Fall Equinox Yoga on the Farm
2025-09-22 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

Dried Flower Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2025-11-30 15:00 - 16:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Winter Ornament Workshop
Celebrate the season with a festive and creative Winter Ornament Workshop! Join Echo Rock Flowers for a cozy afternoon in our conference room, surrounded by the warmth of holiday cheer, as we craft unique ornaments using our beautiful dried flowers. This workshop is the perfect way to make heartfelt gifts for loved ones or to create something special for your own holiday decorations.
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!

Valentine Trellis Class with Plants by the Village
2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join the Westerly Land Trust and Plants by the Village to make a unique heart-shaped Valentine Trellis!

Celebrate Valentine’s season with a hands-on Heart Trellis Planting Class, where creativity meets community 🌿❤️
In this guided workshop, you’ll plant a String of Hearts and train it to grow along a heart-shaped trellis—a beautiful living piece that’s perfect for your home or as a meaningful gift. The heart trellis is pre-made and included in the class; your focus will be planting, wrapping, and styling your plant for long-term growth.
This class is relaxed and beginner-friendly, with step-by-step instruction and all materials provided. You’ll leave with a planted and styled String of Hearts ready to thrive.
Giving Back:
Of the $65 class fee, $10 from each ticket will be donated to the Westerly Land Trust to support the preservation of local open spaces and natural habitats.
Create something lovely, enjoy a cozy creative experience, and support a wonderful local cause—all in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
💝 Ticket Price: $65
🌱 Includes: String of Hearts plant, heart-shaped trellis, planting materials, instructions, and a $10 donation to Westerly Land Trust

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

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

Is a River Alive Book Club
2026-04-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, 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 “Is a River Alive?”.

In partnership with Westerly Library & Wilcox Park, and in celebration of Earth Day, join us for a discussion of Robert Macfarlane’s book Is A River Alive?
The Library has generously donated copies of the book for the first 10 participants. If you’re interested in a copy, please email Erika at elebling@westerlylandtrust.org. You can also check out a copy through the consortium with your library card.
For the day of the event, come prepared to discuss the book, then we’ll all go for a hike through the woods of Riverwood Preserve.
Things to Know

This event is NO COST
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.
Outhouses are located at the trailhead

Contact Erika with any questions — elebling@westerlylandtrust.org

For the Love of Trees: An Arbor Day Celebration with Westerly Library and Wilcox Park
2026-04-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, Auditorium, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Westerly Library and Wilcox Park joined by The Westerly Friends Meeting and The Westerly Land Trust that present an Arbor Day celebration featuring music and entertainment with Frank Pendola and John Roarke. Deirdre O’Connor of the Westerly Land Trust will describe the programs and events families can participate in. She will also speak about how the Westerly Land Trust is helping the tree canopy of Westerly. Poetry reading by Mark Diekmann. Arborist, Ashley Ravo, will share how to care for our trees.
Cookies provided by the Westerly Friends Meeting. Entertainment in the Auditorium from 10 am-12 pm followed by a ceremonial tree planting in Wilcox Park from 12 pm-12:30 pm.
Children ages 6-10 are encouraged to join in the fun.
Take a tree home and do your part to increase our tree canopy! Free tree saplings will be given away in the park.
Click Here to Sign Up

Please note:

Westerly Library & Wilcox Park staff often take photos and recordings during programs and events, which may be used in publicity and marketing. If you do not wish to have your photo used, please contact a Westerly Library & Wilcox Park staff member to let us know and we will make every effort to honor that request.

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

Grow Your Own - The Cutting Garden Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | 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 with what you can grow in such a small area! We will guide you through the process of 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 information and to sign up for the workshop.
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!
Stephanie Bennett is the proud owner and operator of Echo Rock Flowers in Westerly, RI. She has been growing specialty cut flowers for retail markets since 2019 and works hard to offer fresh, unique, and sustainably-grown local flowers to her customers. Her operation began in the garden at the Barlow Nature Preserve and she has since expanded and continues to grow.
Her operation is seasonal, running primarily from April until October. She offers bouquet subscriptions (Spring, Summer, and Dahlia) that sell out every year with people on the waitlist! You can also find her whimsical farm bouquets at Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, William Wright & Co., The Cheese Corner, and the Farm Stand at Barlow. Follow along on Instagram @echo_rock_flowers or visit her website at www.echorockflowers.com

