The Westerly Land Trust

Dine to Donate at Mario's Pizza
2025-04-22 08:00 - 2025-04-27 17:00 (America/New_York) | 61 Frienship Street, 61 Friendship Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Mario’s Northend Pizzaria has picked the Westerly Land Trust to benefit from a week-long Dine to Donate, just in time for Earth Day! From April 22 through April 27, treat yourself or your family to a yummy pizza dinner, and 10% of the profits will support WLT’s land conservation work. This applies to dine-in purchases only. Check out their menu at mariosnorthendpizza.com

Address: 61 Friendship St, Westerly, RI 02891

Serviceberry Book Club
2025-04-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
In partnership with Westerly Library & Wilcox Park and in celebration of Earth Day, please join us to discuss the book Serviceberry.

In partnership with the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, and as part of the Westerly Land Trust’s celebration of Earth Day, we invite you to join our Serviceberry Book Club.
You may be familiar with Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s 2013 book that blended Indigenous wisdom and scientific ecology. Serviceberry is her 2024 follow-up; it dives deeper into connections between Indigenous knowledge, ecology, and the natural world. Through storytelling, Kimmerer examines the lessons imparted by plants and ecosystems, especially the serviceberry, emphasizing reciprocity, healing, and the intertwined relationships between humans and nature.
We’re sharing this event now to give you ample time to read the book. If you don’t have a copy of Serviceberry, head to Westerly Library and Wilcox Park to pick one up (2nd floor, Reference Department). They have generously donated copies for the first 20 program participants.

For the day of the event, come prepared to discuss the book in the cozy Wahaneeta cabin. Then we’ll all go for a hike through the woods of Wahaneeta Preserve.

This event is NO COST
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Contact Erika with any questions — elebling@westerlylandtrust.org

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.

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.

Grow Your Own - Cutting Garden Workshop with Echo Rock Flowers
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Imagine stepping outside to your own garden, snips in hand, and cutting a bouquet of fresh, vibrant blooms for your home. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create and care for a manageable cut flower patch filled with stunning flowers that bloom all season long.
Join Echo Rock Flowers, for a hands-on gardening workshop designed to educate and inspire. You’ll be amazed by what you can grow in such a small area! We will guide you through creating your very own cutting garden – from seed to vase. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop will leave you equipped and excited to grow your own patch of beauty at home.
Click Here for More Info and to Register!
Stephanie is generously donating 10% of all workshop proceeds to support the Westerly Land Trust and our mission to conserve open space, revitalize significant properties, and provide environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community!

41st Annual Garden Market
2025-05-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Wilcox Park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Please join Westerly Library and Wilcox Park for their 41st Annual Garden Market Fair!
Wander through Wilcox Park to find everything from annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, organic vegetables, herbs, and accessories for purchase as well as tables with community nonprofit organizations, food, and music with The Westerly Band. Don’t forget to visit with the alpacas!
Click here for more information, including a list of vendors and a schedule of activities.

Outdoor Bootcamp
2025-05-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Sweat and move with us for a 1 hour outdoor bootcamp class led by Sarah Rocketto with BarreCoast. We will utilize our own body weight and resistance bands to increase intensity.
Bring your yoga mat, another mat or sheet/blanket to place underneath, and a bottle of water.
Winnapaug Farm Preserve is located off of Shore Road in Westerly. Take a left off Shore from Winnapaug Road. You will see the field ahead to your right. Approximately 1/4 mile down you will drive through the red gate and park where cars are lining up. You’ll be a few steps from where class will be held!

Advanced Registration Required.

