The Westerly Land Trust

Early Spring Birding Walk
2025-05-02 07:30 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Bring your binoculars and curiosity to explore Avondale Farm for migratory birds!

Birds migrating through Westerly in early spring should be on display at the Farm. Join avid birder, Barbara Seith for this fairly accessible walk/adventure – we will walk around the paved loop and then venture into the bramble to the north of the main field. Bring binoculars & your curiosity. Appropriate for all ages.

This event is the second in a 2-part birding series. While Spring Birding in Westerly is not a prerequisite for this hike, it offers excellent background information. We invite you to register for both!
NO COST for WLT members and $10 for non-members, which Barbara has generously pledged to donate to WLT.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Location/parking: Avondale Farm, park at Quail Run entrance

Historic Cemetery Hike
2025-05-07 17:30 - 19:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Honor “Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks” with WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner, Larry Hunter.

Join WLT Land Stewardship Manager Marc Doherty and WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter for a hike and historic cemetery tour at Grills Preserve. We will start our adventure on the Blue Trail, continue along the dyke and the Pawcatuck River with a stop at the Polly Coon Bridge for a scenic overlook that stretches over the river and connects WLT Grills Preserve to Hopkinton Grills Preserve. Then we’ll venture on to Clark Hiscox Lot where Larry will show ongoing conservation and preservation work in the cemetery. Bring along your camera and some water and a little snack.

Tours are recommended for adults.
This event is third in a 3-part series. While Cemetery 101 (April 22) and the Historic Cemetery Tour (April 30) are not required prerequisits for this hike, they both offer excellent background information. We invite you to register for all three!
Please prepare for being out in the grass and woods, and bring bug repellant and water.
No Cost for WLT members and $10 for not-yet-members, which Larry has generously pledged to donate to WLT.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

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

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

Birdability Week 2025
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-26 | RI
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

Active Hope: Emotional Support for Eco-grief
2026-06-03 16:30 - 18:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Eco-grief, or climate anxiety, are terms to describe our emotional responses to climate change and environmental loss.

This Active Hope workshop will include a mix of group practices, journaling and one-on-one discussion to honor our pain for the world. The practices that will be used are steeped in the teachings of The Work That Reconnects, an intentional framework for helping individuals and communities work through grief together and emerge refreshed and empowered!
The Westerly Land Trust is honored to host Zoë Hanley for this important and timely workshop exploring the emotional impacts of climate change and environmental loss.
About Zoë
Zoë Hanley, PhD, is a wildlife ecologist and facilitator for The Work That Reconnects (WTR). She is the Associate Science Director for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon and also offers workshops and retreats drawing from WTR teachings and deep ecology, using experiential and interactive processes, art, bird language and wildlife tracking to support emotional resilience for conservationists and communities. Zoë was born and raised in Rhode Island and loves returning to the New England coast for quality time with family and friends.
Important Info:

This workshop is geared towards college students and adults
Registration is required; spots are limited
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not-yet members
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE
Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve

What to Bring:

Notebook and something to write with

Historic Cemetery Hike
2026-06-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Step into history and explore one of WLT’s newest protected landscapes.

Join us for a guided hike and historic cemetery tour at Champlin Farm Preserve, led by WLT volunteer and Rhode Island Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter. Along the way, Larry will bring the past to life with stories, insights, and the hidden history behind the cemetery sites found on the property.
Located on Boombridge Road, Champlin Farm Preserve was permanently protected in October 2024 and spans 90.57 acres along the Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River. This beautiful landscape features a mix of forest, streams, and fertile farmland that has long supported crops and grazing—offering a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural history to discover.
Important Info:

Tours are recommended for adults
There are no restroom facilities available on site
Registration is required; spots are limited
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not yet member, which will be generously donated back to WLT by Larry.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE

What to Bring/Wear:

Be prepared for grassy and wooded terrain with sturdy footwear
Long pants and socks
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent

Composting for the Planet
2026-08-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Discover how you can reduce your food waste and start composting at home, even without outdoor space.

