The Westerly Land Trust

Homeschool Grades 5-8: Trails & Treasure
2024-11-07 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Trails & Treasure: Calling all explorers! Get ready to hit the trails and work as a team to decode a map that leads to hidden treasure. Grades 5-8 will get the chance to use more advanced technology.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Barlow Nature Preserve
This program is open to all homeschooled students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

Homeschool Grades K-4: Magical Mushrooms
2024-11-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Magical Mushrooms: Did you know that some mushrooms glow in the dark and can be found in your backyard environment?! Nature is full of fascinating surprises, and we want YOU to join us on a mushroom hunt to discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world around us.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Wahaneeta Preserve
This program is for homeschool students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

Homeschool Grades 5-8: Magical Mushrooms
2024-11-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Magical Mushrooms: Did you know that some mushrooms glow in the dark and can be found in your backyard environment?! Nature is full of fascinating surprises, and we want YOU to join us on a mushroom hunt to discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world around us. Grades 5-8 will get the chance to use more advanced technology.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Wahaneeta Preserve
This program is for homeschool students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

Collect & Craft
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Create a pinecone bird feeder to help fuel your feathered friends for winter.

Don’t forget your feathered friends this Winter! Birds need extra love during the colder months when food sources are scarce and more energy is used to keep warm.
Join WLT educators and create a pinecone bird feeder with suet and seeds to fuel your backyard birds. Embark on a guided hike through the woods of Wahaneeta Preserve to collect your pinecone then venture into the warm cabin to craft your birdfeeder.
This event is NO COST and open to youth.
A parent/ guardian is required to accompany their student at the event. This is a great opportunity to adventure together.

Pollinators and Planting SES Grades K-4
2025-04-01 15:55 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Springbrook Elementary School Grades K-4

Dig your hands in the soil and discover proper planting and care techniques for a thriving garden at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Bonus: Take home your own seedling to nurture!

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Pollinators and Planting SSS Grades K-4
2025-04-03 14:30 - 16:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for State Street Elementary School Grades K-4

Dig your hands in the soil and discover proper planting and care techniques for a thriving garden at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Bonus: Take home your own seedling to nurture!

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Wildlife and Watersheds SES Grades K-4
2025-04-08 15:55 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Springbrook Elementary School Grades K-4

From pond to trails, put your observation skills to the test and use technology to discover the fascinating creatures that call Wahaneeta Preserve home.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Wildlife and Watersheds SSS Grades K-4
2025-04-10 15:55 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for State Street Elementary School Grades K-4

From pond to trails, put your observation skills to the test and use technology to discover the fascinating creatures that call Wahaneeta Preserve home.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Seedling School
2025-04-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a hands-on adventure in the world of microgreens!

Are you ready to dig in and get your hands dirty while learning how plants grow? In this exciting and interactive class, students will discover the wonders of microgreens – tiny, nutritious plants that are as fun to grow as they are to eat! This program teaches not only how to grow plants but also how to be mindful of the environment and the importance of healthy, home-grown food. By the end of the session students will know how to grow their own microgreens and leave with a DIY microgreen grow kit to start growing at home. This program is for students ages 6 and up. Student drop-off and pick-up is required!
What to Expect:

Planting Fun: Each student will plant their very own microgreens in a container to take home!
Hands-On Learning: We’ll explore how plants grow, what they need to thrive, and why microgreens are so healthy and delicious.
Tasty Treats: Learn how to harvest and taste your microgreens – perfect for adding a healthy crunch to your favorite meals!

Parking is available in the main parking lot at Barlow Nature Preserve, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
Registration is required; spots are limited.

Pollinators and Planting DCS Grades 2-4
2025-04-22 15:55 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades 2-4

Dig your hands in the soil and discover proper planting and care techniques for a thriving garden at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Bonus: Take home your own seedling to nurture!

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Pollinators and Planting DCS Grades K-1
2025-04-24 15:55 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades K-1

Dig your hands in the soil and discover proper planting and care techniques for a thriving garden at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Bonus: Take home your own seedling to nurture!

