Outdoors in RI: City Mosquito Alert, Saltmarshes and Sparrows, Cleaner and Greener Mini-Grants

West Nile Virus now found in Providence

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have confirmed additional detections of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the state. The virus was found in a mosquito sample collected by DEM in Providence on September 9 and tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. The other samples collected statewide showed no signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), or additional WNV. Rhode Island’s risk level for WNV remains high statewide.

While there have been no human or animal cases of mosquito-borne disease in RI this year, 13 mosquito samples have been confirmed with WNV so far this season. Check RIDOH’s arboviral surveillance data webpage for weekly test results.

WNV is the main mosquito-borne disease in the US. While most people with WNV don’t get sick, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. For more information about WNV, visit www.health.ri.gov/wnv.

To learn ways to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases carried by mosquitoes, please visit health.ri.gov/mosquito. For mosquito control info, visit dem.ri.gov/mosquito.

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URI filmmaker puts spotlight on vulnerable Saltmarsh Sparrow

Jason Jaacks’ new documentary, ‘Between Moon Tides,’  now airing globally on Guardian Documentaries

Deirdre Robinson and a small team of citizen scientists are fighting, against the odds, to save Saltmarsh Sparrows from extinction.

Rising tidal waters are posing increasing threats to one of our most inconspicuous shore dwellers: the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudicuta), found only in healthy salt marshes along the U.S. Atlantic coast. Weighing less than an ounce (the equivalent of three nickels), the sparrows nest in tidal salt marshes from Virginia to Maine during the summer, then migrate as far south as Florida for the winter. Threatened by a number of factors, this unique species is projected by multiple scientists to become extinct by mid-century, unless prudent conservation measures are implemented.

In Rhode Island, the sparrow is listed as a species of greatest conservation need and is the most threatened species of bird that nests in the state, according to URI Professor Emeritus Peter Paton, with sea level rise their primary threat.

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URI filmmaker Jason Jaacks is putting a spotlight on the vulnerable Saltmarsh Sparrow in a new documentary, “Between Moon Tides.” (Photos / Jason Jaacks)

A new documentary, “Between Moon Tides,” by the University of Rhode Island’s Jason Jaacks, details local efforts to help prevent the extinction of this unique bird, depicting its imperiled home habitat. The documentary was recently purchased by Guardian Documentaries and is airing online and locally this fall.

An associate professor in URI’s Harrington School of Communication and Media, the award-winning filmmaker focuses his lens on Deirdre Robinson M.S. ’99 of Bristol, Rhode Island, who is co-director of the Saltmarsh Sparrow Research Initiative with Jim O’Neill and fellow URI alumnus Steven Reinert ’75 ’78. She’s part of a team of citizen scientists deploying DIY ‘arks’ to try to raise the sparrow’s nests to safety.

With sea levels rising in New England at some of the fastest rates in the world, Robinson, a former URI faculty member, isn’t prepared to accept the loss of this unique marsh-bird, which she lovingly describes as the hardest-working bird on the planet. While an assistant professor in the University’s physical therapy program, Robinson earned a master’s degree at URI, specializing in avian ecology. She began banding birds and monitoring Saltmarsh Sparrow nests in Galilee in 1990, and today is a Master Bird Bander.

Jaacks’ documentary follows her research team over two summers at Jacob’s Point Preserve, a 35-acre tidal marsh on Narragansett Bay in Warren, where he highlights the changing marsh landscape, calling attention to Rhode Island’s loss of half of its coastal wetlands in the past two centuries. The sparrow is an indicator species for the health of the critically important — and disappearing — saltmarsh habitat.

“It isn’t just a sparrow,” Robinson says in the film, noting the long history and outsized impact of the small bird. “Working with Jason Jaacks these past two years has been a great experience and we are so grateful for his amazing documentary. Hopefully, it provides a medium that will connect with viewers and offer encouragement for people to work together toward providing a sustainable environment for all species.”

Jaacks’ documentary also spotlights the changing landscape of Warren, calling attention to Rhode Island’s loss of half of its coastal wetlands in the past two centuries, leading to an 87% decline of the Saltmarsh Sparrow since 1998.

A filmmaker and photographer whose work explores the natural world, Jaacks’s films have screened at numerous film festivals and taken him around the world. He’s presented at TEDxURI and is a National Geographic Explorer. Jaacks’ work has aired at the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris and he has produced work for The New York Times and PBS Digital Studios.

In “Between Moon Tides,” Jaacks shows not only these tiny birds, but the importance of salt marshes.

An associate professor of journalism at URI, Jaacks’ lens often focuses on animals or water-related topics; his photography has been published by National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveller. (Photo / Deirdre Robinson)

Three years ago, he produced a short documentary, “Turtles on the Hill,” that also takes place in a salt marsh. Over the course of making that film, he learned about the Saltmarsh Sparrow as well as the Saltmarsh Sparrow Research Initiative. Jaacks reached out to Robinson and ended up spending two seasons in the field with her group making the film.