42nd Annual Garden Market Fair
2026-05-17 09:00 - 14:00 | westerly library and wilcox park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Please join Westerly Library and Wilcox Park for their 42nd Annual Garden Market Fair! Make sure to stop by Westerly Land Trust’s table to say hi and learn more about us!
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!
For inquiries or vendor opportunities, please contact Park Superintendent Alan Peck at x334 or apeck@westerlylibrary.org.
Please see below for an up-to-date list of participating vendors and community organizations!
Plant and Nature:

Berry Island Dahlias
Berry Island Soap Company
Earth Essence Herbals
Growing Hope Farm
Hallene Farm

Nonprofits:

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Literacy Volunteers of Washington County
RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) – Composting & vermicomposting
The Westerly Band
Westerly Land Trust
Westerly Village-The Village Common RI

Food:

Westerly High School Culinary Team

Please note:

Westerly Library & Wilcox Park staff often take photos and recordings during programs and events, which may be used in publicity and marketing. If you do not wish to have your photo used, please contact a staff member to let us know and we will make every effort to honor that request.

NEMBA Adventure Series: Woody Hill Fun Ride
2026-06-28 09:00 - 13:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Presented by Rhode Island NEMBA
Please note: This event is hosted by our partners at Rhode Island NEMBA in and around Westerly Land Trust preserves. All inquiries, registration, and proceeds go directly to RI NEMBA.

Overview
It’s Summertime and the living is easy! Come live out the dog days at Woody Hill for 3 fantastic, easy to follow, arrowed loops for all skill levels. Woody Hill showcases some of the best hand-built trails in New England!
Registration

Preregistration is strongly encouraged. This event sells out every year.
Click HERE to register and learn more information about the event.
Schedule

Registration/Check in 9:00AM
Arrows down: 1:00 PM

Contact:
Rhode Island NEMBA at rhodeisland@nemba.org

Date Night Picnic hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-07-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-15 18:00 - 19:30 | 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 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.

Wonder Walk
2026-08-12 10:00 - 11:00 | WildRoots, Dunns Corners Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.
August’s Wonder Walk is located at WildRoots off Dunn’s Corners Rd. This program offers a special opportunity to help WildRoots create a whimsical fairy village. As we explore their trails, children will gather fallen natural materials—such as twigs, pinecones, acorn caps, bark, leaves, and stones—and use their imagination to design and create. This creative activity encourages children to see the beauty and possibilities within nature while practicing respectful stewardship.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Details regarding parking and address will be sent via Eventbrite email prior to program.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Summer Bounty Floral Design Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-08-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Celebrate the height of the growing season with an immersive, hands-on floral design experience set right in the fields of Echo Rock Flowers
In this workshop, guests will learn the fundamentals of garden-inspired floral design while creating a lush, seasonal centerpiece using flowers harvested at their absolute peak. We’ll begin with a design demonstration covering color balance, movement, mechanics, and how to work with the natural shapes of summer blooms. From there, you’ll begin your own creative design as you enjoy light refreshments and the company of fellow enthusiasts.
This workshop is perfect for flower lovers of all experience levels – whether you’re brand new to floral design or simply want to slow down and create with beautiful, locally grown flowers.
Click HERE for more information and to sign up for the workshop.
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!
Stephanie Bennett is the proud owner and operator of Echo Rock Flowers in Westerly, RI. She has been growing specialty cut flowers for retail markets since 2019 and works hard to offer fresh, unique, and sustainably-grown local flowers to her customers. Her operation began in the garden at the Barlow Nature Preserve and she has since expanded and continues to grow.
Her operation is seasonal, running primarily from April until October. She offers bouquet subscriptions (Spring, Summer, and Dahlia) that sell out every year with people on the waitlist! You can also find her whimsical farm bouquets at Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, William Wright & Co., The Cheese Corner, and the Farm Stand at Barlow. Follow along on Instagram @echo_rock_flowers or visit her website at www.echorockflowers.com

Date Night Picnic hosted by Echo Rock Flowers (Dahlia focus)
2026-09-19 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA

Fungal Foray
2026-10-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, 5 Kettle Close, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join Denison Pequitsepos Nature Center and Westerly Land Trust 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 Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park during this program.
Important Info:

Participants will meet at Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, 5 Kettle Cl, in Westerly, RI.
This program is for adults and older, interested children. Advanced registration required.
There is no cost to attend this program
Restrooms are not available on site; the closest is at Stop & Shop

Click HERE to register!

WTAC Grills Trail Race 10K and 10M
2026-10-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Presented by Westerly Track & Athletic Club, with a special thank-you to the Westerly and Hopkinton Land Trust for allowing us to host on their properties.
Location: Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Bradford, RI
Start times:
9:00am: Check-in and bib pick-up opens
10:00am: 10M and 10K races start
Race cut-off time: Out of respect for volunteers’ time, our cutoff for the 10-mile course is 2 hours 30 minutes (15 minute/mile pace). Beyond this time, we do not have a guarantee of support, recording a finishing time, food, etc. If you have not reached the half-way water stop by 11:30am, we ask that you turn around and follow the dirt road road back one mile to the start.
Walkers are welcome at all of our events; HOWEVER, in consideration of our volunteers’ time, we respectfully ask walkers to choose the shorter 10K course.
Race format: Mass simultaneous start for both 10-Mile and 10K start. Course split at 1-mile. Not providing race shirts will keep our costs (and yours) lower. We will use our own timing instead of professional chip timing. This will keep the race logistics easier and less expensive, and accordingly, your entry fees will also be LOW!
Location: Both courses start and finish at Grills Preserve, Westerly.
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.
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.
Entry fees:
– Early registration (up to Oct 4): $23 adults, $18 age 18 and under
– Regular registration (Oct 5 – 23): $30 adults, $25 age 18 and under
– Race day registration (Oct 24): $35 adults, $30 age 18 and under
$5 discount to all WTAC members; $2 to all Mohegan Striders
Awards:
Awards to overall M/F finishers, plus top 1 in each M/F age group:
19 and under, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Note awards will be low cost and more of a fun nature.
Food (including pizza truck) and refreshments are served post-race for participants. Strollers and dogs prohibited on the course.
For more info, contact info@westerlytrackclub.org or (401) 447-1879 .

The Dahlia Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-11-01 13:00 - 15:30 | 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 November, 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 information and to sign up for the workshop.
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!
Stephanie Bennett is the proud owner and operator of Echo Rock Flowers in Westerly, RI. She has been growing specialty cut flowers for retail markets since 2019 and works hard to offer fresh, unique, and sustainably-grown local flowers to her customers. Her operation began in the garden at the Barlow Nature Preserve and she has since expanded and continues to grow.
Her operation is seasonal, running primarily from April until October. She offers bouquet subscriptions (Spring, Summer, and Dahlia) that sell out every year with people on the waitlist! You can also find her whimsical farm bouquets at Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, William Wright & Co., The Cheese Corner, and the Farm Stand at Barlow. Follow along on Instagram @echo_rock_flowers or visit her website at www.echorockflowers.com

Dried Flower Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-11-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Winter Ornament Workshop
Celebrate the season with a festive and creative Winter Ornament Workshop! Join Echo Rock Flowers for a cozy afternoon in our conference room, surrounded by the warmth of holiday cheer, as we craft unique ornaments using our beautiful dried flowers. This workshop is the perfect way to make heartfelt gifts for loved ones or to create something special for your own holiday decorations.
Enjoy the holiday spirit with Christmas music, warm cider, and cookies while you craft. Stations will be set up with all the materials you need to create three stunning ornaments, including thick wire, dried flowers, ribbon, hot glue guns, and scissors. Each participant will also receive a labeled to-go box to neatly carry their ornaments home.
Click HERE for more information and to sign up for the workshop.
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!
Stephanie Bennett is the proud owner and operator of Echo Rock Flowers in Westerly, RI. She has been growing specialty cut flowers for retail markets since 2019 and works hard to offer fresh, unique, and sustainably-grown local flowers to her customers. Her operation began in the garden at the Barlow Nature Preserve and she has since expanded and continues to grow.
Her operation is seasonal, running primarily from April until October. She offers bouquet subscriptions (Spring, Summer, and Dahlia) that sell out every year with people on the waitlist! You can also find her whimsical farm bouquets at Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, William Wright & Co., The Cheese Corner, and the Farm Stand at Barlow. Follow along on Instagram @echo_rock_flowers or visit her website at www.echorockflowers.com
