Mini BioBlitz
2023-08-05 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 13-29 Christian Hill Rd, 13-29 Christian Hill Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Calling all curious humans! Let’s get out there and find all the life that surrounds us, both small and large.

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many living species as possible. From fungi to trees, mammals to insects and everything in between, we will try to catch ‘em all, this time at WLT’s newest property, the Cottrell Family Preserve. This is a great opportunity to explore a new property and help WLT build our baseline data for these 21 acres along the Pawcatuck River filled with mountain laurel, a small meadow, wetlands, exposed ledge and riparian habitat.
This is a FREE, all-ages, all-abilities and family-friendly event – it doesn’t matter if you are an expert naturalist or have never stepped into the woods before. The event will be from 4pm to 8pm, but participants can arrive or leave any time they would like to.
There will be snacks and refreshments and a whole bunch of adventure! And thanks to our friends at the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, we will have canoes and kayaks to explore the river on!
There are some great tools out there besides field guides and experts that can help you identify all kinds of different species of plants and animals out there. Be sure to download apps like iNaturalist or Seek from the App Store. Play around with them and be sure to show up with a full battery! Click here to join the Cottrell Mini Bioblitz iNaturalist Project.
Any questions? Email Marc Doherty at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2023-10-05 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There
is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.
To sign up, contact the hike leader: David Prigmore, # (401)348-2855, and email:
d.bprigmore@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE:
o Ending times are estimated as it difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc.
o Please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
o If you would like to lead a hike for November through December just let Sally know the date and give her a blurb if she doesn’t have it.
o Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
o If you wish to bring a dog please contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. However, if a dog is present they must be leashed at all times.
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the third Saturday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Fungal Foray w/ RI Mycological Society
2023-10-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Explore the rich, mesic forest of Wahaneeta with WLT and the RI Mycological Society and discover the fungal biodiversity in our woods.

Fungal Foray w/ RI Mycological Society
Join us for a fascinating Fungal Foray with the RI Mycological Society! This event will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM (EDT). We will gather at Wahaneeta Preserve (118 Moorhouse Road, Westerly, RI 02891), where we’ll hit the woods and uncover the local fungal biodiversity.
Come and learn from experienced mycologists, meet fellow fungal freaks or spark new curiosity as we learn about different species, their ecological roles and significance. After we’ve spent some time exploring the woods, an expert from the RI Mycological Society will lead us through a table talk, sharing some of the discoveries and sharing some fungal knowledge.
This event is sure to bring in a great tribe of people, so be sure to join us! Come prepared to walk in the woods. Carpool if you can and be sure to bring your reuseable water bottle. There are outhouses, so no worries there!
See you there!

Click here to register!

Turkey Trot
2023-11-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
In celebration of Thanksgiving, the Thursday Hiking Group will meet on Friday, November 24 at Grills Preserve to walk off turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie. This event is free and open to everyone. If you’d like to attend, please notify hike leader Sally Hanson at 401-932-5295 or sallyhanson242@gmail.com.
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We should be able to see most of the popular attractions, including the Polly Coon Bridge, the Larkin Foundation dating from the 1660s, and views from Big Hill after a short but steep climb. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac at the end of Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.

Thursday Hike: Wahaneeta Preserve/Woody Hill Management Area, Westerly
2023-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This is a walking tour of the WLT’s Wahaneeta Preserve and a section of the adjoining Woody Hill Management Area. Parking will be available at Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorhouse Road, Westerly. The gate will be open; drive through the gate and park in the field at Wahaneeta.
To sign up please contact hike leader: Sheilia Beattie, 401-741-9240 and email: stb@threeblackdogs.com
Thursday hikes are FREE. Be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes.
PLEASE NOTE:

Hikes leave promptly.
Ending times are estimated as it difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc.
Please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
If you wish to bring a dog please contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. However, if a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.
For more information on Thursday hikes (including hikes not on WLT property) click here.

Thursday Hike: Barlow Nature Preserve
2023-12-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
We will first take a short ¾ mile hike in the woods around the farm. Then we will venture to the “Barlow 2” trail system just west of the farm. Here we will explore a white cedar grove and catch views of beaver lodges in McGowan Brook and Newton’s Marsh along just under two miles of trail.
To sign up, please contact hike leader: Marc Doherty, (508) 308-9787 (c) and email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
Thursday hikes are FREE. Be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes.
PLEASE NOTE:

Hikes leave promptly.
Ending times are estimated as it difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc.
Please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
If you wish to bring a dog please contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. However, if a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.
For more information on Thursday hikes (including hikes not on WLT property) click here.

