Outdoors in RI: King Tides, Bobcats, Govt Shutdown, WNV, Grown Week, Farmers Markets, Flames of Hope

New statewide project calls on public to report bobcat sightings

URI-led research utilizes technology and citizen science to better understand Rhode Island’s growing bobcat population

Once eradicated from the state, bobcats have returned over the past few decades and are now being spotted more frequently across Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Bobcat Project is led by researchers at the University of Rhode Island in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island, and local land trusts to support bobcat conservation, promote public understanding of their important ecological role, and provide critical data to inform wildlife management and biodiversity conservation in Rhode Island.

Bobcats are elusive and require extensive work to monitor; thus, the research team has launched a three-pronged approach including camera traps, collaring bobcats with GPS units, and citizen science data. For the latter, Rhode Island residents are encouraged to report sightings and submit photographs to help researchers better understand the animals’ movement patterns, habitat use, and population dynamics.

The effort was inspired by camera trap studies conducted from 2018 to 2023 that found that species like fishers and foxes appear to be in decline—raising concerns about environmental changes, diseases, and rodenticide exposure. However, the same study indicated that bobcat populations are stable or increasing.

Kathleen Carroll, assistant professor of applied quantitative ecology, and Christopher Hickling, a Ph.D. student in natural resources science, note that bobcats’ increasing presence in the state is positive. “Their presence on the landscape tells us that we’re doing something right,” Hickling says, “because they wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t high biodiversity at lower trophic levels.”

Bobcats play a critical ecological role in an ecosystem lacking apex predators like wolves and cougars—especially as other species like fishers and foxes decline—because they offer services such as rodent control and disease suppression. While bobcats tend to avoid human interaction, their flexibility and generalist nature has likely allowed them to adapt better than other carnivores to human-dominated landscapes. Understanding their resilience is vital in a changing natural environment.

Camera trapping, the project’s first prong, is scheduled to wrap up this September. Laken Ganoe, who received her Ph.D. from URI and is now a principal biologist with the Rhode Island DEM, and Amy Mayer, a URI research associate, initially organized the camera trapping effort that began in 2018. Both are still involved, and Ganoe is collaborating with the URI research team in her new role at DEM. Together, they placed 320 cameras at 160 locations across the state to monitor mammal species, including bobcats. While that data is important, community science participation allows for additional critical insight to broaden understanding on private lands, especially since most of the initial camera trapping surveys were conducted on public land. With community cooperation, researchers will be setting traps to safely capture and collar bobcats.

The final component of the research project involves GPS tracking bobcats with radiocollars. GPS units allow for detailed monitoring, helping identify where bobcats rest, hunt, and travel and informing recommendations for land management practices that balance human use with wildlife conservation. “Using the GPS data in conjunction with camera traps and citizen science reports of sightings gives us multiple data sources to learn about this species,” Hickling says. “Being able to gather as much information as possible is extremely helpful.”

“We want people to be excited about seeing bobcats and to understand their importance for biodiversity,” Carroll adds. “Tracking them helps us identify broad implications for supporting bobcat populations.”

Members of the public who allow trapping on their property will be invited to witness the animals being released post-collaring.

The uri.edu/bobcatsurvey reporting form will be open indefinitely, and Rhode Islanders are encouraged to submit information and photographs. For questions, or to receive a sticker with a QR code to the form, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

This story was written by Anna Gray in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences.

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Federal Government Shutdown – What happens to national parks?

National parks, monuments and other sites are not considered mandatory spending and may be closed to the public, with rangers furloughed and facilities shut down.

Some states temporarily fund park operations, as seen during the 20182019 shutdown, but they could see trash buildup and a lack of visitor services due to a lack of staff.

There are four parks under the National Park Service in Rhode Island, including Blackstone River Valley, Roger Williams National Memorial, Touro Synagogue National Historic Site and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. Closures are often determined on a case-by-case basis, so you should check the park you were hoping to visit – and what may be open this week, may have reduced hours or changing from week to week or even day to day.

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West Nile Virus and warmer temps

We’re almost through it – but not yet – a few more days before a frost means mosquitos are out and about – and ONE MORE CASE of an infected mosquito has been detected – this one in EAST PROVIDENCE – CAUTION! Risk Level in RI remains HIGH.

RI DEM reminds us that West Nile Virus – 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.

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RI Grown Week

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) invites the public to join the celebration of local farms, food, and markets during the first annual RI Grown Week! From October 4 to 11, farms and retailers across the state will come together to offer tastings, workshops, seasonal specials, and events that highlight the incredible work of Rhode Island’s farmers and food producers.

Events will occur throughout RI Grown Week, including the weekly farmers markets at Fishermen’s Memorial State Park on Sunday, October 5 and Goddard Memorial State Park on Friday, October 10. As part of the week, participating farms, retailers, and markets will feature locally grown menu items and deals.

