Outdoors in RI: Bears, Bobcats, Rattlesnakes, Ticks! Farmers Market Time, Nature Walks, Events

Wildlife Update

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Don’t Let Ticks Limit Time Outdoors: Know the Preventive Measures to Take

Tick Awareness Week spotlights the risks associated with tick bites and tips to keep people safe

Ticks are making their return fast and furiously, emphasizing the need for prevention to protect Americans, their families and pets this season. During Tick Awareness Week (May 3-9, 2026), the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is reminding Americans about the potential health threats ticks pose and the best ways to keep these parasitic pests away while enjoying the great outdoors.

Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome are a few of the many diseases that ticks can put humans and animals at risk for. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), weekly visits to the emergency room for tick bites are at the highest level since 2017 for this time of year.

“Tick bites can lead to serious health consequences, including fever, chills, severe headaches and joint pain,” said Dr. Jorge Parada, medical advisor for NPMA. “These are symptoms that are easy to write off as a common cold, which is exactly why awareness matters. If you’ve had a run-in with a tick, don’t wait. Prompt removal before they have a chance to transmit diseases is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health.”

Ticks thrive in areas with dense vegetation, including tall grass, shrubs and even tree branches. To reduce chances of unwanted encounters with ticks:

• Use EPA-approved insect repellent with at least 20% DEET on clothing and exposed skin.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes when outdoors in areas where ticks may be present.
• Trim grass and maintain other vegetation in yard.
• Avoid overgrown areas when participating in outdoor activities like gardening or hiking.
• Thoroughly check yourself, family, pets and clothing for ticks before going indoors.

“As we move into the warmest part of the year, tick activity will only intensify,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs at NPMA. “Knowing where ticks lurk, ways to prevent exposure and how to reduce the number of ticks on your property can make all the difference in staying safe and healthy this season.”

For information on pests and to find a licensed pest control professional near you, visit www.PestWorld.org and for more tick educational resources, head to www.TickTalk.org.

About the National Pest Management Association

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube and @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram.

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RI Grown launches

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) kicks off the weekly 2026 RI Grown Farmers Market Season this weekend, running through early autumn. Starting this weekend, shoppers can visit the RI Grown farmers market at Goddard Memorial State Park, held every Friday from 9 AM – 1 PM through Oct. 9, or the RI Grown farmers market at Fishermen’s Memorial State Park, every Sunday from 8:30 AM to 12 PM through Oct. 11, for locally grown, fresh food.

Early season offerings include plants, flowers, RI Seafood, spring vegetables, honey, and maple syrup. More vendors and summer crops will be added as the season progresses. Keep a lookout for the RI Grown label, which certifies that a product was grown right here in the Ocean State. Local is closer than you think – follow RI Grown on Facebook, on Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter to find locally caught, grown, and made foods from RI farmers, fishers, and food producers. .

“Going to a RI Grown farmers market is a great opportunity for consumers to buy fresh, delicious food directly from local farmers and food businesses,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I encourage all Rhode Islanders and visitors alike to support our state’s vibrant agriculture and food sector by enjoying our state’s abundance of sustainable, colorful, and locally grown produce.”

“Farmers markets support access to healthy food and resilient local food systems,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Each farmers market season, DEM is thrilled to offer opportunities to purchase fresh and delicious RI Grown foods and support local farmers and food businesses at some of our beautiful state park locations.”

Shopping at a local farmers market supports Rhode Island’s food economy and system by connecting communities directly with farmers. There are many opportunities for consumers to find RI Grown products year-round, and DEM’s RI Grown webpage is overgrown with resources to help find locally grown products.

DEM supports RI’s green economy by helping farmers and fishers grow their businesses, invest in infrastructure, and access incubation space for new farmers at Urban Edge Farm and Snake Den Farm. With more than 1,000 farms and the nation’s highest percentage of beginning farmers (2022 Census of Agriculture), Rhode Island’s farming sector is growing. From 2017 to 2022, both farm numbers and farmland grew, showing strong statewide support for local agriculture, boosting the economy, protecting the environment, and strengthening food security.

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Volunteers Needed for Newport’s June Secret Garden Tour – “On The Point”

Imagine yourself sitting in a very stunning colorful garden with a variety of trees and flowers, the sun shining down, a cool breeze grazing your face, and the sound of birds happily chirping away.  Sounds delightful, right?

The Newport Secret Garden Tour is looking for volunteers for the upcoming June Tours which will take place in the city’s historic Point Section on June 26–28 from 10 AM to 4 PM.  These beautiful gardens, genuine labors of love that are primarily maintained by the owners, are shared with the community to help raise funds for the arts education programs in the Island’s public schools. As a thank you for volunteering, you will receive a free ticket for the tour that is valid all weekend long to visit the twelve lovely gardens on the tour.  And who doesn’t love free tickets?  

Generally, two host/hostesses are assigned per garden, for each 3 hour shift.   Morning and afternoon shifts are available, 10-1:00 and 1:00-4.  Volunteer with a friend and make a day of it.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have questions, please go to this link to sign up for your day and shift preference:  https://buff.ly/48AaQmO

​Since 1984, the organizers and supporters of The Secret Garden Tour have been dedicated to enhancing art education and cultural programs in Aquidneck Island’s Public Schools, funding dozens of programs in performing and fine arts for local schoolchildren.  To date, The Secret Garden Tour has given more than $1 million to these programs.

In Spring 2014, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine named Newport, Rhode Island “one of the best walking cities in the U.S.” and specifically named the spring Secret Garden Tour through the city’s historic Point section as one of the highlights.

For additional information, be sure to visit the website: www.secretgardentours.org.

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Explore Pawtucket!

This is an invitation to explore some of the quirky, creative, and tasty places in Pawtucket. May 9 is the day, and there are businesses open, some with special events, and a soccer match at Centreville Stadium (tickets required).

Start with brunch at the Modern Diner, do a little vintage shopping, visit the RI Music Hall of Fame or take in a soccer match, then finish with an icy beverage at one of the many tasty breweries and distilleries.

Explore Pawtucket!

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