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Wildlife and Watersheds DCS Grades 2-4
2025-04-29 15:55 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades 2-4

From pond to trails, put your observation skills to the test and use technology to discover the fascinating creatures that call Wahaneeta Preserve home.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Wildlife and Watersheds DCS Grades K-1
2025-05-01 15:55 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades K-1

From pond to trails, put your observation skills to the test and use technology to discover the fascinating creatures that call Wahaneeta Preserve home.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
All students are bussed to program, transportation is available home.
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Pollinators & Planting Homeschool Ages 5-9
2025-05-08 09:30 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Dig your hands in the soil and discover proper planting and care techniques for a thriving garden at Barlow Nature Preserve.

Dig your hands in the soil and discover proper planting and care techniques for a thriving garden at Barlow Nature Preserve. Bonus: Take home your own seedling to nurture!

NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Pollinators & Planting Homeschool Ages 10-14
2025-05-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Wildlife & Watersheds Homeschool Ages 5-9
2025-05-15 09:30 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
From pond to trails put your observation skills to the test!

From pond to trails, put your observation skills to the test and use technology to discover the fascinating creatures that call Wahaneeta Preserve home.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration closes for all programs on March 28, 2025

Wildlife & Watersheds Homeschool Ages 10-14
2025-05-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Farm Squad (Ages 5-10)
2025-07-08 09:00 - 2025-07-31 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Grab your friends, head to the farm, and join our Farm Squad to learn directly from the land.

Each Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks we will gather at Barlow Nature Preserve (home to Frontier Farm, Echo Rock Flowers, and WLT’s pollinator and children’s garden), to explore different entities of the farming world; planting, pollinators, soil health, biodiversity around the farm, harvesting, composting, microgreens, and hydroponics. The fun doesn’t stop there! We will dig into nature art, hiking, nature themed literature, and even get our taste buds involved for a well-rounded, engaging, summer learning adventure.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: July 8 – July 31 (8 total programs) 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

NO COST thanks to generous community support.
Registration is required. Spots are limited. Farm Squad is open to ALL students regardless of what school you attend (including homeschool). By registering for this “event” you are registering for all 8 programs.
Absentee’s: up to 2 planned absentee’s.
Ages: 5 – 10.
Transportation to and from program is required.

CLICK HERE to hear from our 2024 Farm Squad!!
Questions- please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.

Story Time in the Garden
2025-08-05 09:00 - 09:45, 2025-08-12 09:00 - 09:45, 2025-08-19 09:00 - 09:45, 2025-08-26 09:00 - 09:45 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Nature-themed books and hands-on fun for kids every Tuesday in August!

Join us for Storytime in the Garden, a gentle and engaging outdoor program designed for children to connect with nature through books and hands-on fun. Each session is offered on Tuesdays through the month of August (8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26) and features a read-aloud of a beautifully illustrated, nature-themed story -celebrating wildlife, flowers, pollinators, and the outdoors. After the story, participants are invited to enjoy a simple, hands-on activity inspired by the book. From binoculars to plants and bug vacuums, every week offers a new way to explore, create, and imagine.
Best for ages 5 and under, but open to all. Parents/caregivers are required to attend and encouraged to participate. Please register in advance to help us best prepare for nature activities.
This program is offered at NO COST thanks to generous community support!
Not able to make it? Check out our Little Free Library by our farm stand at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Parking is available in the main parking lot at Barlow Nature Preserve, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).

Prints, Paths, and Play!
2025-11-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join WildRoots and The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) for a collaborative morning of exploration, discovery, and play!

We’re teaming up as neighbors to bring young naturalists a unique experience that begins at Barlow Nature Preserve and ends with creative free play at WildRoots.
We’ll start our journey with an engaging, hands-on lesson about animal tracks and signs, led by our WLT team. Then we’ll head out on a guided hike through the preserve, using our new skills to look for evidence of wildlife all around us. After our hike, we’ll arrive at WildRoots where children will enjoy open-ended nature play at thoughtfully designed free play stations.
This program encourages curiosity, observation, and creativity, all while connecting with the natural world. This program is open to children ages 5-10.
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust is a nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
Parking is available in the main lot at Barlow Nature Preserve, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Feathered Friends
2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:15 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
January’s theme is Feathered Friends. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us!

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
January’s theme is Feathered Friends and will be held at Grills Preserve. Through playful discovery, gentle guidance, and curiosity-driven exploration, we will set out on a wonder walk to search for feathers, tracks, nests, and other clues that reveal which birds call our preserve home. Along the way, young naturalists will practice careful observation, deepen their connection to the winter landscape, and uncover the hidden stories carried on the wings of local birdlife.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants

An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Rhody Rocks
2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:15 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, 5 Kettle Close, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
February theme is Rhody Rocks. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us.

