Summer Paddles Please join us for our free-guided kayak/canoe paddles on Thursdays. We will meet at 9:30am except on August 7, meeting at 2pm. We will pass various local conservation lands, including some of our own Westerly Land Trust preserves. The paddle times will be between 1 ½ to 3 hours. Bring your own kayak/canoe, paddle, life jacket, water, snacks, etc. Be aware that our trips leave promptly so be on time! We will meet at takeout points and carpool to launch sites.Click HERE for a full schedule. New England Scupltors Association Exhibit, Now to August 22 The exhibit features 24 pieces of sculpture by various NESA artists. Come enjoy the works before the show closes on August 22. Open Monday through Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm. Avondale Farm Preserve Stroll, August 23, 9:00 AM Known as a bird watching hot-spot, Avondale Farm Preserve’s picturesque grasslands are a pleasure to visit. Salt marsh and fresh water wetlands on the property add to its value for wildlife and birds. Learn more about the habitat restoration and invasive vegetation species management projects being undertaken at this wonderful spot. Meet at the Grassland Way parking area for the preserve. Opening for Art Exhibit, “Transmutations," August 29, 6-9 PM The exhibition features four Westerly artists, Charlie Clough, Marcia Felber, Pamela Markham and Read McKendree. They will present new works highlighting the different aspects of creation from painting to photography to book making. The show will run from opening night until September 26, open weekdays from 9:30am-4:30pm. Hiking Group Show and Tell, September 2, 7-8 PM Our highly successful Thursday hikers and paddlers will share their experiences from hitting the trails the first year of the program. Their slide show and discussion will feature WLT preserves along with several other favorite spots that are terrific to explore on foot or by boat. Grills Preserve Guided Hike, September 20, 9-11 AM This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end of Bowling Lane in Bradford Village. Autumn Trail Walk Series Please join us for our free-guided trail walks on Thursdays. All walks are at 10 AM. We will visit various local conservation properties, including some of our own Westerly Land Trust preserves. The walks will be between 1½ to 3 hours in length and are open to all ages with our target group being agile seniors. Please keep in mind that these are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Be aware that our hikes leave promptly so be on time! If you wish to carpool contact Sally Hanson, 401.348.9109, email: sally.hanson@verizon.net September 11 Glacier Park, Westerly 10:00 AM A walking tour of the Westerly Land Trust’s (WLT) Glacier Park featuring wooded trails with gentle hills and some rocky sections. This site’s unique geological features are worth the trip. Meet at the trailhead off of Tom Harvey Road just outside the entrance to Winnapaug Cottages. Please park in the designated area outside of the Winnapaug Cottages gate or in the parking lot across the street. Leader: Paul Meyer, 401.596.7394, email: pemeyer@cox.net PLEASE NOTE: geocaching possibilities so bring your GPS unit. If you want the coordinates before hand, contact Sally Hanson. September 18 Barn Island, Pawcatuck 10:00 AM A different kind of walk-both uplands and salt marshes overlooking Little Narragansett Bay. The gravel tracks and footpaths in this area form a series of interlocking loops. Slopes are gentle. Take US 1 west from Pawcatuck for 2.5 miles to the traffic signal at Wequetequock Cove. Turn left on Greenhaven Road, then immediately right, on Palmer Neck Road. Follow Palmer Neck to the parking lot just before the boat ramp. Leader: Charlie Hickox, 401.284.3078, email: charleshickox@cox.net PLEASE NOTE: geocaching possibility so bring your GPS unit. If you want the coordinates before hand, contact Sally Hanson. September 25 Tefftweald (282 Grindstone Hill Rd.), North Stonington 10:00 AM This is Avalonia Land Conservancy property. Join us for a lovely hike through woodlands, meadow, ledges and brook side. Directions: Due to limited parking at trailhead, we will meet (10:00 AM) at the Park –n- Ride on Rte 3 (Rte 95, Exit 1) and carpool. Leader: Bob Miner, 401.377.4059, email: minersfarm@aol.com October 2 Avondale Farm Preserve & Napatree Point, Westerly 10:00 AM Easy walk through fields and paved loop on Westerly Land Trust property at Avondale Farm which is known for its unusual bird habitat. Napatree Point will take us to the bay and ocean side beaches. Come learn about the Hurricane of 1938 and historic Fort Mansfield. Meet at the Quail Run entrance to Avondale Farm Preserve off of Watch Hill Road. Leader: Sally Hanson, 401.348.9109, email: sally.hanson@verizon.net PLEASE NOTE: geocaching possibility so bring your GPS unit. If you want the coordinates before hand, contact Sally Hanson. October 9 Grills Preserve, Bradford, Westerly 10:00 AM This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end of Bowling Lane in Bradford Village. Leader: David Prigmore, 401.348.2855, email: ggprigmore@cox.net PLEASE NOTE: geocaching possibilities so bring your GPS unit. If you want the coordinates before hand, contact Sally Hanson. October 16 Yawgoo Pond, Hidden Pond, Richmond 10:00 AM A moderate 4-mile walk featuring two ponds, streams, rocky ledges, cliffs, steep pitches and vistas. Charlie thinks it's the most scenic walk in Rhode Island. From the blinking light in Hope Valley, travel west on RI 138 for 3 1/2 miles to the sign of the big Indian carrying a canoe. Turn left and continue for 1 mile to the Camp Yawgoo gate. Turn right into the parking area. Leader: Charlie Hickox, 401.284.3078, email: charleshickox@cox.net October 23 Rome Point, North Kingstown 10:00 AM A very nice walk of about 4 miles with outstanding views of the bay and a good possibility of seeing one of the largest haul out of seals in the bay. Take Rte 1 North to Rte 138 East, get off first exit ( Rte 1A ) left at end of ramp and parking lot is 1/4 mile on right. Leader Dick Sullivan 401-294-9374 October 30 Francis Carter Preserve, Charlestown 10:00 AM This hike is on Nature Conservancy property, with hilly wooded trails for easy walking and beautiful scenery. Meet at the preserve’s parking area off Rte 112, which is marked, with signs in both directions of travel. Leader: Sally Hanson, 401.348.9109, email: sally.hanson@verizon.net PLEASE NOTE: geocaching possibilities so bring your GPS unit. If you want the coordinates before hand, contact Sally Hanson.

Get details on all our upcoming events, and read news about recent past events ... more Find fun gifts in our gift store. Proceeds benefit The Westerly Land Trust ... more Our trail map archive is growing slowly. Check back often for additions. ...more