The Westerly Land Trust

World Migratory Bird Day: Guided Bird Count
2024-05-11 07:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the WLT and expert birder Maggie Jones by getting outside and experiencing the spring migration.

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. https://www.migratorybirdday.org/
Join us as we welcome back the neo-tropical migrants as they return to their summer territories — from thrushes to warblers, bluebirds to tanagers and beyond. This years WMBD theme is insects and their importance to migratory birds.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! We will meet at Barlow Nature Preserve. Groups will head out to different WLT properties and gather back at Barlow to share our counts, stories and coffee and snacks.

Registration required, spots are limited.
FREE for members, $10 for not-yet-members.
Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!

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F rom World Migratory Bird Day 2024
INSECTS
Insects and their importance to migratory birds is the focus of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species, not only during the breeding seasons but also during their extensive journeys and greatly affect the timing, duration, and overall success of bird migrations.Along their migration routes, birds actively seek out insects in fields, forests, wetlands, and various habitats during stopovers. The timing of bird migration often coincides with peak insect abundance at stopover locations, supplying nourishment for birds to replenish their energy reserves before continuing their journeys.
The loss and disturbance of insect populations at breeding sites and along avian migration routes threaten bird survival and well-being. Natural spaces like forests and grasslands that have been transformed or endangered by intensive agriculture and urban development and its effects such as light pollution can result in a decline in insect populations. Pesticides and herbicides designed to protect crops harm insects that birds rely on for food. A scarcity of energy- and protein-rich insects can hinder bird migration and breeding, leading to weakened immune systems, reduced reproductive success, and increased mortality rates for both adult birds and their offspring.
Birds play crucial roles in pollination and pest control, and a lack of insects disrupts these ecosystem functions. Overpopulation of certain insects, without natural predators from birds, can also cause outbreaks that damage plant health and agriculture.
The World Migratory Bird Day campaign in 2024 will stress the need for proactive conservation measures. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and where possible, switching to organic farming. Other measures include maintaining and connecting areas of natural vegetation which provide food and shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural landscapes.
In 2024, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on two days, 11 May and 12 October, aligning with the cyclic nature of bird migration in different hemispheres.
The campaign is a joint effort of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), Environment for the Americas and the EAAFP. The addition of the EAAFP to this Partnership will strengthen engagement and awareness for migratory birds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Contact us at info@environmentamericas.org with any questions.

NEW DATE! Historic Cemetery Picnic: Winnapaug Farm Preserve
2024-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 109-119 Rhode Island 1A, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
PLEASE NOTE: Due to weather, the new date will be Wednesday, June 12.

Join us for a Historic Cemetery Tour and discover the history of cemetery picnics.

There are nearly 90 historic burial grounds in Westerly, five of which are on Westerly Land Trust properties. The WLT is hosting Michael Carroll, Executive Director of Rediscovering History, Inc. and Larry Hunter, local commissioner of the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historic Cemeteries for a Spring tour and Old Fashion Picnic in a cemetery at Barber Lot WY07 located in Winnapaug Farm Preserve (across from 110 Shore Rd).
Pack your picnic baskets, beverages, and lawn chairs/tables and experience a fad of the past! Michael Carroll will take us back in time to the 19th and early 20th century when picnics in cemeteries were a fashionable and respectful way to stay connected to both the living and the dead. Larry will lead us through a history lesson and Cemetery 101 introduction. Stay afterwards and enjoy the sunset.