Westerly Land Trust members, contact Erika Lebling
elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for reduced price registration of $10

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR OUTDOOR BOOTCAMP

Tree Canopy Open House
2025-05-28 17:00 - 18:30
At this Open House, learn more about the collaborative efforts of the Green Infrastructure Center and the Town of Westerly to add more trees to town for the purposes of reducing urban heat, mitigating flood damage, and improving community health.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28th from 5-6:30pm (free tour of Wilcox Park 6:30-7pm)
WHERE: Westerly Library, 44 Broad Street (Terrace Room, 3rd Floor)
Hosted By: The Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) in partnership with the Town of Westerly
Registration is recommended: tinyurl.com/r6axu2w8
Can’t make it? They’d still like to hear from you. Please fill out this survey: tinyurl.com/mwe23fnd

Beehive Check- Caring for Your Colony
2025-06-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Dive into the art of hive inspection with this practical, hands-on workshop designed for beekeepers of all experience levels.

Regular hive inspections are crucial to ensuring a healthy and productive colony, and this hands-on workshop will teach you the key techniques for thoroughly examining your hive. With expert guidance from Cail Calder of Westerbee honey, aka “The Beeman“, you’ll learn how to diagnose potential issues and make informed decisions to keep your bees thriving.
In this workshop, you’ll:

Get an in-depth look at how to properly open and inspect a beehive, including safety tips for working with bees;
Learn how to identify the queen, brood patterns, and honey stores, and how to assess colony health based on these indicators;
Understand how to spot signs of disease, pests, or other potential problems within the hive;
Practice recognizing the symptoms of common issues like mite infestations, queen failure, and hive overcrowding;
Gain skills in handling frames and using equipment such as smokers, hive tools, and protective gear;
Learn how to record your findings and track the progress of your colony over time;
Understand when and how to intervene with appropriate actions like mite treatments, adding new frames, or expanding the hive.

This event is second in a 3-part series. While Setting Up Your Hive (March 27) is not a required prerequisit for this event, it offers excellent background information. We invite you to register for all three–including the 3rd in the series: From Hive to Jar (August 21).
Who Should Attend:
This workshop is perfect for beginner to intermediate beekeepers who want hands-on experience in inspecting and maintaining healthy bee colonies. It is geared toward adults and high school students.
Materials:
Hives, tools, and frames will be provided, as well as a detailed guide for conducting your own future hive inspections.Participants are required to bring a suit and/or bee veil as we will be opening hives for inspection and discussion.
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).
Workshop is $15 per WLT member and $25.00 per non-member, which Cail generously pledged to donate to WLT. Registration is required; spots are limited.
This is the second in a three part workshop series. While each workshop can be attended independently, we invite you to consider registering for all three for the maximum impact.
Session 1: Setting Up Your Hive on March 27
Session 3: From Hive to Jar on August 21

Outdoor Summer Solstice Yoga
2025-06-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Come celebrate the summer solstice and the longest day of the year with a special outdoor yoga class led by Krystal Rose from BarreCoast.
Bring your yoga mat, another mat or sheet/blanket to place underneath, and a bottle of water.
Winnapaug Farm Preserve is located off of Shore Road in Westerly. Take a left off Shore from Winnapaug Road. You will see the field ahead to your right. Approximately 1/4 mile down you will drive through the red gate and park where cars are lining up. You’ll be a few steps from where class will be held!

Advanced Registration Required.

Westerly Land Trust members, contact Erika Lebling
elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for reduced price registration of $10

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER SOLSTICE YOGA

Summer Solstice Flower Crown Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2025-06-21 15:00 - 16:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Celebrate the magic of the longest day of the year with Echo Rock Flowers! Join our Summer Solstice Flower Crown Workshop to officially welcome the arrival of summer. Surrounded by the peace and serenity of our budding flower field, you’ll learn how to craft your own stunning flower crown with expert guidance. Whether you’re celebrating the season or simply looking for a creative escape, this workshop is the perfect way to rejoice in the solstice.
Click Here for More Info & to Sign Up!
Stephanie is generously donating 10% of all workshop proceeds to support the Westerly Land Trust and our mission to conserve open space, revitalize significant properties, and provide environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community!

