and Hartford Ave. and
- [BioBlitz 2022: Bristol, Warren, Barrington](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2022-east-bay-bike-path/) - Date: June 10-11, 2022; 2 p.m. to 2 p.m. Location: East Bay Bike Path and Adjacent Conservation Parcels Wow, what a success! It took 176 participants just 24 hours to find and identify 1,016 species of life along the East Bay Bike Path between Audubon Society's Nature Center & Aquarium in Bristol and Brickyard Pond
- [BioBlitz 2020: All Around RI](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2020-backyards-around-ri/) - Date: June 27-28, 2020 Location: Backyards all around Rhode Island (and beyond!) Due to the coronavirus emergency, the BioBlitz planned for June 2020 in Cumberland had to be postponed until 2021. In its place we organized a socially distanced, backyard BioBlitz where everyone inventoried species in their yards or another space within walking distance, and we shared
- [Forest Health Works Project](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/forest-health-works-project/) - Welcome to the Forest Health Works Project (FHWP). Rhode Island’s forests contribute significantly to the state’s economy and environment yet their health is in jeopardy due to a growing number of threats including fragmentation, climate change, and invasive species. The Forest Health Works Project started out in 2009 as a partnership between the Survey and
- [Candace A. Oviatt, 2021 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/candace-a-oviatt/) - Dr. Candace A. Oviatt has, through teaching and mentoring and by her example, been responsible for significant scientific advances in our understanding of Rhode Island’s marine ecology as well as numerous contributions to the conservation of Rhode Island ecosystems. She is presented with the 2021 Rhode Island Natural History Survey Distinguished Naturalist Award. Watch a
- [Alfred L. Hawkes, 2011 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/al-hawkes/) - On April 28, 2011, the Rhode Island Natural History Survey honored Alfred L. Hawkes with its Distinguished Naturalist Award at the Survey’s 15th annual conference, “Science and Management of Salt Ponds and Coastal Lagoons,” held at the Quonset O Club in North Kingstown. Larry Taft, executive director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI)
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- [Collections of Rhode Island Natural History](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/collections-of-rhode-island-natural-history/) - We are actively seeking information on collections of Rhode Island natural history, their institutions, contents, origins, and current state. If you manage such a collection, or even if you just know about one through your personal connections, please take a moment to fill out our online natural history collection survey. In 1993, before it was
- [Harriet Lathrop Merrow (1858-1941), 2017 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/harriet-lathrop-merrow/) - The Natural History Survey named Harriet Lathrop Merrow a Distinguished Naturalist, November 17, 2017, in part because of her remarkable accomplishments in botany at the fledgling University of Rhode Island, accomplishments which would have been noteworthy for anyone to have achieved, but they were truly exceptional for a woman at the turn of the 20th
- [Charlotte Sornborger, 2014 Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/charlotte-sornborger/) - The 2014 recipient of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey’s Distinguished Naturalist Award was Charlotte Sornborger. Sornborger received her award at the annual Distinguished Naturalist Award Celebration on November 7, 2014, at the Quonset O Club in North Kingstown. The award was presented by Nancy Karraker, URI assistant professor of natural resources science and Survey
- [Keywords for Resource Library](https://rinhs.org/resource-library/keywords-for-resource-library/) - [by taxon] e.g. "butterflies," "fish," "lichens," "beetles," "moss," etc.[by town] "Barrington," "Little Compton," "Burrillville"[by waterbody] incl river/stream, pond, bay, reachanimals or try by taxon e.g. "mammals," "reptiles," "birds," etc.biodiversity as a subject, for documentation of b. use "inventory"bulletin use this to find the Rhode Island Naturalistchecklist climate collections i.e. museum collections, natural history specimenscommunities natural communities ("oak-hickory forest," "red maple
- [Michael W. Kieron (1973-2018), 2018 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/michael-w-kieron/) - Mike Kieron called himself an “enthusiastic” museum curator and truer words were never spoken. First as a volunteer at the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park, Providence, then as an hourly employee, finally as the curator responsible for the collections and much of the museum’s academic mission, Mike threw himself into the many