Carry in/ Carry out
Tours are recommended for adults.
Please prepare for being out in the grass and woods, and bring bug repellant and water.
Tours are FREE for WLT members and $10 for not-yet-members, Larry has generously pledged to donate all proceeds to WLT

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

POP UP HIKE: Awesome Blossom
2024-06-17 18:00 - 19:30 | RI
We’re headed out to Crandall Family Preserve to try to spot the blooming mountain laurel. Come along with us! Then stick around afterwards for snacks in the woods with your fellow hikers.
Registration is required for this event. It is free for WLT members and $10 for not-yet-members. Would you like to join the Westerly Land Trust’s conservation efforts? Click here.
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
How Many Reservations For Non Members? *Per Reservation - $10.0012345678910How Many Reservations For Members? *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.
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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

FULL: Fungal Foray with the Mushroom Hunting Foundation: A Land Trust Days Event
2024-10-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Thank you for your interest. This event is now full. We hope to catch you at the next one!
Join us on Sunday, October 20th from 9:30am to 11:30am for a Fungal Foray at Wahaneeta Preserve. Led by Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt of the Mushroom Hunting Foundation, this exploratory walk will lead us through the diverse woods surrounding an old girl scout camp to find mushrooms, learn how to identify them and discover how these fungi fit into our local ecosystem – some of them may even fit onto our dinner plate! Ryan and Emily bring with them not only a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, but also a great specimen collection so we are sure to learn something new.

Be sure the check out the Mushroom Hunting Foundation (@mushroom_hunting_foundation) to learn more about Ryan and Emily’s mission.

This event is offered by WLT for no cost to participants as a part of Land Trust Days, the annual two-month celebration of the wonderful open spaces across Rhode Island that land trusts are protecting hosted by Rhode Island Land Trust Council.

Trails & Ales
2024-10-26 13:30 - 16:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Fall is here! It’s time to celebrate New England’s trademark season. We’ll be cozy company under the falling leaves at Wahaneeta Preserve. Plan on hiking through the woods before gathering under the pavilion to sample tasty local brews from Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island. We’ll raise a glass to what some might say is the best season of them all.

This event is $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Registration is now closed.

Flannel in the Forest
2024-11-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This event is now full. We hope to catch you at the next one!
Wear your favorite flannel shirt and join us for a roughly 2.5-mile hike amongst the colorful fall leaves in the beautiful Riverwood Preserve. Chase away the chill with a complimentary hot beverage and good company.
NO COST for WLT members, $10 for not-yet-members. Become a member today by clicking HERE.

Friday by the Fire
2025-01-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
A crisp winter hike and reveling around a fire with friends old and new… on a Friday night — what could be better!

After a nice late afternoon stroll through Grills Preserve, we will gather around the fire to share a warm drink. Bring warm layers and a headlamp/flashlight. Hope to see you all there.
This event is FREE for members, and $10 per person for non-members. Not a member, but would like to be? Click here.
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Souper Bowl Hike LIX
2025-02-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Kick off the New Year with a hike at Wahaneeta Preserve followed by a feast of soups!

Kick off the new year with a hike at Wahaneeta Preserve and score a bowl of soup to enjoy by the fire.

All ages are welcome!
Registration required and spots are limited.
Parking is available in the field at Wahaneeta Preserve.
To reduce waste, please consider bringing your own bowl and spoon

This event is $10 for WLT members, and $20 per person for non-members. Not a member, but would like to be? Click here.

Spring Equinox Yoga Hike
2025-03-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Celebrate the arrival of Spring and embark on a mindful adventure through the forest where we will practice yoga and welcome new beginnings.

The Spring Equinox is a perfect time to get outside and take notice of nature during a period of rapid change and vibrant growth. Join hike leader and local yoga teacher, Janice Fifer, for a grounding experience through the forest of Grills Preserve.
This experience will begin at the trailhead with centering and a short breathing practice, followed by a mindful walk to the Polly Coon Bridge where we will meditate with the sounds of the river rushing over the rocks. On your way to Big Hill, we invite you to draw inspiration from plants and animals that reawaken this time of year. A series of standing yoga poses will be strategically sprinkled into this experience throughout the hike where we will pause to stretch, breathe, and balance amongst the trees.
We will cover ~ 3 miles total. No need for a yoga mat. Consider bringing an old towel or garden kneeling cushion to make sitting on the ground more comfortable.

All levels welcome, no yoga experience necessary.

Registration required; spots are limited.

