What Audubon Society of Rhode Island does

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI) is an independent 501(c)(3) environmental conservation and advocacy nonprofit founded in 1897 and headquartered in Smithfield, Rhode Island. It maintains nearly 10,000 acres of natural habitat across 14 publicly accessible wildlife refuges spanning Rhode Island and Massachusetts, every one of which is within a 20-minute drive of a Rhode Island resident. Its core operational assets include the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI, the Powder Mill Ledges headquarters and refuge in Smithfield, the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, MA, and the Maxwell Mays Lakefront Cottage in Coventry. The organization serves individual members (stated base of approximately 17,000), schools and educational institutions, corporate partners, and facility-rental customers, with primary activities in habitat protection, environmental education, scientific research, and policy advocacy.

ASRI's offering is an integrated conservation portfolio rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Core products include the refuge network, the paid-admission Nature Center and Aquarium, school and group education programs, summer camp, after-school and birthday programming, the Avian Research Initiative under a Ph.D. Director, community science programs including bird strike reporting, advocacy initiatives, and facility rental venues. The organization joined the global MOTUS Wildlife Tracking Network in 2023, installing its first telemetry tower at the Bristol Nature Center to participate in multi-continent migration research, and operates long-running citizen-science partnerships supporting the State of Our Birds reports. The technology backbone is conventional nonprofit infrastructure (website CMS, email newsletter, Bloomerang donor management, Doubleknot event registration) rather than proprietary software, and no API, app, or AI/ML capabilities are offered.

Revenue is diversified across six streams: annual membership dues, tax-deductible donations, facility rentals, the Osprey License Plate program (a recurring biennial $10 renewal stream shared with Save The Bay since 2008), corporate sponsorships organized in five tiers from $500 (Kestrel) to $10,000+ (Eagle), and fee-based nature programs and events. Pricing for individual events is modest unit pricing ($5-$14 per program participant); corporate tier pricing scales with brand visibility and venue access. The go-to-market motion is community-led, with 40,000 monthly website visitors, a monthly eWing newsletter, an advocacy-focused Eagle Eye newsletter, and active social channels on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. ASRI holds Land Trust Accreditation and GuideStar Transparency seals and operates as a board-governed nonprofit with no parent organization or subsidiaries.

Name

Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Legal name

Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Website

https://asri.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1897

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Audubon Society of Rhode Island is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1897 that protects nearly 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat across 14 refuges, serving 17,000 members and corporate partners through environmental education, scientific research, and advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Parks & Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAAAG), Marine Wildlife Sanctuaries & Protected Seascape Visitor Operations (Reef/Marine Parks) (THAAAFAJ)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation
• Environmental education
• Nature programs
• Wildlife refuge management
• Avian research

Headquarters

HQ city

Smithfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees supporting Audubon Society of Rhode Island's conservation, education, and advocacy programs. Members receive benefits including discounts, access to refuges, and newsletter subscriptions.
2. Donations and Tax-Deductible Contributions: Tax-deductible donations supporting local climate solutions, land and water protection, and bird/wildlife habitat conservation. The organization emphasizes that donations support effective local solutions to the climate emergency.
3. Facility Rentals: Revenue from renting Audubon facilities including the Nature Center and Aquarium (Bristol, RI), Caratunk Wildlife Refuge (Seekonk, MA), and Maxwell Mays Lakefront Cottage (Coventry, RI) for events, weddings, meetings, and retreats.
4. Osprey License Plate Program: The Osprey license plate costs $43.50, with $20 supporting Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Save The Bay educational programs, and $23.50 covering plate production. A $10 renewal fee applies biennially.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partnerships at multiple levels: Kestrel ($500-$999), Hawk ($1,000-$2,499), Osprey ($2,500-$4,999), Falcon ($5,000-$9,999), and Eagle ($10,000+). Benefits include website recognition, newsletter mentions, meeting space discounts, employee membership benefits, and nature center access.
6. Nature Programs and Events: Revenue from public programs and events including summer camp, birthday parties, school programs, and educational workshops at the Nature Center and Aquarium.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island is a nonprofit environmental conservation organization that protects and manages nearly 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat across 14 publicly accessible refuges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It operates a Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI, and delivers environmental education programs including school programs, summer camp, public programs, and community science initiatives. Revenue is generated through memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, facility rentals, nature programs, and the Osprey specialty license plate program.