Outdoor Yoga Flow
2025-07-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
If you’re looking for a special opportunity to connect breath to movement in the great outdoors, this is it!

Join Westerly Land Trust’s very own Lauren Barber, who is also a BarreCoast yoga instructor, for a one-hour outdoor yoga flow at the beautiful Winnapaug Farm Preserve.

Bring your yoga mat, another mat or sheet/blanket to place underneath, and a bottle of water.
Winnapaug Farm Preserve is located off of Shore Road in Westerly. Take a left off Shore from Winnapaug Road. You will see the field ahead to your right. Approximately 1/4 mile down you will drive through the red gate and park where cars are lining up. You’ll be a few steps from where class will be held!

Advanced Registration Required.

Westerly Land Trust members, contact Erika Lebling
elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for reduced price registration of $10

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR OUTDOOR YOGA FLOW

Date Night Picnic hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2025-07-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-08-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-08-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Join Echo Rock Flowers for a magical date night amongst the flowers!
Click Here for More Info & to Sign Up!
If you’re looking for a unique date night – a quiet escape where you can connect with your loved one – then keep reading.
Imagine this: you come to the farm and upon entering, you are offered a cold drink and your own picnic basket that has already been lovingly filled with tasty treats. You take in the beauty around as you choose your own table amongst the rows of flowers. At your table is a pre-picked bucket of flowers, 2 vases, and simple directions on how to make your own arrangement. Together you work on creating your floral designs as you sip your libation, snack on light refreshments and enjoy the serenity of the farm in the glow of a Summer evening.
Your Date Night includes:

1 drink per person (for 21+ your options include IPA, Light Lager, Rosé or white wine)
Infused-water station & seltzers for nonalcoholic options
2 Vases + Flowers for you to design with and take home. If you are a couple and/or family, perhaps you keep one arrangements at home and give the other away. If you are friends joining us, then you each get your own!
Refreshments for 2 packed in a picnic basket (*basket not included to take home, allergies accommodated – please list during checkout). Options include, but are not limited to – a charcuterie box, fresh fruit and veggies, croissants with whipped butter and a couple of sweet treats.

Yin Yoga and Sound Bath Journey
2025-08-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Outdoor Yin Yoga with Sound Bath at the Winnapaug Farm Preserve!

Join us for a tranquil journey of mind and body led by Jill Lyndes and Maddy McCann from BarreCoast. Explore the restorative power of YinYoga postures accompanied by sound.

Bring your yoga mat, another mat or sheet/blanket to place underneath, and a bottle of water.
Winnapaug Farm Preserve is located off of Shore Road in Westerly. Take a left off Shore from Winnapaug Road. You will see the field ahead to your right. Approximately 1/4 mile down you will drive through the red gate and park where cars are lining up. You’ll be a few steps from where class will be held!

Advanced Registration Required.

Westerly Land Trust members, contact Erika Lebling
elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for reduced price registration of $10

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR YIN YOGA AND SOUND BATH JOURNEY

From Hive to Jar
2025-08-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Are you ready to dive into the art of harvesting honey?

Join Cail Calder, aka “The Beeman“, of Westerbee honey for a sweet and informative workshop dedicated to the art of harvesting honey. Whether you’re a new beekeeper or a seasoned enthusiast, this hands-on session will guide you through the entire honey harvesting process—from knowing the perfect time to harvest to bottling your delicious liquid gold.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:

How to identify when your hive is ready for honey extraction;
The tools and equipment needed for a safe and effective harvest, including uncapping knives, extractors, and strainers;
Step-by-step instructions for removing honey-filled frames from the hive while maintaining colony health;
Techniques for uncapping the honeycomb and extracting honey with minimal mess;
How to filter and strain the honey to remove wax and debris;
Best practices for storing and preserving honey to ensure its flavor and quality;
Tips for understanding the different types of honey you may harvest based on the bees’ forage, and how to enhance its taste and appearance.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the skills and confidence to harvest honey like a pro!
This event is third in a 3-part series. While Setting Up Your Hive (March 27) and Beehive Check- Caring for your Colony (May 31) are not a required prerequisits for this event, they both offer excellent background information. We invite you to register for all three!
Who Should Attend: This workshop is perfect for beekeepers of all levels who are excited to learn about honey harvesting and want hands-on experience. It is geared toward adults and high school students.
Materials: All necessary tools for the extraction process will be provided, including frames, extractors, uncapping tools, and honey jars. You’ll also receive a guide to help you with your own future honey harvests. Participants are required to bring a suit and/or bee veil as we will be opening hives for inspection and discussion.
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).
Workshop is $15 per WLT member and $25.00 per non-member, which Cail generously pledged to donate to WLT. Registration is required; spots are limited.
This is the third in a three-part workshop series. While each workshop can be attended independently, we invite you to consider registering for all three for the maximum impact.
Session 1: Setting Up Your Hive, March 27
Session 2: Beehive Check: Caring for Your Colony, May 31

Floral Design Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2025-08-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Join Echo Rock Flowers this August for a floral design experience like no other! Surrounded by the vibrant beauty of our flower fields, you’ll learn the art of creating stunning compote centerpieces using fresh-picked blooms from our farm. Whether you’re a seasoned flower lover or a beginner eager to explore floral design, this workshop promises inspiration, creativity, and fun.
Click Here for More Info & to Sign Up!
Stephanie is generously donating 10% of all workshop proceeds to support the Westerly Land Trust and our mission to conserve open space, revitalize significant properties, and provide environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community!

RIWPS: First Thursday Botanizing Walk
2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
WLT is honored to have been invited to lead a Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (RIWPS) First Thursday Botanizing Walk on September 4.

Join WLT’s Land Stewardship Manager Marc Doherty as he leads a slow walk around the coastal grasslands, shrublands, and salt marsh at WLT’s founding property, Avondale Farm Preserve. Avondale Farm is a mixed-use site, where restored native grassland sits alongside a certified-organic hayfield. The walk will begin around the grassland areas, work its way through some shrubland, and finish in the salt marsh at the top of Colonel Willie Cove. Marc will share information on plant identification, some of their uses and ecological roles, and discuss how WLT manages these ecosystems, including their goals, successes, and challenges.

During the grassland tour, expect to see a mix of ecotypic and non-ecotypic species, including wild senna, Joe-Pye weed, New England aster, and New York ironweed, and grasses like indiangrass, big bluestem, and eastern gamagrass. The group will then weave through a shrubland composed of winged sumac, bayberry, wild grape, and numerous invasive shrubs, leading to a salt marsh. A short venture out onto the marsh platform during low tide will reveal native and invasive salt marsh grasses and wildflowers such as salt marsh aster and sea lavender.

Come share your enthusiasm and knowledge. Beginners to experts welcome!
This walk is free and open to the public. Donations to help support Rhode Island Wild Plant Society walks are appreciated. Donate Now to the RIWPS
If you would like to make a donation to the Westerly Land Trust, click here!
General walk guidelines
Wear clothing and sturdy footwear appropriate for the weather conditions and for protection against sun exposure, ticks and other insects, briers, tree root etc. Bring a sufficient supply of water and nourishment for your needs.
Dogs are not permitted.
Cancellations
Should you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible. office@riwps.org
We walk light rain or shine. In case of cancellations due to poor weather conditions, we will email you. We tend to wait until the day before the walk to make this call as weather forecasts can be changeable.
Registration is required
The number of participants is limited to maximize the ability for everyone to observe the plants and participate in the conversation.
Note: Only one person can register at a time. To register a second person, just repeat the process.
More specific location of the walk is provided upon registration.

Click Here to Register!

Wahaneeta 5K Trail Run- Westerly Track & Athletic Club
2025-09-13
Start times
8:00am: Registration opens
9:00am: 5K race starts
Course Description
The terrain of the course is entirely dirt trails, with some technical single-track. In order to minimize bunching up at the race start, the course will first run across a short grass field before continuing on double-track for approximately one-half mile. Most of the rest of the course will be on single-track and include challenges such as stream crossings on narrow wooden bridges, hills, and rock gardens. During the course of the race, you will cross streams multiple times, with most but not all having bridge crossings. The course is very spectator friendly, as the start/finish is in the same area, and during the course of the race runners will pass through the start/finish area twice before finishing. Runners and walkers are welcome.
Location
5K course starting and finishing at Wahaneeta Preserve. Purchased by the Westerly Land Trust in 2012, this is a 72-acre conservation property that was run as “Camp Wahaneeta” by the Girl Scouts of RI from 1941 to 1996.
Requirement
Each participant and volunteer must wear at least 200 square inches of orange. Anyone not wearing orange will not be allowed to race per State of RI DEM mandate.
For more information and/or to sign up click HERE.

Date Night Picnic hosted by Echo Rock Flowers (Dahlia Focus)
2025-09-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Join Echo Rock Flowers for a magical date night amongst the flowers!
Click Here for More Info & to Sign Up!
If you’re looking for a unique date night – a quiet escape where you can connect with your loved one – then keep reading.
Imagine this: you come to the farm and upon entering, you are offered a cold drink and your own picnic basket that has already been lovingly filled with tasty treats. You take in the beauty around as you choose your own table amongst the rows of flowers. At your table is a pre-picked bucket of flowers, 2 vases, and simple directions on how to make your own arrangement. Together you work on creating your floral designs as you sip your libation, snack on light refreshments and enjoy the serenity of the farm in the glow of a Summer evening.
Your Date Night includes:

1 drink per person (for 21+ your options include IPA, Light Lager, Rosé or white wine)
Infused-water station & seltzers for nonalcoholic options
2 Vases + Flowers for you to design with and take home. If you are a couple and/or family, perhaps you keep one arrangement at home and give the other away. If you are friends joining us, then you each get your own!
Refreshments for 2 packed in a picnic basket (*basket not included to take home, allergies accommodated – please list during checkout). Options include, but are not limited to – a charcuterie box, fresh fruit and veggies, croissants with whipped butter and a couple of sweet treats.

Fall Equinox Yoga on the Farm
2025-09-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a special outdoor yoga class with Krystal Rose from BarreCoast as we celebrate the fall equinox!

Bring your yoga mat, another mat or sheet/blanket to place underneath, and a bottle of water.
Winnapaug Farm Preserve is located off of Shore Road in Westerly. Take a left off Shore from Winnapaug Road. You will see the field ahead to your right. Approximately 1/4 mile down you will drive through the red gate and park where cars are lining up. You’ll be a few steps from where class will be held!

Advanced Registration Required.

Westerly Land Trust members, contact Erika Lebling
elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for reduced price registration of $10

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR OUTDOOR FALL EQUINOX YOGA

Trail Blazing for Girl Scouts: Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors
2025-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the great outdoors! This exciting, hands-on program helps Girl Scouts work towards or earn their Trail Adventure and Environmental Stewardship badges by diving deep into the world of trail reading, tree identification, and native plant knowledge. Girl Scouts will learn essential hiking skills, including how to read trail maps, follow trail markers, and plan safe and enjoyable hikes. Along the way, they’ll discover how to identify common trees and local plant species using field guides and observation techniques. With a focus on outdoor safety, environmental awareness, and nature appreciation, this program encourages scouts to become confident, capable stewards of the natural world. $10 Per Participant, open to Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.
Click Here to Sign Up