This event is at NO COST to WLT members, and $10 per person for non-members.

Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Nordic Walking- Walking the Trails
2025-04-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Hit the trails for a guided Nordic Walk and talk adventure.

Are you ready to hit the trails? Join Julie Gooding of healthyFUTURES, to review, practice, and improve your Nordic Walking skills. Julie is an ACE-certified personal trainer and Urban Poling-certified instructor with 16 years of working with older adults. There is NO COST to attend this hike, however you must have completed a 3 week training with Julie Gooding and/or have been cleared by Julie to attend this Nordic Walking Adventure .

Activator poles are not provided, however if you purchase them healthyFUTURES you can get 30% discount .
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Nordic Walking- Improve Your Posture
2025-04-29 17:30 - 18:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Hit the trails for a guided Nordic Walk and talk adventure.

At this Nordic Walking Hike, Julie Gooding, of healthyFUTURES, will guide you on an adventure through WLT’s Barlow Nature Preserve. while discussing the benefits of Nordic Walking and how it can contribute to a full body exercise that builds upper body strength and improves posture regardless of your age.
Julie is an ACE-certified personal trainer and Urban Poling-certified instructor with 16 years of working with older adults. There is NO COST to attend this hike, however you must have completed the 3 week training with Julie Gooding and/or have been cleared by Julie to attend this Nordic Walking Adventure .

Activator poles are not provided, however if you purchase them healthyFUTURES you can get 30% discount .
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Historic Cemetery Tour
2025-04-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Quaker Burial Ground, 108 Old Post Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Honor “Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks” with WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner, Larry Hunter.

To further our celebration of Rhode Island’s “Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks”, join us for a Voices of the Land event led by WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter. This discussion will focus on the Quaker Burial Ground, building on many of the lessons from Larry’s Cemetery 101 lecture on April 22. If you couldn’t make it to Cemetery 101, you are still welcome to join us on this tour. We hope to see you there!

Tours are recommended for adults.
This event is second in a 3-part series. While Cemetery 101 (April 22) is not a required prerequisit for this tour, it offers excellent background information. We invite you to register for all three– including the 3rd in the series: the Historic Cemetery Hike on May 7 at Grills Preserve!
Prepare for being out in the grass and woods, and bring bug repellant and water.
NO COST for WLT members and $10 for non-members, which Larry has generously pledged to donate to WLT.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Early Spring Birding Walk
2025-05-02 07:30 - 09:00 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Bring your binoculars and curiosity to explore Avondale Farm for migratory birds!

Birds migrating through Westerly in early spring should be on display at the Farm. Join avid birder, Barbara Seith for this fairly accessible walk/adventure – we will walk around the paved loop and then venture into the bramble to the north of the main field. Bring binoculars & your curiosity. Appropriate for all ages.

This event is the second in a 2-part birding series. While Spring Birding in Westerly is not a prerequisite for this hike, it offers excellent background information. We invite you to register for both!
NO COST for WLT members and $10 for non-members, which Barbara has generously pledged to donate to WLT.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Location/parking: Avondale Farm, park at Quail Run entrance

Historic Cemetery Hike
2025-05-07 17:30 - 19:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Honor “Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks” with WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner, Larry Hunter.

Join WLT Land Stewardship Manager Marc Doherty and WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter for a hike and historic cemetery tour at Grills Preserve. We will start our adventure on the Blue Trail, continue along the dyke and the Pawcatuck River with a stop at the Polly Coon Bridge for a scenic overlook that stretches over the river and connects WLT Grills Preserve to Hopkinton Grills Preserve. Then we’ll venture on to Clark Hiscox Lot where Larry will show ongoing conservation and preservation work in the cemetery. Bring along your camera and some water and a little snack.

