Ceremonial Stonework: The Enduring Native American Presence on the Land
2023-08-08 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This discussion is part of the WLT Voices of the Land series featuring Markham Starr. You won’t want miss it!

This slideshow takes the audience on an extended walk through the woods to see the ceremonial stonework left behind by the indigenous population that occupied New England for over 12,000 years. Native Americans built nearly two dozen distinct types of structures in our area, ranging from cairns to stone serpent effigies, and these spiritual offerings remain standing in our long abandoned woods. While Native American stonework is widely recognized in other parts of the country, New England’s stonework remains obscure, having blended back into the woods. This slideshow, from the book by the same name, comes from photographs of over 8000 objects and ceremonial sites in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Slideshow by Markham Starr, a documentary photographer living in Connecticut.

This event is located at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Parking is available in the main parking lot, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
Registration is required.

Discussion is open to WLT members. Our members donate annually. Not a member and would like to be? Become a member today and click HERE.

Voices of the Land: Walking Rhode Island
2023-09-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
John Kostrzewa writes the “Walking Rhode Island” column for The Providence Journal and has been hiking across the state for decades.

Join us and discover how John started, where he has hiked and what he has learned. He’ll share his observations about the history, geological features, vegetation and wildlife he has found along the trails.
During his talk, he’ll also explain what makes Rhode Island’s trails unique and outline some of the challenges Rhode Islanders face to maintain the state’s public preserves.
Kostrzewa worked for 45 years in the newspaper industry, including the last 29 at The Providence Journal as a business reporter, columnist, business editor, and assistant managing editor. He retired from the Journal in 2017 and spent the last three years as an adjunct professor at Bryant University.
Since launching “Walking Rhode Island” in 2021, he has written more than 100 columns. He is compiling 40 of the hikes into a book, with pictures, GPS coordinates and trail maps, that is set for release in September, 2023.

This event is located at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Parking is available in the main parking lot, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
Registration is required.

Discussion is open to WLT members. Our members donate annually. Not a member and would like to be? Become a member today and click HERE.

Voices of the Land: Sustainable Pasture Management of Grass-based Livestock
2023-10-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Dr. Justine Deming of URI joins us to share her worldview of livestock, grazing, grasses and land management in RI and beyond.

Voices of the Land: Sustainable Pasture Management of Grass-based Livestock
Justine Deming is a clinical associate professor and extension specialist of animal management at the University of Rhode Island. She will be discussing the impact ruminant animals have on the pastoral landscape and focus on how the management of those animals can be optimized for farm productivity and sustainability.
Check out this video about URI’s Peckham Farm for a sneak peek!

If you have been curious abut the role of livestock in our food supply and as influencers of our landscapes, make sure to register and put this talk on your calendar!

This event is located at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Parking is available in the main parking lot, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
Registration is required.

Discussion is open to WLT members. Our members donate annually. Not a member and would like to be? Become a member today and click HERE.

Voices of the Land: Nature Speaks- A Lesson in Human Rewilding
2023-11-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join Keith Cowley, Ethical Forager, for a workshop on how nature works to reset our bodies and minds back to efficiency.

Join Keith Cowley, Naturalist, Ethical Forager and Wildlife Conservationist for a workshop on how Nature works to reset our bodies and minds back to efficiency. Learn language, concepts and moving meditation techniques that Cowley uses to deepen his connection in Nature and get closer to wildlife.

This event is located at Barlow Nature Preserve.
Parking is available in the main parking lot, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
Registration is required.

Discussion is open to WLT members. Our members donate annually. Not a member and would like to be? Become a member today and click HERE.
To learn more about Keith Cowley, check him out on Instagram @ethicalforager , or stop by and visit him at the Living Sharks Museum in downtown Westerly.

A Chemical Engineer's Perspective on Sustainability
2023-12-04 17:00 - 19:00 | The United Theatre, 5 Canal St, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
*This event is free and open to the public. Information on registration is below.
In partnership with the Notre Dame Club of Rhode Island/SE Massachusetts and the United Theatre, we invite you to join us for an informative discussion about sustainability and local agriculture, a part of the Hesburgh Lecture Series.
Mark J. McCready is the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs and a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame University. He has prepared a lecture entitled A Chemical Engineer’s Perspective on Sustainability to lead a discussion about landscape change, historical land use, climate change and the importance of farmland.
The Hesburgh Lecture Series brings Notre Dame Faculty into the University’s alumni communities, encouraging extended education at all ages.
RSVP for this free event to Erika at elebling@westerlylandtrust.org or by calling 401-315-2610, ext 2.

