The Westerly Land Trust

Thursday Hike: Hoffman Evergreen Preserve, Stonington, CT
2022-10-13 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
This is an Avalonia Land Conservancy preserve. The trails offer beautiful scenery of evergreen and hardwood forests. A restoration project is underway to regenerate new growth and young forest patches where the old forest was dying due to disease drought, storm and insect damage. Expect to see brush piles of cut tree limbs created for wildlife, in addition to areas of dense vegetation of re-growing habitat. The area is crisscrossed by old stone walls, a colonial highway and stone structures of questionable age.
Directions: from Westerly: CT 2W (toward Norwich, CT), at traffic circle take 3rd exit onto CT 184W, turn right onto CT 201N (North Stonington Road), park on either side of road at trailhead.
To sign up please contact Hike Leader: Sally Hanson, (401) 348-9109 (h), (401) 932-5295 (c), Email sallyhanson242@gmail.com
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

Historic Cemetery Tour: UPDATE: PLEASE ARRIVE AT 4:30 PM
2022-10-18 16:30 - 18:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Part 3 Historic Cemetery Tour: Grills Preserve: Please arrive at 4:30 PM to park and assemble. Hike to cemetery will start by 4:45 PM.

There are nearly 100 historic burial grounds in Westerly, five of which are on Westerly Land Trust properties. In this series, we will be exploring three of these historic cemeteries. Join WLT and Larry Hunter, local commissioner of the Rhode Island Historic Cemetery Commission and member of Rediscovering History, Inc. for our third stop on the tour: Grills Preserve.
Larry will walk us through “Cemetery 101” (as he calls it), which explains orientation and types of headstones, the use of footstones and field stones, and the types of materials. We will also discuss the dos and don’ts of cemeteries, cleaning, maintenance, and restoration of stones. This historic cemetery is nestled in the woods. We will take a short hike on the trails that will lead us out to our last historic tour. Hike is 1 mile in and 1 mile out.
Tours are recommended for adults. Please prepare for being out in the grass and woods, and bring bug repellant and water. Sign up for one or all three tours as each burial ground offers its own unique characteristics. Each tour is FREE for WLT members and $10 for NON-members, which Larry Hunter has generously pledged to donate to WLT.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE. Joining us with a family member? Sign up for our family membership and get not only a discount on attending all three tours but also all our other monthly adventures!

Thursday Hike: Cottrell Family Preserve, Westerly
2022-10-20 | Cottrell Family Preserve, 13-29 Christian Hill Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Cottrell Family Preserve is new to the WLT so this will be our first visit with this group. Hike starts at 10 AM. Cottrell is 21 acres which is boarded on the north by the Pawcatuck River and on the south by the Westerly Town Forest. It will be a moderate woods walk. Preserve is within walking distance of Flora Whitely Preserve at the Potter Hill bridge on Potter Hill Road.
Parking– we will meet at Flora Whitely Preserve.
To sign up, please contact Hike Leader: David Prigmore, (401)348-2855, and email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

Thursday Hike: Tri-Town Forest Preserve, North Stonington, CT (East side, Rixtown Road entrance)
2022-10-27 09:30 - 12:00
Once again we will be hiking these trails with Carl who laid them out. The property straddles Griswold, North Stonington and Preston covering 527 acres. It is a well blazed trail system with diverse topography.
Directions from Westerly: Rt 2 West, to where Rt 201 cuts off to the right up the hill at traffic light (Cossaduck Hill Road). Follow Rte 201 towards Griswold and turn left onto Rixtown Road and look for entrance to TTF (if you reach Red Barn Road you have gone too far). OR take Exit 92 north from I-95 and continue on Route 2 West then follow above directions.
To sign up, please contact Hike Leader: Carl Tjerandsen, (860) 608- 7224 (c) and email: ctjerandsen@gmail.com
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

Thursday Hike: Native American Ceremonial Stonework at Wyassup Lake
2022-11-03 09:00 - 23:30
This is another hike for those interested in seeing some examples of Native American ceremonial stonework in the area. Having occupied New England for over 12,000 years, it is not unexpected that the indigenous peoples would have left traces behind of their lives in New England’s woods. This hike will leave from the boat launch parking lot at Wyassup Lake in North Stonington. While the length of the hike is relatively short, most of it will be off-trail, so be sure to bring hiking sticks and suitable shoes. It is in moderately difficult terrain, and will take about 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace as we stop to see and discuss the stonework along the way. Rain cancels the hike, but if unsure of the weather, you can text my number the morning of the hike after 6:00 AM to see if it is a go. We will leave 145 Wyassup Lake Road at the boat launch area at 9:00 AM.
To sign up, please contact Hike Leader: Markham Starr, telephone for text messages: 860-908-3870
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

Wine in the Woods- SOLD OUT
2022-11-05 13:30 - 16:00
The right pairing is important for any wine, and we think we’ve found just the right compliment!

Join us this November as The Westerly Land Trust pairs with Tapped Apple Winery, and Knead Doughnuts for our second Wine in the Woods! Bring your friends for a happy hour hike at Wahaneeta, followed by a wine and cider tasting in the woods while you study appleology among the oaks and enjoy Knead Doughnuts. Cheers to good friends, good trails and good wine!
This event is FREE for Westerly Land Trust members and $15 for non-members.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? Join our community and CLICK HERE.
Click the button below to sign up!
SIGN UP

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve, Bradford
2022-11-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
This walk will be about 3.5 miles long and is on WLT’s 500-acre preserve over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We will 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 198 Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.
Contact Hike Leader to sign up: Jeff Walker, 401-447-1879 and email: Jeffrey.walker@cox.net
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

Thursday Hike: Grills Wildlife Sanctuary, Hopkinton (222 Chase Hill Road)
2022-11-17 10:00 - 13:00
Approximately 5 miles, easy to moderate. The Hopkinton Land Trust trails follow the Pawcatuck River and Tomaquag Brook. We will cross the brook and hike to the Polly Coon Bridge that leads to the Westerly Land Trust Grills Preserve.
Directions: I-95 S, Exit 1 (which is Rte 3), to Rte 216 in Ashaway (this is a left hand turn), in about 2.5 miles at the intersection of Chase Hill Road is where we will meet.
Contact Co-Leaders to sign up: Sue & Geoff Sewall, 401-377-2826 (h) N 41° 24.647’ N W 71° 4581’
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

Turkey Trot at Riverwood Preserve, Westerly
2022-11-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving and all of the food has been eaten – what is there to do next? 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 and park on Old Hopkinton Road at the end of Boy Scout Drive. We will walk into the preserve from there.
To sign up, contact Hike Leader: Sally Hanson, (401) 348-9109 (h), (401) 932-5295 (c), and email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

Thursday Hike: Canonchet Brook Preserve, Hopkinton
2022-12-01 10:00 - 12:30
This walk will be on a 4.5 mile loop. We will pass a stone bridge, remains of a sawmill, old foundations, and glacial erratic’s. Terrain is rugged with hills and rocks.
Park at Canonchet Brook Preserve, 725 Main Street (Route 3), 0.7 mi southbound from I-95 Exit 2 connector (Woodville Alton Rd).
To sign up, contact Hike Leader: Jeff Walker, 401-447-1879 and email: Jeffrey.walker@cox.net
FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS
Fluorescent orange safety clothing is required during the hunting season statewide. To meet this requirement, hikers must 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. Fluorescent camouflage does not meet this requirement. The fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions.
Due to the coronavirus:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, 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.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.