Product overview

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island is an independent environmental conservation and advocacy organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services. The core offerings include 14 publicly accessible wildlife refuges spanning nearly 10,000 acres, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, and comprehensive environmental education programs for schools, families, and individuals. Supporting conservation efforts, the organization operates the Avian Research Initiative with MOTUS wildlife tracking technology, community science programs including bird strike reporting, and advocacy initiatives for habitat protection. Additional services include facility rentals, the Osprey license plate program supporting environmental education, wildlife crossing signs, and an Ask Audubon FAQ resource. The portfolio functions as a unified conservation organization rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Audubon Wildlife Refuges A network of 14 publicly accessible wildlife refuges spanning nearly 10,000 acres across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with groomed trails for hiking and nature study. Open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset with free admission.
• Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium A paid-admission nature center and aquarium in Bristol, RI featuring exhibits showcasing marine life found in Narragansett Bay and local habitats, touch tanks, and a nature shop. Open 7 days a week, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.
• Education Programs Environmental education programs for children, adults, and families including school programs, summer camp, public programs, birthday parties, community group programs, and professional development for teachers.
• Summer Camp Summer camp programs for children offering outdoor nature experiences and environmental education activities.
• Facility Rentals Event venue rentals at three Audubon properties: the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, the 200-acre Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, MA, and the Maxwell Mays Lakefront Cottage in Coventry, RI. Available for weddings, corporate events, meetings, and retreats. All proceeds support conservation.
• Osprey License Plate Rhode Island specialty license plate featuring an Osprey design, sold through the RI DMV. Costs $43.50 initially ($20 supports Audubon and Save The Bay environmental education programs) with $10 biennial renewal fees.
• Corporate Partnership Program Multi-tiered corporate sponsorship program (Kestrel through Eagle, $500 to $10,000+ annually) providing partner businesses with brand recognition, newsletter exposure, meeting space access, employee membership benefits, and nature center access.
• Annual Membership Program Annual membership program providing members with access to wildlife refuges, discounts on programs and events, newsletter subscriptions, and the ability to support conservation work.
• Avian Research Initiative Scientific research program collecting data on bird distribution, abundance, and habitat associations across Audubon's 14 wildlife refuges. Produces the State of Our Birds reports and supports evidence-based conservation.
• Wildlife Crossing Signs Physical yard signs sold for $10 plus tax that alert drivers to wildlife crossing areas, particularly for turtles, supporting road safety and wildlife conservation. Pickup at Audubon Headquarters (Smithfield) or Nature Center (Bristol).

