Rain or snow cancels. A trail has been developed and blazed by the Conservation Commission covering the eastern portion of the Charlestown Moraine Preserve, which can be accessed from the parking lot. A trail through the western portion will be developed soon. This particular Moraine is called a terminal moraine and marks the areas where the advance of the ice left large deposits of soil, rock and gravel that was pushed or carried by the ice. The Moraine runs from Long Island to Narragansett and can be seen in Rhode Island From Westerly to Narragansett. The advancing ice scoured the rock and soil and formed ice pockets. When the ice receded, the material formed the outwash plain we see on the coast, basically south of Route 1. The edge of the advance comprised of rock and gravel is what we see north of Route 1 in many areas of Charlestown. Second growth oak and some birch, juniper and white pine, with an understory of fern beds, buckle berry and mountain laurel dominate the forest. The forest also supports a diversity of wildlife species including resident and migratory bat species. Schoolhouse Pond Preserve: This is a 93 acre property across from Burlingame Wildlife Management. The beautiful property consists of undeveloped frontage on pristine School House Pond plus 2.5 miles of hiking trails through hardwood and pine forest. From Rte 1 take Kings Factory Road north to parking lot on left. After hiking a loop here we will carpool 1.8 miles north to Schoolhouse Pond trail for another nice loop.
Co-Leaders: Sue & Geoff Sewall Phone: 401-377-2826 (h) Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
- Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
- Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
- Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
- Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
- Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
- Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
- Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
- Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.