Tours are recommended for adults.
This event is third in a 3-part series. While Cemetery 101 (April 22) and the Historic Cemetery Tour (April 30) are not required prerequisits for this hike, they both offer excellent background information. We invite you to register for all three!
Please prepare for being out in the grass and woods, and bring bug repellant and water.
No Cost for WLT members and $10 for not-yet-members, which Larry has generously pledged to donate to WLT.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Hunter's Supermoon Hike
2025-10-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us under the Supermoon for a thrilling hike through the wilderness – expect a night of adventure and mystery!

Join us for a magical evening under the rising Hunter’s Supermoon as we explore the scenic trails of Champlin Farm Preserve. As daylight fades, we’ll set out on a guided hike through fields and woodlands, watching the full moon climb above the trees.
This special full moon, known as the Hunter’s Moon, is not only larger and brighter than usual, but steeped in seasonal lore. Along our 3-mile adventure, we’ll share moon myths, wildlife insights, and pause to take in the natural beauty of the preserve lit by moonlight.
Bring sturdy shoes, a flashlight or headlamp (just in case), and dress for the evening chill.
Parking is available in the Champlin lot.
This event is NO COST for WLT members and $10 for not-yet members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!

Fungal Foray with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
2025-10-15 16:30 - 18:00 | Flora Whiteley Preserve, 197 Potter Hill Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join DPNC and WLT to learn about local mushroom foraging. We will begin with an introduction to mushroom foraging, followed by a hike to identify local mushrooms on the trail. Participants will have the opportunity to explore both the Flora Whiteley Preserve and the Cottrell Family Preserve during this program.
Meets at Flora Whiteley Preserve, 197 Potter Hill Rd in Westerly, RI. This program is for adults and older, interested children. Advanced registration required.
Members and Non-members: free
Click the link below to register:
https://dpnc.org/event/fungal-foray-with-the-westerly-land-trust/

NEW DATE: 11/23 Flannel in the Forest
2025-11-23 08:30 - 10:30 | Crandall Family Preserve, 79 Pound Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Please note that due to subpar weather predictions, we’ve changed the date from Saturday, 11/22 to Sunday, 11/23.

Join us for a cozy fall hike at Crandall Family Preserve!

Wear your favorite flannel shirt and join us for a roughly 2-mile hike amongst the fall leaves and resting Rhododendron groves at the beautiful Crandall Family Preserve. Finish the hike by chasing away the chill with a complimentary hot beverage, special snack, and good company at the swamp overlook on the old Pound Road.
Parking: Parking is available in the dirt lot on old Pound Road
This event is NO COST for WLT members and $10 for not-yet members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!

Souper Bowl Hike LX
2026-02-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Kick off the New Year with a hike at Barlow Nature Preserve followed by a feast of soups!

LOCATION CHANGE: Barlow Nature Preserve

All ages are welcome!
Registration required and spots are limited.
Parking is available in the field at Wahaneeta Preserve.
To reduce waste, please consider bringing your own bowl and spoon
Fluorescent orange is required! We will have some to share.

This event is $10 for WLT members, and $20 per person for non-members. Not a member, but would like to be? Click here.

A Celebration of Red-Wings
2026-04-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council event hosted at The Westerly Land Trust Barlow Nature Preserve for a naturalist-guided exploration of a vibrant freshwater marsh habitat, home to nesting Red-winged Blackbirds.
This immersive experience combines real-time wildlife observation with engaging mini-talks about:

The ecological importance of freshwater marshes
How marsh habitats support our Wild & Scenic rivers
The significance of Red-Winged Blackbirds as indicators of healthy wetlands

What to Know

Registration is required; spots are limited.
This event is no cost thanks to the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Stewardship Council
Parking is available on site at 449 Westerly Bradford Road
Restrooms are available on site
Event is rain or shine, dress for the weather
All abilities and ages welcome

What to Bring

Lawn chair
Binoculars
Camera, if you have one and would like to take photos

Meet Your Guides

Bruce Fellman: A longtime observer, teacher, photographer, and writer of natural history, Bruce brings decades of experience to the field. Residing in North Stonington, his talents come together in his long-running columns for The Westerly Sun.
Sue Palmer: Although claiming she is retired, Sue is one of Rhode Island’s most energetic birders, and for each of the last six years has recorded over 300 species of birds in Rhode Island alone. Her bird photography has been published nationally. Sue lives in Westerly and brings deep knowledge and enthusiasm to the field.
Tripod-mounted optics will be available for comfortable extended viewing.

