Outdoors in RI: Polo! Farmers Market Fun, Vineyard Music, Mosquitos, Invasive Pests, Aquatic Weed Control

Photo, top: Invasive sacred lotus in Meshanticut Lake, Cranston

Aquatic Weed Treatments Scheduled for Carolina Trout Pond, Shippee Sawmill Pond, and Meshanticut Lake

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces Carolina Trout Pond in Richmond, Shippee Sawmill Pond in Foster, and Meshanticut Lake in Cranston will be treated for invasive aquatic plants on Wednesday, July 15. Anglers and boaters should avoid using these waterbodies during treatment to not impede the licensed applicators. Temporary water use advisories will be posted where applicable and nearby residents and visitors should keep pets from drinking from these waters for at least three days. These EPA approved herbicide treatments will target specific invasive aquatic plants including variable water milfoil, fanwort, water chestnut, sacred lotus, and various algae species. The treatment will not harm fish. All three waterbodies are popular with anglers and boaters and are annually stocked with trout.

To prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants, felt-soled waders and other porous gear that absorb water is prohibited in all RI freshwater, including any waters shared with adjacent states where RI fishing regulations apply. Transporting plants on boats, vehicles, trailers, and gear is also prohibited. Boaters must clean all equipment and vehicles before and after use to help prevent the spread of invasive species. For more information, click here.

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URI entomologist suggests novel removal technique to help tackle invasive pest

 Most of the student researchers in Lisa Tewksbury’s Biocontrol Lab at the University of Rhode Island were born after the film “Ghostbusters” came out in theaters, but they’re experimenting with an iconic technique from the popular 1984 movie as part of efforts to stop a local invasive pest leaving its own destructive, oozy impact on agriculture around the state, including local vineyards.

Tewksbury, an entomologist in URI’s Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology, conducts research on biological control of species which can put local crops at risk. She says donning a URI-inspired version of the iconic vacuum pack could help Rhode Islanders do battle with the aggressive spotted lanternfly, one persistent planthopper making inroads in the northeastern U.S.

Tewksbury says that residents of impacted areas could even use this approach at home, deploying a handheld vacuum, then carefully disposing of the captured insects afterward.

Buzzkill

The spotted lanternfly, present in Rhode Island since 2021, is of concern in the Ocean State, which has already seen its historic elm, chestnut and beech trees blighted due to other pest infestations.

Once here, the spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from host plants. It feeds on plants like grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees, leaving behind a sap that leads to damaging mold growth, reducing photosynthesis and damaging plants.

Stephanie Serino, a URI Master Gardener who fields public queries at URI’s free Gardening and Environmental Hotline ([email protected], 401-874-4836), says Rhode Islanders can keep an eye out for spotted lanternflies in their nymph stage now, black with white spots.

“They are a big problem for agriculture, vineyards, orchards and nursery crops,” she said, noting that the SLF preys on approximately 70 plant species. “We also encourage people to visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management website to learn more about how to manage, report and remove them.”

At URI, Tewksbury is working to stop the plant destruction wrought by the aggressive insect.

Her work may be out of sight but it’s critical, supporting research on biological control programs that reduce populations of invasive species. Tewksbury works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, overseeing one of seven partner sites in the U.S. assisting with spotted lanternfly biocontrol research.

Stop SLF

Tewksbury has an open-door attitude toward information sharing and getting the word out about this problematic pest, but a firm closed-door policy across her lab. In fact, one of her labs is a quarantine zone, complete with tripled-glassed windows, special vents, specialized growth chambers and researchers trained in the proper procedures. This is a rare containment facility that is housed in a university; usually they are managed by the federal government or a state.

Tewksbury hosts several research fellows in her lab, studying the spotted lanternfly and other invasive pests. Together, they are studying the lanternfly’s impact and what it will mean if it extends its reach to more rural parts of the state. So far, the lanternfly has mostly been concentrated in and around Rhode Island’s capital of Providence, but growers in more rural parts of the state are beginning to see them as well.

Tewksbury is also researching biological control of the spotted wing drosophila—which can put fruit crops at risk. Biocontrol has many advantages, including offering an environmentally friendly and more cost-effective alternative to pesticides.

Stopping these invasive pests and protecting local agriculture is something we could all toast, Tewksbury says.

Visit the URI Biocontrol Lab website for information on current biocontrol projects and to learn what to do about invasive species. Follow @uri_biocontrol on social media to learn more.

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Murder Mystery Event and Music at  Sakonnet Vineyard

Sakonnet Vineyard will partner with Little Compton Community Center to host “Whodunit?: Murder on the Petulant Express” presented by WatermelonAlligator Theatre Co.