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
February’s theme is Rhody Rocks and will be held at Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park . Through playful discovery, gentle guidance, and curiosity-driven exploration, we will search for stones, glacial erratics, and other rocky clues that reveal how glaciers once shaped Rhode Island’s landscape. Along the way, young naturalists will practice careful observation, deepen their connection to the region’s ancient geology, and uncover the hidden stories carried in the stones scattered across our preserve.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Car pooling is ideal for this sight. Parking instructions will be emailed out closer to the program date.

About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Land Leaders
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
A student-led event where young learners share the knowledge and skills they’ve gained through hands-on experiences with the land.

Join us for Land Leaders, a hands-on family adventure where kids become the teachers! Inspired by WLT’s Living Laboratories after-school programs, students will guide their families through exciting exploration stations, featuring everything from microscopes and binoculars to nature art, hiking, and more.
As you visit each station, you’ll explore together, talk about what you’re seeing, and collect stamps for your adventure passport. Students get to share what they’ve learned, and adults get a window into how they experience the world around them.
This event is all about connection: adult to student, family to land, and community to conservation.
Know Before You Go!

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support.
Open to all ages!
Registration is required for all participants.
An adult must accompany their child/children during the program. This is a great opportunity to adventure together!
Parking is available in the main lot at Barlow Nature Preserve, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
This program will be both inside and outside. Please wear warm layers.
WLT is able to offer ALL youth programs for FREE thanks to generous community support. If you’d like to help keep programming free and transportation available for after-school enrichment, please consider donating!

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Sprout Scouts
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:15 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
March’s theme is Sprout Scouts. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us.

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
March’s theme is Sprout Scouts and will be held at Barlow Nature Preserve. We will head out on a wonder walk to search for early signs of life waking beneath the cold New England landscape. Along our walk we invite you to look closely for swelling buds, stubborn green shoots pushing through the soil, moss on rocks, and tiny seedlings glowing in sunny patches. With careful observation and curious minds, we will discover how plants prepare for spring long before the weather warms. After exploring, we will sow seeds to give new life a gentle head start for the seasons to come.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Habitat Hunters
2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:15 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
April’s theme is Habitat Hunters. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us for this years Earth Day celebration!

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
April’s theme is Habitat Hunters and will be held at Champlin Farm Preserve. For Earth Day, Habitat Hunters will set out on an outdoor adventure to search for the hidden homes of the creatures that share our landscape. With curious eyes and gentle footsteps, students will look for nests tucked in branches, burrows beneath roots, tracks crossing muddy paths, and cozy shelters made from leaves, bark, and stone. Along the way, they’ll uncover the clues animals leave behind and learn how each habitat provides food, safety, and space to grow. By exploring these sercret worlds, we will discover how every creature big or small, fits into the beautiful web of life we celebrate on Earth Day.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Guided Bird Walk on World Migratory Bird Day
2026-05-09 07:00 - 10:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us in welcoming back the neotropical migrants such as warblers, orioles and tanagers, as they return to their breeding territories.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
This year’s WMBD theme, shared spaces, seeks to highlight how every community — whether urban, rural, or wild — can do things to support our migratory birds.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! Meet your birding leader, Maggie Jones, at Barlow Nature Preserve and then head out to explore other nearby WLT properties.
Important Info:

Registration is required; spots are limited
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not yet member.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE
Parking is available on site
There is an outhouse at Barlow

What to Bring:

Comfortable clothing and shoes
Fluorescent orange is required (hat or vest), we will have some to share
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars, we will have some to share

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Eco Engineers
2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:15 | Rotary Park Parking Lot, 91 Airport Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
May’s theme is Eco Engineers. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us.

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
May’s theme is Eco Engineers and will be held at Mastuxet Brook Greenway South (we will meet at Rotary Park, trail is behind the playground). Our adventure will begin with a hike to observe how water flows, ripples, and gathers to identify the best spots a beaver might choose for building a dam. Students will then have the opportunity to step into waders and climb into the water to construct their own mini dams using sticks, stones, mud, and other natural materials. Through hands-on problem-solving and playful experimentation, we will discover how animals use design to shape their habitats and why beavers are such incredible ecosystem engineers.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)