Stay In Touch

Not a Westerly Land Trust member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Clean-Up Crews & Brews 2026
2026-04-26 11:30 - 14:00 | 14 Canal St, 14 Canal Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Help us clean-up our community and then celebrate with a tasty pint at Grey Sail Brewing Company of RI.

This year, The Westerly Land Trust and The Greater North End Community Development Corporation are teaming up to expand our Earth Day–inspired community trash pick-up.
Volunteers will help clean up areas in and around Westerly Land Trust properties, as well as the historic North End. After the clean-up, everyone will gather back at the Canal Street parking lot at 1:30 PM to consolidate trash, which will be transported to the dump the following day, weighed, and reported back to all participants.
As a thank-you for your efforts, participants will receive a token to enjoy a complimentary beverage of their choice at Grey Sail Brewing Company of Rhode Island. Please note, token must be used on day of the cleanup.
We will head to Grey Sail around 2:00 PM where Geoff Kaufman will be playing live music and Crews & Brews participants will have a chance to win a gift card to Jonnycake Center of Westerly, where you can find almost everything – vintage and new!
Many thanks to Grey Sail Brewing Company of Rhode Island for hosting our clean-up crews and to Jonncake Center of Westerly for their gift card donation. Vetrano’s Wood Fired Pizza will be open for purchase.
Things to Know

Registration is required to help us determine how many preserves we will be able to tackle with our crews!
We will all meet in the parking lot at 14 Canal Street at 11:30 AM, then disperse into our cleanup crews from there.
We will meet back at Canal Street Parking at 1:30 PM and head to Grey Sail around 2:00 PM to keep the fun going.
We recommend comfy shoes, and you may consider wearing long sleeves.
Please bring gloves, buckets, and trash pickers if you have them– we’ll share what we have.
Wear solid daylight fluorescent orange above the waist and visible in all directions – we will bring some extra vests if needed

National Trails Day Hike
2026-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Celebrate National Trails Day with the Westerly Land Trust!

Join us for a morning of exploration at Champlin Farm Preserve. Recently protected and opened to the public, this 90-acre preserve offers a beautiful landscape of quiet forest, flowing streams, and prime agricultural fields along the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River.
What is National Trails Day?
National Trails Day is a nationwide initiative established by the American Hiking Society to celebrate and protect the trails that connect us to nature and one another. It is a day to advocate for equitable trail access and to leave the land better than we found it. By joining us, you are part of a massive movement of hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the country who are coming together to honor our public lands and the trails that make them accessible.
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: Available on site
Restrooms: Please note that there are no restroom facilities available at this preserve

What to Bring:

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain, as this is a newer trail system
Reusable water bottle
Hiking stick or poles, if you use them

Historic Cemetery Hike
2026-06-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Step into history and explore one of WLT’s newest protected landscapes.

Join us for a guided hike and historic cemetery tour at Champlin Farm Preserve, led by WLT volunteer and Rhode Island Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter. Along the way, Larry will bring the past to life with stories, insights, and the hidden history behind the cemetery sites found on the property.
Located on Boombridge Road, Champlin Farm Preserve was permanently protected in October 2024 and spans 90.57 acres along the Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River. This beautiful landscape features a mix of forest, streams, and fertile farmland that has long supported crops and grazing—offering a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural history to discover.
Important Info:

Tours are recommended for adults
There are no restroom facilities available on site
Registration is required; spots are limited
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not yet member, which will be generously donated back to WLT by Larry.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE

What to Bring/Wear:

Be prepared for grassy and wooded terrain with sturdy footwear
Long pants and socks
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent