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/

Trail Blazing for Girl Scouts: Juniors, Daisies, and Brownies
2025-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the great outdoors! This exciting, hands-on program helps Girl Scouts work towards or earn their Trail Adventure and Environmental Stewardship badges by diving deep into the world of trail reading, tree identification, and native plant knowledge. Girl Scouts will learn essential hiking skills, including how to read trail maps, follow trail markers, and plan safe and enjoyable hikes. Along the way, they’ll discover how to identify common trees and local plant species using field guides and observation techniques. With a focus on outdoor safety, environmental awareness, and nature appreciation, this program encourages scouts to become confident, capable stewards of the natural world. $10 Per Participant, open to Juniors, Daisies, and Brownies.
Click Here to Sign Up

Birdability Week 2025
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-26
The Westerly Land Trust is proud to partner with Birdability, a national nonprofit dedicated to making birding accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for people with disabilities and other health concerns. Please read on for more information about their 6th Annual Birdability Week.
Birdability Week 2025 Celebrates Accessible and Inclusive Birding in Rhode Island & Nationwide
October 20–26, 2025 | Theme: You Belong Here

In addition to a full schedule of virtual events open to participants nationwide, for the first time Birdability in Rhode Island has partnered with Rhode Island Audubon, Ocean State Bird Club, South Kingstown Land Trust, and Westerly Land Trust in to offer accessible local programs across the state. Registration for all events is now open; details can be found below.
This year’s event theme, “You Belong Here,” affirms that birding is for everybody and every body. Birdability Week highlights the joy, sense of belonging, and community ties that result from ensuring all people can share in the beauty of birds and the outdoors.
A Growing Movement for Access and Belonging
Birdability Week was created to uplift disabled birders, spark conversations about accessibility, and encourage action. It has become a cornerstone of Birdability’s mission to ensure that everyone can access the mental health benefits, community, and joy that birding provides.
“Birdability Week is more than a celebration — it’s a movement,” said Cat Fribley, Executive Director of Birdability. “Our lineup was shaped by the leadership of Birdability Captains, volunteer leaders who know firsthand the barriers and opportunities in outdoor spaces. Together, we are proving that birding truly is for every body and every mind.”
Event Schedules
Rhode Island

Monday, October 20 9am & 11am Weeden Farm, Matunuck – South Kingstown Land Trust Gator (the John Deere kind, not the reptile) tour: Join small group riding birding tours of the property – Registration
Monday, October 20 3:30-4:30pm Merino Park, Providence – Audubon Society of Rhode Island – Accessible Bird Walk, Registration
Monday, October 20 7-8:30pm Virtual event available nationwide hosted by a RI Captain Jayme Boucher, This is Your Brain on Birds: A Conversation About Pain with Dr. Rachel Zoffness: Explore how our a pain scientist, clinician, and international author’s insights can help people with chronic pain live fuller, more connected lives on and off the birding trail (note: This event will NOT be recorded, so make sure to join us live!) – Registration
Tuesday, October 21 7:30-9:30am Beavertail State Park, Jamestown – Ocean State Bird Club Little Bird Sit: Stationary birding in a beautiful, peaceful place – Registration
Tuesday, October 21 1:30-4:30pm Bristol Nature Center – Audubon Society of Rhode Island – Sensory Friendly Hours an opportunity for people with sensory processing sensitivities to discover the Nature Center in a quiet environment – Registration
Tuesday, October 21 7-8:30pm Virtual event available nationwide but presented in Rhode Island Car Birding in Rhode Island and Beyond: Take your car birding to the next level as we review how to get started, discuss tools, and how to find product car birding spots. – Registration
Wednesday, October 22 9-11am Colt State Park, Bristol – Audubon Society of Rhode Island – Accessible Bird Walk, Registration
Wednesday, October 22 9am-noon Hale House, Matunuck – South Kingstown Land Trust, Little Bird Sit: Stationary birding in a beautiful, peaceful place – Registration
Thursday, October 23 20 9am & 11am Weeden Farm, South Kingstown Land Trust
Gator tour: Small group riding birding tours of the property – Registration
Friday, October 24 7:30-9am Roaring Brook Accessible Trail, Exeter – Ocean State Bird Club – Accessible Bird Walk, Registration
Friday, October 24 9-10am Bristol Nature Center, Bristol – Audubon Society of Rhode Island – Little Bird Sit, Registration
Saturday, October 25 7:30-9am Calf Pasture Bike Path, Quonset -Ocean State Bird Club – Accessible Bird Walk Registration
Saturday, October 25 2-4pm Avondale Farm – Westerly Land Trust Forest Bathing & Birding: Group sit guided by a certified Forest Bathing leader – Registration