- [Ecological Restoration in Rhode Island: Successes & Challenges in a Changing World](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/ecological-restoration-successes-challenges-changing-world/) - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID [orig planned for November 18, 2021] DUE TO THE UNPREDICTABILITY of the travel and meeting environment during the recent COVID surge, we are postponing the conference until 2022, at a date to be determined. The Rhode Island landscape, as an early location of colonial agriculture and a hub of the industrial
- [Open House and Natural History Art Exhibit](https://rinhs.org/events/open-house-and-natural-history-art-exhibit/) - Science is only one of many tools we have for learning important things about the world around us. Artists garner insights in their own ways and have their own uniquely effective channels to communicate about what they’re experiencing. The Survey office is in a building with lots of wall space and we put it to
- [Out There! (Walks, Workshops and Demos)](https://rinhs.org/events/out-there-walks-workshops-and-demos/) - Nearly everyone with a lifelong interest in Nature made that connection through hands-on experiences, often guided by knowledgeable people who were willing to share their discoveries. As important as sit-down lectures are for learning, there’s no substitute for getting “out there.” Over the years, Survey friends have participated in bird banding demos, mushroom walks, moth
- [Rhode Island Diamondback Terrapin Working Group](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/rhode-island-diamondback-terrapin-working-group/) - The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) has a very interesting ecology, among the turtles. Like true Rhode Islanders, terrapins are adapted to life on the edge of the sea, specifically in coves, bays, salt marshes, dunes, and other coastal features. Once hunted for meat and under pressure from habitat loss, Rhode Island’s terrapins have been in
- [Rhode Island Natural History Week](https://rinhs.org/events/rhode-island-natural-history-week/) - Every fall we recognize Rhode Island Natural History Week, and we celebrate with events, news stories, and promotions that call attention to the state’s ‘natural history infrastructure’ . . . great institutions such as the Natural History Museum and Planetarium, Zoo, and Botanical Center, all in Roger Williams Park in Providence, the herbarium and the
- [Rhode Island Youth Conservation League (YCL)](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/rhode-island-youth-conservation-league-ycl/) - The Rhode Island Youth Conservation League (YCL) is an innovative approach to meeting important needs of the local land conservation movement through: 1) greater capacity for stewarding conservation land, 2) sustained, broadened public support for land conservation generally, 3) renewed, strengthened connections between people and nature. The crew consists of high school students with an
- [Rhody Native](https://rinhs.org/projects-and-publications/rhody-nativetm/) - The Rhody NativeTM initiative preserves the biodiversity of Rhode Island’s native plant communities and wildlife, including pollinators, by facilitating access to genetically native plants for use primarily in constructed habitats and habitat restorations. Staff and volunteers propagate a wide range of plants from local, sustainably harvested wild seeds, and sometimes cuttings, and work with partner
- [Trends in Human-Wildlife Interaction](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/trends-in-human-wildlife-interaction/) - March 29, 2012Quonset O Club, North Kingstown, RI The theme was human-wildlife conflict, focused on problems in southern New England. Recent research, management directions, and public outreach initiatives about animal impacts on human activities (wildlife damage management) and human impacts on animals (conservation biology) were presented through oral papers and poster displays. Suburban development and
- [BioBlitz 2014: Warwick](https://rinhs.org/events/ri-bioblitz/bioblitz-2014-warwick/) - Date: June 13 - 14, 2014 Location: Rocky Point, Warwick The Rocky Point site was a famous amusement park and coastal recreational community for over 140 years ending with it’s abandonment in 1996. Throughout its history, a mix of “natural” habitats such as woods, marshes, swamps, rocky shore, and beach were part of the “get-away”
- [Contact Us](https://rinhs.org/about/contact/) - Phone Numbers: Phone: 401-874-5800Botanist and Workroom: 401-874-5807Wetlands Project: 401-874-5822Coyote Project: 401-300-4695 (“300-HOWL”) Email:Email: info@rinhs.orgEmail staff by using their first initial and last name with @rinhs.org (ex. jdoe@rinhs.org)Web Master: admin@rinhs.orgEditorial committee of the Rhode Island Naturalist bulletin: rinaturalist@rinhs.org Mail to:P.O. Box 1858 (the year the Darwin-Wallace papers were read at the Linnean Society, London)Kingston, RI 02881