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve, Bradford
2024-01-25 10:00 - 12:00
We will hike up one side of Big Hill and down the other, then proceed to the Polly Coon Bridge, cross over to Hopkinton Grills Sanctuary, up the hill and back down, before returning to the parking lot. The ups and downs will keep us warm. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: (401) 213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: Burlingame North, Charlestown
2024-02-01 10:00 - 12:30
This hike will be about 4.5 miles. It will take us on part of the Vin Gormley trail. There are lots of ups and downs, ledges, stone walls and streams. Meet at the gate on the north side of the Buckeye Brook Road, 1.9 miles east of its intersection with RI 216; and 0.8 miles west of the Shumankanuc Road intersection. N 41º 23.955’ W 71º 42.076’
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: (401) 213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: Mount Misery, Voluntown, CT
2024-02-08 10:00 - 12:30
Steep, but short climb up Mount Misery in first mile, then easier rolling hills. Nice ledge views from Mount Misery. Total hike is about 4 miles. Meet and park at Pachaug State Forest Chapman Area. Entrance to forest is off Route 49, 0.6 miles north of intersection with Routes 138/165. Once you turn left (coming from the south) into Pachaug State Forest, follow road 1 mile to an open field and park there. 41.593608, -71.867344
Leader: Jeff Walker Phone: 401-447-1879 Email: Jeffrey.walker@cox.net

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: Wahaneeta Preserve, Westerly
2024-02-15 10:00 - 11:30
We will start @ Wahaneeta Preserve. The preserve is on left side of Moorhouse Road off Dunns Corner-Bradford Road. Turn in at Trombino Fields sign.
Leader: David Prigmore Phone: (401)348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: King/ Benson Preserve
2024-02-22 10:00 - 12:00
For more information please contact hike leader.
Leader: Sally Hanson Phone: (h) (401) 348-9109, (c) (401) 932-5295
Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: Charlestown Moraine Preserve and Schoolhouse Pond Preserve, Charlestown
2024-02-29 10:00 - 13:00
Rain or snow cancels. A trail has been developed and blazed by the Conservation Commission covering the eastern portion of the Charlestown Moraine Preserve, which can be accessed from the parking lot. A trail through the western portion will be developed soon. This particular Moraine is called a terminal moraine and marks the areas where the advance of the ice left large deposits of soil, rock and gravel that was pushed or carried by the ice. The Moraine runs from Long Island to Narragansett and can be seen in Rhode Island From Westerly to Narragansett. The advancing ice scoured the rock and soil and formed ice pockets. When the ice receded, the material formed the outwash plain we see on the coast, basically south of Route 1. The edge of the advance comprised of rock and gravel is what we see north of Route 1 in many areas of Charlestown. Second growth oak and some birch, juniper and white pine, with an understory of fern beds, buckle berry and mountain laurel dominate the forest. The forest also supports a diversity of wildlife species including resident and migratory bat species. Schoolhouse Pond Preserve: This is a 93 acre property across from Burlingame Wildlife Management. The beautiful property consists of undeveloped frontage on pristine School House Pond plus 2.5 miles of hiking trails through hardwood and pine forest. From Rte 1 take Kings Factory Road north to parking lot on left. After hiking a loop here we will carpool 1.8 miles north to Schoolhouse Pond trail for another nice loop.
Co-Leaders: Sue & Geoff Sewall Phone: 401-377-2826 (h) Email: suemsew@gmail.com
Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2024-09-26 10:00 - 13:00
This property is part of the Westerly Land Trust’s Pawcatuck River Corridor Initiative. It consists
of 148 acres of woodland, rocky ridges and fresh water wetlands adjacent to the Pawcatuck River and
the Boy Scout Camp. It has interesting quarry remnants, river views and descent through a beautiful
gorge. Some climbing in rocky areas may be involved as the best views are from the higher
elevations. Meet on Old Hopkinton Road at the end of Boy Scout Drive. Please park along the road –
we will walk into the preserve from there.
Leader: Sally Hanson Phone: 401 932-5395 Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2024-10-10 10:00 - 12:00
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River
on clear, wide trails. We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There is a
gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing.
Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.
Hike Leader: Marc Doherty Phone: 508 308-9787 Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.

Thursday Hike: Cottrell Preserve
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:00
This is a WLT preserve. It is 21 acres which is boarded on the north by the Pawcatuck River and on
the south by the Westerly Ton Forest. It will be a moderate woods walk. It is within walking
distance of Flora Whitely Preserve at the Potter Hill bridge on Potter Hill Road. Parking is still
a challenge so we will meet at Flora Whitely Preserve.
Leader: David Progmore Phone:401348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.