Virtual Events
Birdability Week 2025 offers a robust lineup of virtual programs, accessible from anywhere and available to beginners and enthusiasts alike:

Monday, October 20 through Sunday October 26 (Each morning at 10 a.m. ET)
Virtual Birding: the Birdability community will gather on Instagram Live every morning during Birdability Week for virtual birding, beginning with Tammah Watts, author and host of Mindful Monday Meditations with the Birds.
Tuesday, October 21, 3:00pm ET
Accessibility in Conservation Panel: Hear from Birdability Captains from our Birdability Captains Conservation Corps who work as park rangers, Nature Center educators, Audubon Center managers, and other conservation professionals committed to advancing access and inclusion.. – Registration
Wednesday, October 22, 7:00pm ET
Birding and Belonging: A Panel About Accessible Birding While Using a Wheelchair: Join Birdability’s Founder and Captains from across the country for a conversation about what makes birding truly accessible for them as wheelchair users. – Registration
Thursday, October 23, 2:00pm ET
Social Safety Workshop by Field Inclusive: Everyone deserves a safe and inclusive fieldwork environment, and this workshop aims to raise awareness of these risks and to provide strategies to make natural resource fields supportive, safe, and inclusive environments for all field professionals. (note: this workshop is limited to the first 50 participants who register and will NOT be recorded.) – Registration
Thursday, October 23, 7:00pm ET
Bird-a-Thons and Belonging: Stories from the Blind Birder Community: Discover how a shared love of birds can unite people across borders and experiences. The Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon brings together blind and low-vision birders for a celebration of birds, connection, joy, and community. – Registration
Friday, October 24, 7:00pm ET
Accessible Nature Journaling Workshop: A fun and welcoming nature journaling session that is open to everyone, whether you’re indoors or outside… no art or journaling experience needed – Registration
Saturday & Sunday, October 25–26 follow @Birdability social accounts for details
Bird(ability) Your Way! Weekend: a nationwide invitation to bird, however it works best for you -whether it’s a “big sit,” car birding, listening for backyard birds, alone, or with a group at an accessible outing. We will share photos and sightings from these events to help build community and awareness of the incredible diversity of birders. Tag us on social media @birdability or send your observations to cat@birdability.org to be included in our round-up of Bird(ability) Your Way community!
Saturday, October 25, 4:00pm ET
You Belong Here: Joy, Belonging & Community Through Birding with Dexter Patterson: Celebrate the joy of birding and the power of belonging through stories, laughter, and a deep love for birds – Registration
Sunday, October 26, 4:00pm ET
Birdability Week Celebration + Photo/Video Contest Winners Announced: We’ll highlight the joy and creativity of our community by announcing the winners of the Offbeat Photo & Video Contest, sharing their submissions, and honoring the many ways disabled birders and allies are making birding more inclusive. – Registration