Among them are Barden Family Orchard in Glocester, Butterfly Farm in Lincoln, Folk Rock Farm in Scituate, Lovewell Farms in Hope Valley, Saunderstown Garlic Farm in Saunderstown, Westbay Farm in Warwick, Wishing Stone Farm in Little Compton, Narragansett Creamery in Providence, African Alliance of RI in Providence, Northern Rhode Island Conservation District in Johnston, Sankofa initiative in Providence, Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market in Cranston, My Tail’s Wagging in Richmond, and Bruce Newbury Food Dude Radio in Newport. See the full list of events and participants at www.dem.ri.gov/ri-grown-week.

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Lincoln Farmers Market at Chase Farm

This community-based Farmers Market at 667 Great Road in Lincoln is well-attended and a favorite way to spend a Saturday.  You’ll find about 30 local artisans and farmers as well as produce from the Lincoln Community Garden.  These markets are weather dependent, so visit the Town of Lincoln Facebook page for more information and event status.  The Farmers Markets run on Saturdays from now until October 11 (note August 16 is a rain date, if needed).

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WaterFire Providence: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Awareness Lighting

Honor hope and strength at WaterFire Providence: Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Awareness Lighting in downtown Providence, with fires igniting at sunset and glowing until midnight alongside food, music, and community events to celebrate survivors and support the fight. Learn more online.

From Waterfire: “The Gloria Gemma Foundation has proudly partnered with WaterFire Providence on the Flames of Hope celebration for the past 20 years. Each year, we look forward to this event because it not only reflects the mission of Gloria Gemma but also embodies what WaterFire is about—creating a sense of community and bringing people together. That is truly what this entire weekend is all about,” says Bryan Sawyer, Chief Operating Officer of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.

At 6:22 PM, a procession of lighting boats will travel upstream from the Crawford Street Bridge lighting the braziers throughout the installation and half of the braziers in the Waterplace Park Basin. The remaining braziers will be lit starting just after 7:15 PM, coinciding with the arrival of the Torch Procession, part of Gloria Gemma’s Flames of Hope: Illuminations of Life Ceremony. During the lighting ceremony, The State Ballet of Rhode Island will perform in the Basin as 150 breast cancer survivors make a powerful walk from the Rhode Island State House steps into the Waterplace Park Basin.

The WaterFire Marketplace will return to Canal Street from 5:30 to 10:00 PM. Visitors can support WaterFire by making a donation or purchasing locally designed apparel and accessories. Additional WaterFire merchandise and donation stations will be located in front of the RISD Auditorium and on both sides of Waterplace Park Basin. Our friends at Gather Glass will also be on-site with live glass-blowing demonstrations on Canal Street.

The WaterFire Accelerate tent in Market Square will feature 2024-2025 artists, Lizzy Sourand Dorian Epps, who will be selling their work and sharing details about the current exhibition at the WaterFire Arts Center, Family Business. Visitors can also learn more about the professional development program for artists under 30; applications for the next cohort are open now.

Rhode Island Latino Cancer Association will be in Market Square from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, talking about resources for the community and ways to get involved with the organization.

Space2Thrive will be in Market Square from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, bringing awareness about Volt Hockey to the community. Guests can sit in the chairs used to play the sport as well as learn more about how to join and get involved.

Aquidneck Harvest Company will be in front of the RISD Auditorium from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, promoting their new products and where to purchase them.

Johnson and Wales University will be in front of the RISD Auditorium from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, talking about their friends and family weekend happenings on campus and around the city.

WaterFire Food and Beverage Vendors featuring local food trucks and vendors are located on Washington Street, Canal Walk, and College Street from 5:30 to 10:00 PM. Washington Street includes  Kettle Korn Express, Full House Q, Incredabowl, Saugy Express, Atomic Blonde, RaRa’s Surf Shack. Canal Walk includes Gather Farm Ice Cream, Del’s Lemonade, and Inside Voices. Steeple Street includes Maven’s Delicatessen and Sarcastic Sweets. College Street includes Chill’s Cheesecakes, Taste of India, Sal’s, and White Dog Distilling.

Trinity Brewhouse will be serving up its local brews on the corner of Canal Street and Steeple Street, and will also be serving in Waterplace Park.

WaterFire Artist Vendors will be located on Washington and Steeple Street from 5:30 to 10:00 PM. Shop a variety of locally made goods, including glass, photography, sculpture, and jewelry. Washington Street Artists include: Recycled SilverWear, Joseph Mushipi Visual Art, Studio J Florals, Jeremy Schilling Fine Art, Scaredy Cat Pottery, Land and SeaGlass, Eric Sturtevant Illustrations, MacxMedia, and Paul & Sandy’s Honey Shack. Steeple Street Artists include: Cutie Curls, Annaleah Moon Studios, Skoshie & Friends, Bare & Brine, CandlesByJudith, Design WhatHaveYou, Jade’s Gems, Adopt Crochet Cuties, Psychic Niquel, K&T jewelry and accessories, Lilly’s Bone To Pick, and Pourever Creations. College Street Artists include: Nubian Violet Creations, and Ecuador to your door.

The WaterFire Circle will return for this lighting on the College Street Bridge. Individual and Corporate members will enjoy a reception area with linens and tables from Pranzi Tents & Events. The tent will feature a curated grazing table courtesy of FireWorks Catering, beer, and wine from McLaughlin & Moran and Gooseneck Vineyards. To learn more about the WaterFire Circle or to become a member, visit https://waterfire.org/support/waterfire-circle/. Day passes are also available for the WaterFire Circle, which gives you access to all the perks for one night. For more information, visit https://events.humanitix.com/waterfire-circle-2025.

WaterFire Walking Tour tickets are now available for purchase online. Led by long-time WaterFire volunteers, this tour covers the remarkable origin story, artistry, and hidden gems of Providence’s most cherished event. Guests will walk through the heart of the city, following alongside the path of the braziers that will be lit just a few short hours later. The volunteer-led tour is at 4:00 PM on October 4.

WaterFire will be hosting a Paint & Sip fundraiser at the Providence Place Mall in partnership with Fogo De Chao. Paint a WaterFire scene while overlooking the basin during the lighting event. Tickets are still available, all proceeds to WaterFire Providence to create future events for the community.

The College Street Acoustic Music Stage will feature Jacob Frezza, a singer-songwriter from North Providence, RI. He will be taking the stage from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.

Pop-up performers will be scattered throughout the evening, including Andrew Anselmo, Origami Master, who will be in Market Square all night, and A Silent Soapbox, a living statue appearing at the bottom of the Washington Street Bridge starting at sunset. Visitors can also catch three fire-spinning performances by Cirque de Light along the river at 6:21 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM.

The Starry, Starry Night installation returns to Memorial Park near the Crawford Street Bridge; add your light to the night by wishing on a star or dedicate a luminaria candle lantern.

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The tide is coming: Coastal photos needed

Next king tide to arrive Oct. 7; public invited to track and share shore photos

No word yet if Aquaman will come in on next month’s king tide, but tide watchers and comic enthusiasts alike are invited to watch the tides this fall, with just a few king tides remaining for 2025.

This year’s Comic Con attendees in Providence can even join in to see how the levels look outside the Rhode Island Convention Center when the November king tide rolls into Providence and overlaps with Rhode Island Comic Con. King tide photos taken through the MyCoast: Rhode Island effort track water impact in downtown Providence and across the state at all points of water and land interaction.

The University of Rhode Island launched its fall observation of king tides last month, with several Rhode Islanders submitting images taken in September, for the first observable tide of the new school year. Twenty-five statewide “reporters” shared photos of the tides at 13 communities around Rhode Island, with the most coming from Barrington and Charlestown.

There are three more months for the URI community and the public to track the next tides, with extreme high tides returning to Rhode Island coastlines Oct. 7-10, Nov. 5-8, and Dec. 5-6.

Rhode Islanders joining the MyCoast: Rhode Island king tide monitoring effort help document the effect that extreme tide events have on state beaches, coastal waterways, private property, and public infrastructure. This high-tide flooding—also called nuisance or sunny-day flooding—causes short-term public inconveniences such as flooded streets and closed roads. Over longer periods, such chronic flooding can also compromise infrastructure.

Tide time

King tides are a good visual estimation of what Rhode Island’s coast will look like with sea level rise in the future, according to Casey Tremper with Rhode Island Sea Grant. The MyCoast team uses the photos to better understand current and future issues, analyze coastal vulnerability, and assess needed planning throughout the state’s coastal neighborhoods. Save The Bay and the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council also utilize information and data obtained through the program, and URI researchers use the pictures to validate their coastal models.

The term “king tide” is a non-scientific term used to describe the highest seasonal tides that occur each year. These tides occur naturally and are typically caused when a spring tide takes place when the moon is closest to Earth during the 28-day elliptical orbit, known as a perigee. The effect of individual king tides may vary. In some cases, they may barely be noticed. In other cases, a king tide may cause coastal erosion, flooding of low-lying areas, and disruption to normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant precipitation, or when water drainage and runoff is impeded.

MyCoast: Rhode Island volunteers can upload photos and short videos showing where these king tides are flooding streets, parking lots, yards, sidewalks, and shoreline access areas.

Since URI’s Coastal Resources Center and Rhode Island Sea Grant introduced the shoreline monitoring effort to local communities a decade ago, more than 1,500 state residents have uploaded pictures. Last year, volunteers submitted more than 600 photos of king tides throughout Rhode Island, with more than 3,000 photos submitted to date in king tide photo captures.

Sea Grant staff say the program is also a great way for URI students living down the line to get to know the Ocean State and help contribute to this crowdsourced community science effort.

Volunteers are needed for tide tracking April through December each year. Once registered at MyCoast, photographers can submit photos during any king tide taking place during the year. Coast watchers are cautioned to be careful when capturing footage. Avoid driving into flood waters or walking on slippery rocks.

To sign up to track the next king tides, visit mycoast.org/ri and click ‘register.’ For questions, contact Casey Tremper at [email protected].

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