Reducing food waste and composting are two of the most impactful things individuals can do to help the planet, and they’re easy to do! Compost is a nutrient-rich food for plants that helps to create resilient soil. In this presentation, Charlotte Canner will discuss strategies for reducing food waste, what compost is, why it is important, and how to do it in a way that works for you, even if you don’t have outdoor space. Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a worm bin.
About Charlotte:
Charlotte is the Recycling Coordinator for the towns of South Kingstown and Narragansett. She has 10 years of experience teaching composting and operates a community compost site, Clew Compost, in her backyard in Pawcatuck. Learn more about her compost pickup and drop-off services at www.clewcompost.com.
Click HERE to register for this event!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Rhode Island Stone Walls
2026-09-17 17:30 - 18:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Explore how thousands of miles of historic stone walls reveal the intersection of the state’s geology, history, and ecology.
Rhode Island’s stone walls are an enduring testament to the state’s agricultural heritage, and their story parallels that of Rhode Island itself. Their stones reflect the geologic forces that shaped the landscape. Their placement on the land speaks to the labor and lives of those who came before us. In this presentation, Elliot Vosburgh, founder of the Rhode Island Stone Wall Mapping Project, explores how thousands of miles of stone walls reflect the intersection of geology, history, and ecology. Drawing on examples from both across the state and locally in Westerly, attendees will gain an appreciation for stone walls from several perspectives and will learn how these relics continue to support us in developing an understanding of Rhode Island’s past and present landscape.
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Hawk Migration
2026-09-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Discover the secrets of hawk migration.
Joseph Zbyrowski is a raptor specialist with more than 30 years of experience working with hawks and owls. A retired environmental science teacher, he is a master bird bander, former raptor rehabilitator, and has done volunteer work with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.For the past three decades, Joseph has specialized in identifying and counting migrating hawks. He conducts the annual hawk migration count in Rhode Island and is actively involved in Peregrine Falcon and Barn Owl restoration projects.
In this Voices of the Land lecture, Joseph will present the findings from a multi-year survey of hawk migration at Napatree Point, Rhode Island’s premier hawk watch site. Each year, annual hawk watch counts are conducted at more than 275 locations across the United States. These counts provide exceptional opportunities to observe migrating raptors while also generating valuable scientific data used in research, wildlife management, and conservation efforts.
Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up with Joseph to potentially participate in a future hawk watch and experience the excitement of monitoring one of nature’s most remarkable migrations.
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

The World of Bats
2026-10-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Just in Time for Halloween! Discover the Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Mammal with Bat Expert Julia Chase-Brand!
More than an accomplished bat researcher, Julia Chase-Brand is a truly remarkable woman whose life has been defined by curiosity, perseverance, breaking barriers, and changing history. Many may remember her as a pioneering distance runner and/or her appearances on Nickelodeon as the beloved “Bat Lady,” where she inspired young audiences to appreciate wildlife and science. She also made history by becoming the oldest person to earn a medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, proving that learning and pursuing new dreams have no age limit.
Julia Chase-Brand grew up in nearby Groton, CT, and went on to spend a quarter century studying bats, primarily in the mountains of Trinidad and the rainforests of Australia. “Blind as a bat”? No! Though all the bats in the Americas have sonar or “echolocation”, Julia and her colleagues found that they have vision as well and can use vision for homing, obstacle avoidance, escape, and even pattern vision, when it suits their purposes.
Red bats, white bats, striped bats, bats that fish, bats that make tents, bats that eat frogs and frogs that eat bats. Come enjoy an evening discovering bats and some of the other characters who ambled into this researcher’s wildlife including an amorous gorilla, a 7 inch tarantula, and a friendly capybara that loved to curl up and snooze with its human friends.
This inspiring program celebrates a lifetime of exploration, groundbreaking research, and lifelong learning. It is designed to engage both children and adults alike. Come celebrate the season with the real stars of Halloween and discover why bats are among the most extraordinary animals on Earth!
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Barn Owls: Restoring a Rare Rhode Island Raptor
2027-01-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Explore the Barn Owl’s unique physical traits, remarkable hunting abilities, and fascinating natural behavior.
Joseph Zbyrowsk is a raptor specialist with more than 30 years of experience working with hawks and owls. A retired environmental science teacher, he is a master bird bander, former raptor rehabilitator, and has done volunteer work with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. He is currently involved in Peregrine Falcon and Barn Owl restoration projects and has dedicated much of his career to the conservation of Rhode Island’s birds of prey.
In this Voices of the Land lecture, Joseph will explore the fascinating world of the Barn Owl, one of North America’s most distinctive and elusive raptors. He will discuss the owl’s unique physical characteristics, remarkable hunting abilities, behavior, and his personal restoration program to encourage barn owls to nest and successfully reproduce.
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.
