Talk about an ambitious schedule!

Last year’s inaugural Trails and Greenways Month was so successful that GARI is bringing it back with old favorites and new additions. The group’s autumn newsletter explains:

“This year, we include hikes across the state from West Greenwich to Smithfield, weekly Wednesday evening bike rides along the East Bay Bike Path, and even a Grandparents’ Day event. We hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy several events on our trails and greenways in September.

“In an effort to make sure everyone will have a chance to join in the fun, there are even more evening and weekday events this year. If you want to try cycling for the first time, or revisit the freedom of traveling on two wheels, join the Old Spokes or a Wednesday night ride on the East Bay Bike Path or the Recycled Cyclist ride on the South County Bike Path. Everyone in the family will enjoy a bike ride on the Blackstone Bike Path guided by a member of the Blackstone Bike Patrol.”

The schedule of events is diverse: from a guided bike ride through Providence, to a paddling trip on Secret Lake in North Kingstown to farm tours and plant walks. For several events, the GARI found partners in other conservation groups including the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, and townships.

If you don’t have a bike but would like to ride in one of the GARI’s trips, the autumn newsletter lists six bike shops that rent.

Most of the trips are free, but some of the guided events have a modest fee. Not counting recurring events, GARI has scheduled more than 30 things to do outdoors this month.

The newsletter and schedule are available online at http://www.rigreenways.org/.

Can’t Imagine catching

Billy Silvia has been catching scup, bass and bluefish near the Mount Hope Bridge this week, according to David Henault of Ocean State Tackle.

Over the weekend, the skipper of the charter boat Can’t Imagine, was catching bass as large as 40 pounds on eels over the area called “The Peanut” off Block Island, Henault said.

AMC has full schedule

The Narragansett Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club has a full schedule of events this month, including paddling excursions off Barn Island in Connecticut and the Potowamut River in Rhode Island, as well as walks, bike rides, and rock climbing.

The AMC is one of the most active groups in New England, offering opportunities to get out and get moving. The activities include a social element, and some are planned with families in mind.

This week, the group has scheduled a New Member Pot Luck dinner, Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church on North Main Street in Providence. Shannon Kelley, the group’s reporter, says, “This is a great opportunity for new and not-so-new AMC members to get together and catch up on what’s happening in the club. You will have a chance to meet with activity chairs to learn about upcoming events and mingle with friendly people. Prospective members are especially welcome to learn about the club at this event.”

Dues are $40 a year for one person, $60 for a family, and $25 for a person under 25 or over 65.

Highlights are listed online at amcnarragansett.org.

tmeade@projo.com