Cottrell Family Preserve

Cottrell Family Preserve is WLT’s latest conserved property featuring 21 acres of wetlands, uplands and riparian along the Pawcatuck River. The property was conserved in February 2022.

Just downstream from the Potter Hill dam, beautiful and expansive laurel stands dot the property. Sneak views of Beriah Lewis Farm across the river in Connecticut and cross the many annual streams that flow through the parcel.

Trails: There are two trails on this property — The red trail is a one-mile upland loop that follows an old roadbed then meanders up a short hill through a mixed hardwood forest, crossing some annual streams and an interesting rock outcrop.

The blue trail is a forked out-and-back that heads north through a small meadow to the south bank of the Pawcatuck River, following it until reaching a nice landing at the edge of the property. Follow the trail back and take the short yellow spur trail, circumventing the meadow for a brief walk through young hardwoods and rich sedge grass.

Trail Map

Location: 13-29 Christian Hill Road, just south of the Potter Hill dam. Parking is limited and rustic as we plan a permanent parking solution. One to two cars may park in the unmaintained laneway approaching the property. More ample parking is located at the DEM’s Potter Hill Landing lot.

Stay tuned for future access improvements.

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Westerly Land Trust🌳

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WLT conserves open space, revitalizes culturally significant properties and provides environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community.

Spotted salamander eggs!! 🌳

The eggs with developing larvae in this video have a green tint because of symbiotic algae. The algae provides oxygen for the embryos which in turn provides carbon dioxide for the algae.

We’re going to keep checking on these babies so keep an eye out for updates! 👀

#spottedsalamander #salamander #wetlands #stream #eggs #nature #spring #landtrust #hike #westerlyrhodeisland #rhodeisland #westerlyri #stoningtonct

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Open
Spotted salamander eggs!! 🌳 The eggs with developing larvae in this video have a green tint because of symbiotic algae. The algae provides oxygen for the embryos which in turn provides carbon dioxide for the algae. We’re going to keep checking on these babies so keep an eye out for updates! 👀 #spottedsalamander #salamander #wetlands #stream #eggs #nature #spring #landtrust #hike #westerlyrhodeisland #rhodeisland #westerlyri #stoningtonct

Spotted salamander eggs!! 🌳

The eggs with developing larvae in this video have a green tint because of symbiotic algae. The algae provides oxygen for the embryos which in turn provides carbon dioxide for the algae.

We’re going to keep checking on these babies so keep an eye out for updates! 👀

#spottedsalamander #salamander #wetlands #stream #eggs #nature #spring #landtrust #hike #westerlyrhodeisland #rhodeisland #westerlyri #stoningtonct ...

55 4

🦞Just one of the many critters students found while
dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞

Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video.

🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳

#naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland

59 2
Open
🦞Just one of the many critters students found while dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞 Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video. 🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳 #naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland

🦞Just one of the many critters students found while
dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞

Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video.

🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳

#naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland ...

59 2