- [What Do We Know About Rhode Island's Ecological Resources?](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/what-do-we-know-ecological-resources/) - April 2, 1993Natural History Museum & Planetarium, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecological Research in Rhode Island: What's Going On?](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/ecological-research-whats-going-on/) - October 14, 1994Radisson Hotel, Warwick, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecological Research in Rhode Island: A Continuing Assessment](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/ecological-research-continuing-assessment/) - January 9, 1998Roger Williams University , Bristol, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Challenges and Opportunities Facing Rhode Island's Biodiversity: The Science Behind the Issues](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/challenges-opportunities-biodiversity-science/) - March 12, 1999Community College of Rhode Island, Lincoln, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecology of Rhode Island's Islands: Focus on Block Island](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/ecology-of-block-island/) - October 28, 2000University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecological Research in Rhode Island: Snapshot — Where We Are Today](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/snapshot-where-we-are-today/) - March 1, 2002Radisson Airport Hotel, Warwick, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Assessing Change in Rhode Island's Ecosystems](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/assessing-change-in-ri-ecosystems/) - March 7, 2003Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Stewarding Rhode Island's Natural Heritage](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/stewarding-rhode-islands-natural-heritage/) - March 3, 2006Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecology of Rhode Island's Forests](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/ecology-of-rhode-islands-forests/) - March 4, 2005Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecological Research in Rhode Island](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/ecological-research-in-ri-2004/) - March 5, 2004Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecology of Rhode Island: Invasive Species, A Threat to Rhode Island's Biodiversity](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/invasive-species/) - March 22, 2007University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Narragansett, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Rhode Island's Offshore Marine Ecosystem and the Potential Impacts of Alternative Energy Development](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/offshore-wind/) - April 23, 2009Quonset O Club, North Kingstown, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Emerging Threats to Amphibian Conservation in New England with Attention to Chytrid & Ranavirus](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/emerging-threats-to-amphibians/) - April 9, 2010Quonset O Club, North Kingstown, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Ecology of Rhode Island: Science and Management of Salt Ponds and Coastal Lagoons](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/salt-ponds-and-coastal-lagoons/) - April 28, 2011Quonset O Club, North Kingstown, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Climate Change and Rhode Island's Natural History Future](https://rinhs.org/events/conferences/climate-change-natural-history-future/) - November 15, 2019Quonset O Club, North Kingstown, RI < Read About Other Conferences
- [Gil George (1922-1999), 2007 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/gil-george/) - < Read About Other Award Winners
- [Ken Weber (1943-2007), 2008 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/ken-weber/) - < Read About Other Award Winners
- [Scott W. Nixon (1943-2012), 2013 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/scott-nixon/) - < Read About Other Award Winners
- [Roland C. Clement (1912-2015), 2015 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/roland-clement/) - < Read About Other Award Winners
- [Jon Boothroyd (1939-2016), 2016 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/jon-boothroyd/) - < Read About Other Award Winners
- [Mary Jo Murray (1921-2019), 2020 Posthumous Distinguished Naturalist](https://rinhs.org/events/awards/distinguished-naturalist-award/mary-jo-murray/) - < Read About Other Award Winners
- [Privacy Policy](https://rinhs.org/privacy-policy/) - We are the Rhode Island Natural History Survey, a 501(c)(3) non-profit Rhode Island corporation governed by a Board of Directors. Our website address is: http://rinhs.org. Users may contact the Rhode Island Natural History Survey at PO Box 1858, Kingston, RI 02881, 401-874-5800, or info@rinhs.org. This website may collect information on the IP address, location, system
- [Terms of Use](https://rinhs.org/terms-of-use/) - updated 03/01/2021The User is any individual, entity, or an entity’s representatives, agents, contractors, affiliates, and employees who interacts with this website or uses the Rhode Island Natural History Survey’s goods or services referenced on or available through this site. By interacting with this site, the User is automatically accepting and agreeing to be subject to
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