“What really drew me to this story was what the Saltmarsh Sparrow can teach us about extinction and climate change,” he says. “We often think of faraway places and exotic creatures like polar bears when we consider these important issues. But I’m interested in animals that live in our own backyards who are affected by climate change. This seemed like a quiet but very important story about an otherwise unremarkable little brown bird. I hope that, by looking a little closer, audiences will appreciate how the story of climate change is really a local story.”

“Between Moon Tides” received funding through the Redford Center as part of the Nature Connection Pitch at Mountainfilm last year. After that, a team from The Guardian’s documentary unit reached out to invite Jaacks to publish with them, and he was happy to join forces.

“I was very excited both by their global audience and their dedication to not put their journalism behind a paywall,” says Jaacks.

The film can be viewed via YouTube and also is starting to make the rounds in New England.

The film is playing on Oct. 11 at the Rhode Island Audubon Society in Bristol. The screening is limited to 75 seats to be followed by several other local screenings. Due to space limitations, registration is recommended.

Read more about Jaacks’ work on his website. Read more about Robinson’s work with the Saltmarsh Sparrow in 41ºN.

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West Place Animal Sanctuary Historic Heritage Tours – rescheduled to Sept. 28th – RESERVE NOW

Fall Visitors Weekend continues with a celebration of 150 years of the historic Tiverton farm and homestead of Dr. Samuel West

West Place Animal Sanctuary is hosting a day of public tours on Sunday, September 28 as Fall Visitors Weekend continues. Due to inclement weather earlier in the month, Sunday tours have been rescheduled and tickets are still available to those who have not yet registered to visit the rescued farm animals at West Place. The 90-minute guided tours are highly educational and interactive, and leave every half hour between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM. A special driving tour is also available at 4:00 PM. More information and online tickets can be found at www.westplace.org/visitors-weekends.

This event celebrates the 150th anniversary of The Dr. Samuel West farm and homestead in Tiverton, home to West Place Animal Sanctuary. Visitors will participate in exclusive Heritage Tours that explore the history of the property, the West Family and subsequent stewards of the land, and the on-site historic cemetery dating back to the late 18th century. West Place Animal Sanctuary is also celebrating 18 years as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. During the opening ceremony on September 6, West Place and its founder and executive director, Wendy Taylor, received Certificates of Special Recognition from U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo in recognition of this milestone achievement.

Fall Visitors weekend blends the old with the new, and guests will be among the first to see the recent barn addition that was completed last summer with grant funding. Visitors will also meet Happy, a towering draft horse and former racehorse who is West Place’s most recent rescue. Happy was pulled from the racetrack and destined for slaughter, but has recently found a home at West Place where is receiving much-needed hoof care and medical treatment.

Wendy Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of West Place Animal Sanctuary, says, “We have only postponed visitors weekend tours twice due to weather. Our staff and volunteers are used to working in all weather conditions to care for the rescued farm animals, but the decision to reschedule for September 28 benefits both animals and human visitors.” Taylor encourages anyone who wasn’t able to visit earlier in September to take advantage of this day of public tours. “Not only are we welcoming existing ticket holders, we still have space for new guests who wish to join the celebration.”

Adding to the festivities is “Lata,” a life-sized elephant calf replica from The Great Elephant Migration who is on loan to the sanctuary for Fall Visitors Weekend. Lata was crafted by an indigenous artisan and as part of the nationwide Migration event, she increases awareness about humans and animals living alongside each other in peace.

West Place hosts three public visitors weekends each year. Friends and neighbors from across southern New England flock to the sanctuary to get up close and personal with rescued farm animals ranging from alpacas and emus to peacocks and pigs. Visitors hear each animal’s story and learn about their resilience to overcome cruelty, abuse, and neglect. West Place’s life-saving work will be on display and this event in particular provides a unique look at the historic property and the ongoing animal welfare work on “The Farm Coast” of New England.

Advance registration is recommended. Adult tickets are discounted when purchased online, and kids tickets are always discounted. All proceeds benefit the animals of West Place Animal Sanctuary.

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New Municipal Beautification Mini Grants for Fall Plantings, Tree Planting, PublicArt Opportunity

The beauty and livability of public spaces. The grant program aims to empower Rhode Island’s cities and towns to contribute to a cleaner, greener state while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Projects should promote civic pride, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Examples of eligible projects include fall plantings for spring blooms, tree planting, and public art installations.

“From schools to community groups, and now to city and town halls, every little bit matters in our mission to create a more beautiful, litter-free Rhode Island,” said First Lady Susan McKee. “I look forward to working with our municipalities to help paint Rhode Island’s landscape with color.”

“Colorful, well-designed public spaces inspire community pride, encourage people to care for their environment, and foster stronger local engagement,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “With the Municipal Beautification Mini Grant, we’re making direct investments in our cities and towns to create cleaner, more vibrant spaces. This effort goes beyond beautification; it’s about revitalizing neighborhoods, cutting down on litter, and building sustainable, healthy environments that all Rhode Islanders can enjoy.”

The application period is now open, and interested municipalities can apply here. Applications will be accepted through October 10, 2025, and awards will be announced during the week of October 20, 2025.

While this grant is specifically designed for cities and towns, Litter-Free Rhode Island has also been active in its work to support community organizations and local groups through its microgrant program. Since April 2024, the program has awarded 187 microgrants totaling $111,653.

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