Mini BioBlitz
2023-08-05 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 13-29 Christian Hill Rd, 13-29 Christian Hill Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Calling all curious humans! Let’s get out there and find all the life that surrounds us, both small and large.

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many living species as possible. From fungi to trees, mammals to insects and everything in between, we will try to catch ‘em all, this time at WLT’s newest property, the Cottrell Family Preserve. This is a great opportunity to explore a new property and help WLT build our baseline data for these 21 acres along the Pawcatuck River filled with mountain laurel, a small meadow, wetlands, exposed ledge and riparian habitat.
This is a FREE, all-ages, all-abilities and family-friendly event – it doesn’t matter if you are an expert naturalist or have never stepped into the woods before. The event will be from 4pm to 8pm, but participants can arrive or leave any time they would like to.
There will be snacks and refreshments and a whole bunch of adventure! And thanks to our friends at the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, we will have canoes and kayaks to explore the river on!
There are some great tools out there besides field guides and experts that can help you identify all kinds of different species of plants and animals out there. Be sure to download apps like iNaturalist or Seek from the App Store. Play around with them and be sure to show up with a full battery! Click here to join the Cottrell Mini Bioblitz iNaturalist Project.
Any questions? Email Marc Doherty at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Living Laboratories: Wild Westerly- Flying Squirrels (Grade K-2)
2023-08-10 09:30 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This program is open to students in grades K – 2 that attend a Westerly Public Elementary School.

Join Westerly Land Trust outdoor educators for an 8-week hands on adventure to explore the great outdoors. Step into the boots of a new scientist or steward each Thursday to discover the weird and wild plants, animals and phenomena that make Westerly our beautiful home.
Thursdays: June 22 – August 10 (8 total programs)
9:30- 11:30 at Barlow Nature Preserve
Upcoming Programs
August 10: Scales, Shells, & Slime
– All participants must attend one of the following schools (Dunn’s Corners, Springbrook, or State Street).
– Program is FREE thanks to a partnership with Westerly Public Schools.
– Transportation to and from program is required.
– Please use the student name when registering.
– Spots are limited.
Any questions, please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.

Living Laboratories: Wild Westerly- Soaring Hawks (Grade 3-4)
2023-08-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This program is open to students in grades 3-4 that attend a Westerly Public Elementary School.

Join Westerly Land Trust outdoor educators for an 8-week hands on adventure to explore the great outdoors. Step into the boots of a new scientist or steward each Thursday to discover the weird and wild plants, animals and phenomena that make Westerly our beautiful home. Grades 3 – 4 will use more advanced technology and techniques to make their discoveries.
Thursdays: June 22 – August 10 (8 total programs)
9:30- 11:30 at Barlow Nature Preserve
Upcoming Programs
August 3: Wacky Weather
August 10: Scales, Shells, & Slime
– All participants must attend one of the following schools (Dunn’s Corners, Springbrook, or State Street).
– Program is FREE thanks to a partnership with Westerly Public Schools.
– Transportation to and from program is required.
– Please use the student name when registering.
– Spots are limited.
Any questions, please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.

Family Winter Seed Sowing
2024-01-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Calling all curious kids and parents to join us as we learn how to grow native plants from seed.

We are calling all curious kids and caregivers to join us as we learn how to grow native plants from seed!
Growing native plants at home is an excellent way to support local biodiversity and help build a beautiful and resilient garden.
Rare plant monitor, experienced youth education coordinator, and 12-year veteran of the nursery industry George Christie will lead us as we learn about seeds, cold dormancy, germination, and why winter sowing is the best way to grow many of our native plants. Both sun-loving and shade-tolerant native plants will be available so you can grow what you sow no matter the conditions in your home garden!
This event is FREE and open to youth.
Parent/ guardian is required to accompany their student at the event! This is a great opportunity to adventure together!
You can email Marc (mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org) with any questions.

Genuine Geologists
2024-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Step into the boots of a Geologist and hunt for your very own geode to break open and take home!

Looking for something to do over February break? Embark on a guided hike in search of stones that hold a secret inside. Use tools and technology to examine your findings!
This event is FREE and open to youth.
A parent/ guardian is required to accompany their student at the event. This is a great opportunity to adventure together!

Nifty Naturalists: SES (Grades 2-4)
2024-03-26 15:45 - 17:15 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Springbrook Elementary School Grades 2-4

There is so much nature to be explored around you! Step into the boots of a Naturalist and grab a magnifying glass to discover what critters and plants can be found on the preserve. Study features of the habitat to understand how it has changed over time.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Nifty Naturalists: SES (Grades K-1)
2024-03-27 15:45 - 17:15 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Springbrook Elementary School Grades K-1

There is so much nature to be explored around you! Step into the boots of a Naturalist and grab a magnifying glass to discover what critters and plants can be found on the preserve. Study features of the habitat to understand how it has changed over time.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Nifty Naturalists: SSS (Grades 2-4)
2024-04-03 15:45 - 17:15 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for State Street Elementary School Grades 2-4

There is so much nature to be explored around you! Step into the boots of a Naturalist and grab a magnifying glass to discover what critters and plants can be found on the preserve. Study features of the habitat to understand how it has changed over time.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Nifty Naturalists: SSS (Grades K-1)
2024-04-04 14:30 - 16:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for State Street Elementary School Grades K-1

There is so much nature to be explored around you! Step into the boots of a Naturalist and grab a magnifying glass to discover what critters and plants can be found on the preserve. Study features of the habitat to understand how it has changed over time.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Nifty Naturalists: DCS (Grades 2-4)
2024-04-09 15:45 - 17:15 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades 2-4

There is so much nature to be explored around you! Step into the boots of a Naturalist and grab a magnifying glass to discover what critters and plants can be found on the preserve. Study features of the habitat to understand how it has changed over time.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Nifty Naturalists: DCS (Grades K-1)
2024-04-10 15:45 - 17:15 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades K-1

There is so much nature to be explored around you! Step into the boots of a Naturalist and grab a magnifying glass to discover what critters and plants can be found on the preserve. Study features of the habitat to understand how it has changed over time.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Eco Warriors
2024-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Transform an old t-shirt into a tote bag to help reduce your waste!

In honor of Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, we will explore how we can play our part to reduce the waste we produce.
Create a tote-ally awesome tote bag out of a t-shirt you no longer wear. Find your spot in a trash timeline while exploring how long materials take to biodegrade. Compete against each other in the WLT Eco Warriors recycling relay race.
This event is FREE and open to youth.
A parent/ guardian is required to accompany their student at the event. This is a great opportunity to adventure together!
Please click here to register.

Interesting Insects: SES (Grades 2-4)
2024-04-23 15:45 - 17:15 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Living Laboratories for Springbrook Elementary School Grades 2-4

Insects are essential to keep our ecosystems running smoothly, even the creepy crawling ones. Dive into the world of entomology as you observe insect habitats. Use technology to trap, identify, and release critters. Grade 2-4 will have the opportunity to explore using more advanced technology.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Interesting Insects: SES (Grades K-1)
2024-04-24 15:45 - 17:15 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Living Laboratories for Springbrook Elementary School Grades K-1

Insects are essential to keep our ecosystems running smoothly, even the creepy crawling ones. Dive into the world of entomology as you observe insect habitats. Use technology to trap, identify, and release critters. Grade 2-4 will have the opportunity to explore using more advanced technology.
The program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Bus transportation is available to and from the program.

Farm Squad: Flying Squirrels (Grade K-1)
2024-07-09 09:30 - 2024-08-01 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This program is open to students going into grades K – 1 that attend a Westerly Public Elementary School.

Grab your friends and join our Farm Squad! Get ready to get your hands dirty and discover what it takes to be a farmer. Each Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks this summer, we will gather at Barlow Nature Preserve (home to Frontier Farm and Echo Rock Flowers), to explore different entities of the farming world; planting, pollinators, water quality, soil health, biodiversity around the farm, harvesting, composting, and even raising caterpillars to butterflies!!
Tuesdays & Thursdays: July 9 – August 1 (8 total programs) 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Participants must attend a WPS Elementary School (SES, DCS, SSS)
Program is FREE thanks to a partnership with Westerly Public Schools.
Transportation to and from program is required.
Please use the student name when registering.
Spots are limited

Questions- please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.

Farm Squad: Soaring Hawks (Grade 2-4)
2024-07-09 12:00 - 2024-08-01 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Program is open to students going into grades 2-4 that attend WPS. The Soaring Hawk Farm Squad will explore more advance farming practices.

Grab your friends and join our Farm Squad! Get ready to get your hands dirty and discover what it takes to be a farmer. Each Tuesday and Thursday for 4 weeks this summer we will gather at Barlow Nature Preserve (home to Frontier Farm and Echo Rock Flowers), to explore different entities of the farming world; planting, pollinators, water quality, soil health, biodiversity around the farm, harvesting, composting, and even raising caterpillars to butterflies!!
Tuesdays & Thursdays: July 9 – August 1 (8 total programs) 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Participants must attend a WPS Elementary School (SES, DCS, SSS)
Program is FREE thanks to a partnership with Westerly Public Schools.
Transportation to and from program is required.
Please use the student name when registering.
Spots are limited

Questions- please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.

Pollinator Safari
2024-07-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Get your bug nets ready and come explore the diverse population of pollinating insects right here in Westerly.

For this all-ages, family-friendly event, the Westerly Land Trust has assembled a top-notch team of pollinator experts from around the state:
Dr. Rachael Bonoan, head of the Providence College’s Pollinator Lab
Ren Johnson from URI’s Bee Lab
Toby Shaya, DEM’s Pollinator Atlas Entomologist
Dr. Bonoan will guide us through beautiful Avondale Farm Preserve where we will find, capture and identify the bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects doing the critical work of keeping our local ecosystems in balance. Get up close to these winged critters and learn how to use “bug vacuums”, nets, and field guides to catch, identify, and release some amazing pollinators. Learn from the experts how pollinators do their jobs, why they are important, and what we can do to help them!
Please prepare to romp out in the sun and tall grass; sturdy shoes, pants, sun/bug protection and water are recommended. There are no restroom facilities at Avondale, so plan accordingly.
Parking- Park at the Quail Run parking lot. Overflow parking will be available at Grassland Way. Please meet at Quail Run Parking lot at 10:00 AM.