Quantifiable outcome

• Over one-third of birds breeding on Audubon Refuges are experiencing long-term population declines, indicating need for conservation intervention
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Rhode Island (URI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Major research university leading a $7 million federal grant for microplastics research in Narragansett Bay. Audubon engages with URI on environmental research and workforce development initiatives.
• MOTUS Collaborative NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Global network of over 1,800 conservation collaborators using MOTUS wildlife tracking technology. ASRI joined this network in 2023 with installation of their first tower. The network spans 30+ countries and supports 40,000+ tagged animals across 300+ species for migration research.
• Wanskuck Community LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Community library in Providence hosting one of three Chimney Swift nesting towers installed by Audubon to support local bird populations.
• Save The BaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Co-partner in the Osprey License Plate program since 2008. The $20 portion of each plate fee ($43.50 total) supports environmental education programs of both Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Save The Bay.
• Caldwell Realty Rhode IslandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level. Supports local conservation efforts while gaining brand recognition through Audubon website and events.
• Botanica Land CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level. Supports environmental conservation in Rhode Island.
• Citizens BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level. Supports local conservation as part of corporate social responsibility.
• NEC SolarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level. Solar energy company supporting conservation efforts.
• NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA agency partnering on conservation efforts. Corporate sponsor demonstrating government-civil society collaboration on environmental protection.
• Partridge Snow & Hahn LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm corporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level supporting environmental conservation.
• Poseidon ExpeditionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExpedition company corporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level. Shares interest in wildlife and nature conservation.
• Sunflower DesignsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign firm corporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level supporting conservation.
• Tupelo Design StudiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign studio corporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level.
• United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNatural and organic food distributor corporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level. Aligns with sustainable food systems and environmental values.
• Woodscapes, IncminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLandscaping company corporate sponsor at Partner in Conservation level.
• Bank of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor bank displayed as sponsor/donor supporting Audubon conservation efforts.
• Cox CommunicationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTelecommunications company displayed as sponsor/donor.
• Rhode Island PBSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPublic broadcasting station displayed as sponsor/donor.
• National Education Association Rhode IslandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation union displayed as sponsor/donor.
• UtilidataminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy technology company displayed as sponsor/donor.
• Rhode Island AFL-CIOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLabor federation displayed as sponsor/donor.
• DBVW ArchitectsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArchitecture firm displayed as sponsor/donor.
• Rhode Island DMVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorState agency responsible for processing and distributing Osprey specialty license plates. Manages plate production and mailing to customers.
• Land Trust Accreditation CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization that awarded Audubon Society of Rhode Island its Land Trust Accreditation seal, demonstrating excellence in land conservation practices.
• GuideStarminorOthersNonprofit information platform that awarded Audubon the GuideStar Transparency Seal, demonstrating nonprofit accountability and transparency.
• Green Infrastructure CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide coalition working to plan and build projects that mitigate stormwater flooding, provide climate change resilience, and improve water quality. Audubon is a member working on environmental planning.
• Act on Climate ImplementerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of environmental advocates working to implement Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate legislation, which sets greenhouse gas reduction goals.
• Climate Jobs Rhode IslandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition bringing together labor and environmental organizations to promote green jobs and strengthen opportunities for local jobs in environmental legislation.
• Environmental Council of Rhode Island (ECRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of dozens of environmental organizations combining collective power to advocate for Rhode Island environmental priorities including environmental education and climate justice.
• Rhode Island Zero Waste CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition focused on major waste reduction initiatives including the Bottle Bill. Audubon participates on the Bottle Bill Study Commission.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Trustees of Reservations: Massachusetts-based land conservation nonprofit managing over 100 properties with public access for hiking and nature study. Directly comparable operating model of preserved properties with public access, environmental education, and member-based engagement in the New England market.
• Appalachian Mountain Club: Regional conservation and recreation nonprofit focused on the Northeastern US, particularly New England. Operates similar programs including managed trails, outdoor education, conservation advocacy, and member-based activities that overlap with Audubon's nature program offerings.
• Save The Bay: Rhode Island's leading marine and coastal conservation nonprofit, co-partner with Audubon on the Osprey License Plate program since 2008. Operates complementary conservation programs focused on Narragansett Bay while sharing membership and donor audiences in the Rhode Island market.
• Connecticut Audubon Society: Another New England Audubon affiliate managing wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers, and conservation education programs in Connecticut. Operates with a similar model of wildlife refuge management, environmental education, and bird conservation advocacy in a comparable small-state context.
• Massachusetts Audubon Society: The neighboring New England Audubon affiliate managing wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers, and conservation programs across Massachusetts. Operates a similar portfolio of wildlife refuges, environmental education, and advocacy programs, directly comparable in scale and structure to the Rhode Island chapter.
• The Nature Conservancy - Rhode Island: A leading global conservation organization with active operations in Rhode Island focused on land and water protection. Directly competes for conservation grants, donor dollars, and land acquisition opportunities in the same Rhode Island geography as Audubon.

Emerging players

• New England Aquarium: Major Boston-based aquarium and marine education institution with programs that overlap with Audubon's Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol. Comparable in offering aquarium exhibits, marine education programs, and conservation advocacy focused on New England coastal ecosystems.
• Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter: State chapter of national environmental organization with active advocacy and conservation programs in Rhode Island. Operates overlapping environmental advocacy campaigns on climate, renewable energy, and land conservation that compete for the same donor and volunteer base.

Broad incumbents

• National Audubon Society: The national umbrella organization that shares branding and mission with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, operating bird conservation programs across all 50 states. While Rhode Island Audubon is an independent affiliate, it operates under the broader Audubon brand and shares similar programs in bird conservation, habitat protection, and environmental education.

Regional players

• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: State government agency managing state parks, wildlife management areas, and conservation programs across Rhode Island. Competes for public recreational visits and overlaps with Audubon's conservation and education missions, though operates as a public agency rather than nonprofit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/riaudubon
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AudubonRI
• Facebookfacebook.com/AudubonRI
• Instagraminstagram.com/riaudubon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/audubon-society-of-rhode-island

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Audubon Society of Rhode Island