The Westerly Land Trust

Spring Equinox Yoga Hike
2025-03-20 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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