Registration is required.
Event is open to ALL ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 12 are FREE.
Event is FREE for WLT members and $10 for not-yet-members.
Click here to become a member today!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastEmail *Attendee’s PhoneAddress *Address Line 1CityStateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingStateZip CodeReservation Type *

Non Members

Members

Kids (12 and Under)
How Many Reservations For Non Members *Per Reservation - $10.0012345678910How Many Reservations For Members? *Per Reservation - $0.0012345678910How Many Reservations For Kids (12 and Under) *Per Reservation - $0.0012345678910Additional Attendee: First Name, Last NameLIABILITY WAIVER *I agree to the additional terms.In consideration of receiving permission to participate in (educational) (volunteer) (recreational) opportunities of the Westerly Land Trust (WLT), I (legal guardian if a minor):
1. Understand and acknowledge that I am proceeding at my own risk. I understand that WLT makes no warranties or representation, expressed or implied, regarding the condition or safety of the property itself or the activity to be done.
2. Agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify WLT (including its agents, employees and service volunteers) from any loss, liability or expense with respect to bodily injury (including death) or property damage which might result from or arise of my participation in these activities.PHOTO RELEASE *YesNoWLT and our partners may use photos/recordings to promote future programs. I (legal guardian if minor) grant WLT permission to use any and all photographs and/or recordings taken at this event for publicity and promotion.
Total$0.00Stripe Credit Card *Submit

Mini Bioblitz
2024-08-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Calling all curious humans! Let’s get out there and find all the life that surrounds us, both small and large.

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many living species as possible. From fungi to trees, mammals to insects and everything in between, we will try to catch ‘em all– this time at WLT’s first conserved property, the beautiful Avondale Farm Preserve.
This is a great opportunity to explore the sweeping wildflower meadows, tidal marsh, freshwater wetlands and coastal shrublands that make up this 50-acre property, as well as to meet fellow naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts.

This is a FREE, all-ages, all-abilities and family-friendly event – it doesn’t matter if you are an expert naturalist or have never stepped into the woods before. The event begins at 4pm and we will romp, collect and explore until its too dark to see (around 8pm). You are welcome to join for as long or as short as you’d like!
Food and refreshments will be served at 6pm.
There are some great tools out there besides field guides and experts that can help you identify all kinds of different species of plants and animals out there. Be sure to download apps like iNaturalist or Seek from the App Store. Play around with them and be sure to show up with a full battery!
The link to the official iNaturalist project will be coming soon.
Complete the form below to sign up and if you have any questions send ’em over to Marc (mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org)
A thank you to the Rhode Island Foundation for helping make this event possible!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastEmail *Attendee’s Phone *Your Address *Address Line 1CityStateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingStateZip CodeWould you like to register any additional attendees? *YesNoHow many? *12345678910Additional Attendee(s) Name(s) *First, Last What kind of living things are you most interested in discovering? Are there any fields you'd consider yourself an expert in? *Will you be joining us for dinner at 6pm? *YesNoMaybeAny dietary restrictions?LIABILITY WAIVER *I agree to the additional terms.In consideration of receiving permission to participate in (educational) (volunteer) (recreational) opportunities of the Westerly Land Trust (WLT), I (legal guardian if a minor):
1. Understand and acknowledge that I am proceeding at my own risk. I understand that WLT makes no warranties or representation, expressed or implied, regarding the condition or safety of the property itself or the activity to be done.
2. Agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify WLT (including its agents, employees and service volunteers) from any loss, liability or expense with respect to bodily injury (including death) or property damage which might result from or arise of my participation in these activities.PHOTO RELEASE *YesNoWLT and our partners may use photos/recordings to promote future programs. I (legal guardian if minor) grant WLT permission to use any and all photographs and/or recordings taken at this event for publicity and promotion.
Submit

Living Labs SES Grades 2-4 Trails & Treasure
2024-09-24 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Trails & Treasure: Calling all explorers! Get ready to hit the trails and discover hidden treasure amongst the forest and the art of map making.

This program is for Springbrook Elementary School students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Transportation: All students are bussed to program after school. Students can be picked up by a guardian or take the bus home after program
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

Living Labs SES Grades K-1 Trails & Treasure
2024-09-25 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Living Labs SES Grades K-4 Magical Mushrooms
2024-10-01 15:50 - 17:30 | 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 Springbrook Elementary School students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Transportation: All students are bussed to program after school. Students can be picked up by a guardian or take the bus home after program
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

Living Labs SES Grades K-1 Magical Mushrooms- NOW ON OCT 1
2024-10-02 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW COMBINED WITH GRADES 2-4 ON OCT 1. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
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 Springbrook Elementary School students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Transportation: All students are bussed to program after school. Students can be picked up by a guardian or take the bus home after program
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