Guests will have the opportunity to play the role of detective and solve an interactive, 1930s-themed murder mystery set aboard a luxury train. Guests will work to solve the sudden and mysterious murder of tech titan Peter Petulant, the designer of “The Petulant Express.” They must use investigative skills to cross-examine a high-profile passenger list of rich, famous, and highly irritated suspects.

This event is 18+ with a 21+ bar. Light fare will be served. Your first glass of wine is included with your ticket.

Saturday, July 11^th 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – 162 W. Main Road in Little Compton – Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased – here.

About Sakonnet Vineyard:

Founded in 1975, Sakonnet Vineyard is New England’s oldest vineyard and a pioneer of the Southeastern New England AVA. Set on 169 scenic acres in Little Compton, Rhode Island, with more than 20 acres under vine, Sakonnet produces award-winning wines shaped by the region’s coastal climate.

The coastal growing conditions of Southeastern New England produce wines with bright acidity, elegant structure, and freshness —qualities that have defined Sakonnet’s wines for five decades. Through sustainable farming, patient cellar practices, and a deep respect for the land, the Sakonnet team crafts wines that reflect both place and purpose. Guided by core values of agriculture, preservation, and community, the vineyard remains a leader in the evolving identity of East Coast wine.

Voted “Best Vineyard” in Boston Magazine’s New England Travel Awards and the Editors’ Choice for Best Vineyard in Rhode Island in Yankee magazine, Sakonnet is a favorite day-trip destination. Guests can sip wines in the tasting room, enjoy light fare from the café, and stroll the vineyard’s expansive grounds. A full calendar of seasonal events, including live music, trivia, fitness classes, and more, makes Sakonnet a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Select Sakonnet wines are also available at restaurants and retailers throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, and South Carolina. For more information, seasonal hours, and to make a reservation, visit www.sakonnetwine.com.

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Bank of America Free Family Fun Day

On Saturday, July 18, the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium in Bristol will host its monthly Bank of America Free Family Fun Day, offering free admission and a full day of hands-on activities centered around pollinators. Families can enjoy guided nature walks, animal interviews, crafts, and educational programs while learning about the important role bees, butterflies, and other pollinators play in Rhode Island’s ecosystems.

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Mowry Farm and Conservation Area Trail Ambassadors Hike

July 11, 7:30 pm – Join Trail Ambassador, Ernie Germani, for a hike at Mowry Farm & Conservation Area. This 1.5 mile hike is considered moderate, with some gradual climbs, rocks or roots and requires basic fitness.

Directions, Parking – 374 Farnum Pike – Smithfield

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NEWPORT POLO WELCOMES THE RETURN OF FAN FAVORITE TEAM ITALY

The stage is set for one of Newport’s signature summer traditions as Team Italy returns this Saturday, July 11, for its 14th appearance in the Newport International Polo Series. Following last year’s record-breaking USA vs. Italy match—the largest attended event in the Series’ 35-year history—Italy’s finest polo players have once again arrived in Newport, where a weekend of celebrations will culminate in one of the season’s most anticipated international rivalries.

From an Italian-themed waterfront reception overlooking Newport Harbor to Saturday’s Limoncello Lawn Party, the city is embracing a weekend infused with la dolce vita. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy gourmet food trucks, artisan vendors, premium beverage tastings, historical exhibits, and an afternoon of international sport set against the backdrop of Newport’s celebrated summer season.

“The Italian team’s debut in 2012 was met with extraordinary enthusiasm, particularly in a state with one of the largest Italian-American populations in the country,” said Dan Keating, Founder and President of Newport Polo. “Their popularity has only continued to grow, and we’re delighted to welcome them back for what has become one of the defining matches of our season.”

In preparation for another exceptional turnout, Newport Polo has completed a series of venue enhancements designed to improve the guest experience, including an all-new rapid-entry traffic system, expanded parking, additional seating, upgraded amenities, and increased event staffing. Capacity limits have also been introduced for select marquee matches, with advance online ticket sales strongly encouraged, as gate sales may not be available once attendance limits are reached.

Since welcoming just 99 spectators to its inaugural match in 1992, Newport Polo has grown into one of the nation’s premier spectator polo destinations, attracting tens of thousands of guests annually across its 17- to 18-match summer season.

Held every Saturday from June through September, the Newport International Polo Series continues the legacy of America’s First Polo Club, founded in Newport in 1876, welcoming international teams to compete before one of the sport’s largest and most enthusiastic audiences.

For tickets, match information, and the complete summer schedule, visit newportpolo.com.