The Westerly Land Trust

River Rangers: State Street (Grades 3-4)
2023-05-25 15:45 - 17:15 (America/New_York) | RI
Living Laboratories for State Street Elementary School Grades 3-4

Join WLT educators to explore the plants and animals that call the river home. Use a dip net to trap and observe these animals in their natural habitat. Discover the important role rivers play on our Earth. Grade 3 – 4 will have the opportunity to perform a water salinity test using more advanced technology!
Program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
Bus transportation available to and from program.

Pollinator Safari
2023-06-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Get your bug nets ready, it’s pollinator week! Come explore and discover the diverse pollinating insects in your backyard environment.

Join the Westerly Land Trust and the amazing Dr. Rachael Bonoan, head of the Providence College’s Pollinator Lab, for this all-ages, family-friendly event.
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 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!

To learn more about Rachael and her lab click here.

Mini BioBlitz
2023-08-05 16:00 - 20:00 | 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.
