Decent local spot for some hiking. They have several trails. We have also attended a mushroom…read morefestival here sponsored by the Rhode Island Mycological Society, which was a great event. Staff from the farm were in hand to discuss its history and local mushroom experts led several trail walks where we searched for mushrooms to identify. Very nice spot to be outdoors!

A piece of historic Rhode Island…read more As advertised, the Charles & Margery Borders Farm is an "authentic New England working farm and RI historic treasure". I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon here at their Annual Bargains and Bluegrass Festival. They offered tours of the on-site farmhouse (built in the 1840s) and guided guests on nature trail walks around the property. To top it off, they hosted a yard sale offering many antiques from the property while guests perused the tables to the sounds of a local bluegrass group. First off, the volunteers here with the non-profit organization that took over operation of the farm when Charles Borders passed are just so friendly and helpful. During the guided hike of the property, I learned so much about the history of the farm and my bucolic surroundings. We viewed barns, talked about the community garden, met the cattle, walked over a land bridge that traversed a below-the-road cattle crossing, smelled fresh red cedar wood, learned about mushrooms and farm equipment, rested by a spring-fed pond and played with the Jack Russell terrier puppy that came on the trip. The red and yellow trails were well-marked and a nice stroll on a late summer day. The tour of the farmhouse was a mix of history about Charles and Margery as well as the house itself and antiques that filled it. Charles was born on the property and lived there until his death. One of the people in our tour group was a member of the Borders family (who had not been to the house since they were a child) so I was fortunate enough to hear stories they recollected from that time. A great educational, community area to preserve and introduce others to the workings of a 20th century farm. Their Facebook page offers up-to-date information on events and opportunities to lend a hand.

Exceptional rescue! Very caring and knowledgeable! They ensure their doxies go to reputable homes.read more

My experience with the FADR team was AMAZING. I love Elaine, she's an angel for what she does for…read morethe dogs she rescues, and the people she has to deal with on top of that! The team makes sure the dogs go to loving homes and that is beyond something to be proud of. My sister and I recently adopted a dog from FADR and we love her so much. Below are some pictures. Thank you Elaine and the FADR team!!

I had the wonderful opportunity of volunteering at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and it was…read moresuch a great experience! The staff was wonderful and I loved how they have tips for staying healthy and low budget recipes to try which I can't wait to share with my friends and family. Thank you for all you do!!

Quote from Main Page "The Rhode Island Community Food Bank…read moreworks to end hunger in Rhode Island by providing food to people in need. We envision a day when all Rhode Islanders have access to nutritious food and a healthy lifestyle." The amount of goodwill provided by this organization is amazing. Through programs like the Community Kitchen, Kids Cafe and the Express Pantry, Rhode Islanders in need have access to food and can work on learning critical skills for life. Volunteers are always welcome here. I could not think of a better organization to become a part of. From sorting in the food bank, to working in a community garden or even helping out in the Community Kitchen, there is something for everyone. Please go to the website if you are in need of assistance or are looking to become a part of the organization!

we have been to Madonna place several times since 2007. most of the time the staff is very helpful…read moreand sweet. their clothing room has come in handy more than once. when i was very poor the kitchen was nice as well. since they redid their rules about non parents being there, it feel much more comfortable there.the staff is really like friends not at all like social workers most of them are. i wish every community could have a community program like this!!!!!!!!!

From the owner: Madonna Place is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing services that strengthen families and…read moreprevent child abuse and neglect.

I'm a huge fan of zoos and aquariums, but they tend to create the impression that you need to visit…read morethe Serengeti or the Galapagos to see some amazing animals. The Audubon Society proves that that just isn't true--there is plenty of incredible wildlife right here in Rhode Island! It costs $6 to go through the exhibit inside the education center, but it's free to walk through the trails and meadow. The exhibit is definitely oriented towards kids, but there is plenty for adults to enjoy too. Each section is based around a Rhode Island ecosystem and has a mixture of models and live animals. There are also two red-tailed hawks kept in captivity outside the building. Probably the coolest part of my visit was walking out to the osprey nest by the water. So cool to see the two ospreys guarding their chicks! This is a manageable, affordable place to visit with kids, or just a fun stop if you love nature! I definitely paid more attention to the wildlife around me on the bike path after stopping in here!

Paper moon plastic flower…read more who walks the wild woods? The Audubon Society of Rhode Island has been around since 1897 and is the third oldest Audubon Society in the country. It was actually started to help stop the destruction of wild birds for the commercial use of their feathers. Whole populations of great egrets and other beautiful birds were almost decimated because some fool decided the feathers looked cool on stupid hats. Fortunately some wise people cared. The Society also was also instrumental in stopping the use of DDT, established Rhode Island's first coastal cleanup, helped fight damning of rivers, promoted the effective Rhode Island recycling program and much, much more. The state of Rhode Island would be a much dirtier, stinkier, crummier and far less beautiful place if not for the tireless and continuing efforts of the society. The building in Smithfield is the state headquarters and it has a great library, cool gift shop and some pleasant hiking trails. They organize trips and programs for both kids and adult and is a great place to get information on conservation or natural science. The folks there are always helpful and filled with dedication and will patiently take the time to answer any and all stupid questions. The society is now the state's largest private land owner with over 9,500 acres of wild habitat and open spaces. Places where critters can be wild and free. They also operate 14 wildlife refuges where people can quietly hike and exist in harmony with the wild creatures. For some reason many people seem intent on destroying the wild and pristine. The clean and pure. The Audubon Society will always be there to protect the woods, waters and wilderness. There are enough plastic flowers, synthetic materials and cement jungles. Thanks to the Audubon Society people can still see the wild, pure and unstained world.

We know have Holden/Spike Dudley…read more It all happened with looking for a kitten on FOHA's website. A cute kitten caught out eye. We reached out with questions all answered in great detail. We completed an application online and left a payment. One of our close friends was then contacted as a reference. Next thing I knew we had a home visit scheduled which turned into Spike's first night at our home and a member of our family. It was an easy process and we have a kitten that is very easy going and great with our kids (but not so great with our shower curtain but that's just catnanigans!) Note: The adoption fee cost covered chipping the cat and neutering through a local Providence shelter

Had to deal with a situation where we got a runaround on a cat that was being rescued from a sick…read moreowner. Took our deposit, they were careless about fully vetting the situation. Although we appreciate the notion these a volunteers trying to do the right thing but no common sense was used.