Registration for all virtual events is free and open now at www.birdability.org/birdability-week.
The Birdability Week Map is available to help those interested identify opportunities to bird in their community.
Sponsors and Partners
Birdability Week 2025 is made possible through the generous support of more than 20 organizations, businesses, and individuals, whose sponsorship sustains both this celebration and Birdability’s year-round work advancing accessibility and belonging in birding.
About Birdability
Birdability is a nonprofit working to share the joys of birding with people who have disabilities, chronic illness, and other health concerns, while creating a culture of inclusion, equity, and access in the birding community and beyond. With a network of more than 130 volunteer Birdability Captains, the crowdsourced Birdability Map (developed with National Audubon Society’s GIS team), and year-round outreach and education programs, Birdability connects thousands of people to birds, to nature, and to each other.
Learn more at www.birdability.org.
For media inquiries, to request interviews, or to learn about Rhode Island’s Birdability Week events, please contact Barbara Seith, Rhode Island Birdability Captain at barbaraseith@gmail.com

Grills Trail Race 10M and 10K- Westerly Track & Athletic Club
2025-10-25 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Start times
9:00am: Check-in and bib pick-up opens
10:00am: 10M and 10K races start
Course Description
Both courses showcase Grills Preserve in Westerly, and the 10-Mile course also features beautiful trails, bridges, and riverfront in the Grills Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton. The course is a mix of about 80% single-track and 20% double-track.
Location
Both courses start and finish at Grills Preserve, Westerly. Due to parking limitations, carpooling is encouraged and registration will be capped at 100 runners.
Requirement
Each participant and volunteer must wear at least 200 square inches of orange. Anyone not wearing orange will not be allowed to race per State of RI DEM mandate.
For more information and/or to sign up click HERE.

The Dahlia Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Dig, Divide, and Store: An End-of-Season Dahlia Workshop
Imagine stepping into the world of Dahlia care with confidence and skill! This October, join Echo Rock Flowers for a hands-on workshop dedicated to preparing your Dahlias for the winter and ensuring they thrive next season. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to care for your Dahlia tubers at the end of their growing season.
Click Here for More Info & to Sign Up!
Stephanie is generously donating 10% of all workshop proceeds to support the Westerly Land Trust and our mission to conserve open space, revitalize significant properties, and provide environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community!

Nature Journaling Workshop
2025-11-15 09:30 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Slow down. Look closer. Connect with nature.

Discover the joy of nature journaling—a fun, informal way to explore the outdoors using words, pictures, and numbers. Inspired by the practices of John Muir Laws and the Wild
Wonder Foundation, our group, welcomes all ages and experience levels. No artistic skill required!
Why Join?

Deepen your connection to the natural world
Boost curiosity, mindfulness, and appreciation for the environment
Reduce stress through quiet observation
Learn about plants, animals, and landscapes in a creative, personal way
Document your outdoor experiences in a meaningful way

What to Bring:

Wear flourescent orange hat and/or vest
A notebook or sketchbook
Pens or pencils
Optional: colored pencils, markers, binoculars, magnifying glass
Something light and portable to sit on (e.g. a small camp chair, folding stool, or cushion) to make your time journaling outdoors more comfortable.

Led by Jonah Salsich, a Westerly resident and experienced elementary teacher of over 18 years, who is also an amateur naturalist and artist. After discovering the power of nature journaling, he has blended his passions for teaching, observing, and creating into a practice that sparks wonder and connection. With experience in both journaling and leading nature journaling workshops, he is excited to invite others on this rewarding journey.
This is a relaxed, no-pressure group. We’re here to share inspiration, spend time outdoors, and grow our sense of wonder together—one page at a time.
Parking is available in the field at Wahaneeta Preserve. Turn in at the sign for Trombino Ball Field, follow the dirt road past the fields, and stay to the left. Continue left past the Wahaneeta sign and up through the dirt parking lot. Stay left as you go through the gate and park in the field.
Cost: $10 for WLT members and $25 for non-members. Jonah is generously donating a portion of the proceeds to the Westerly Land Trust to support our conservation efforts. Not a member but would like to become one? Click here to become a WLT member today.
This workshop is geared toward ages 18 and up, but don’t be afraid to channel your inner child, come curious! Registration is required!