Common Ground Film at United Theatre
2024-01-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-01-26 19:00 - 20:30
As part of our Voices of the Land series, Westerly Land Trust in partnership with The United Theatre will host a screening of Common Ground – the highly anticipated sequel to the successful documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health.
To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut
2024-03-24 15:00 - 17:00 | United Theatre (5 Canal St, Westerly, RI 02891, United States)
As part of its “Voices of the Land” series, Westerly Land Trust in partnership with The United Theatre hosts a screening of Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut. At the turn of the 20th century, a deadly blight accidentally imported into the U.S. from Asia devastated the American Chestnut. Within a span of only two generations, the tree was nearly extinct. This new documentary film tells the story of passionate citizen scientists and researchers working to restore this ecologically and economically important species, during this pivotal moment.
After the film, stick around for a Q&A with the folks from The American Chestnut Foundation.
Reserve your free ticket at The United Theater by clicking the link below:

Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut

NEW DATE! Historic Cemetery Picnic: Winnapaug Farm Preserve
2024-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 109-119 Rhode Island 1A, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
PLEASE NOTE: Due to weather, the new date will be Wednesday, June 12.

Join us for a Historic Cemetery Tour and discover the history of cemetery picnics.

There are nearly 90 historic burial grounds in Westerly, five of which are on Westerly Land Trust properties. The WLT is hosting Michael Carroll, Executive Director of Rediscovering History, Inc. and Larry Hunter, local commissioner of the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historic Cemeteries for a Spring tour and Old Fashion Picnic in a cemetery at Barber Lot WY07 located in Winnapaug Farm Preserve (across from 110 Shore Rd).
Pack your picnic baskets, beverages, and lawn chairs/tables and experience a fad of the past! Michael Carroll will take us back in time to the 19th and early 20th century when picnics in cemeteries were a fashionable and respectful way to stay connected to both the living and the dead. Larry will lead us through a history lesson and Cemetery 101 introduction. Stay afterwards and enjoy the sunset.

Carry in/ Carry out
Tours are recommended for adults.
Please prepare for being out in the grass and woods, and bring bug repellant and water.
Tours are FREE for WLT members and $10 for not-yet-members, Larry has generously pledged to donate all proceeds to WLT

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Pollinator Safari
2024-07-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Get your bug nets ready and come explore the diverse population of pollinating insects right here in Westerly.

For this all-ages, family-friendly event, the Westerly Land Trust has assembled a top-notch team of pollinator experts from around the state:
Dr. Rachael Bonoan, head of the Providence College’s Pollinator Lab
Ren Johnson from URI’s Bee Lab
Toby Shaya, DEM’s Pollinator Atlas Entomologist
Dr. Bonoan will guide us through beautiful Avondale Farm Preserve where we will find, capture and identify the bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects doing the critical work of keeping our local ecosystems in balance. Get up close to these winged critters and learn how to use “bug vacuums”, nets, and field guides to catch, identify, and release some amazing pollinators. Learn from the experts how pollinators do their jobs, why they are important, and what we can do to help them!
Please prepare to romp out in the sun and tall grass; sturdy shoes, pants, sun/bug protection and water are recommended. There are no restroom facilities at Avondale, so plan accordingly.
Parking- Park at the Quail Run parking lot. Overflow parking will be available at Grassland Way. Please meet at Quail Run Parking lot at 10:00 AM.

Registration is required.
Event is open to ALL ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 12 are FREE.
Event is FREE for WLT members and $10 for not-yet-members.
Click here to become a member today!

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FULL: Fungal Foray with the Mushroom Hunting Foundation: A Land Trust Days Event
2024-10-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Thank you for your interest. This event is now full. We hope to catch you at the next one!
Join us on Sunday, October 20th from 9:30am to 11:30am for a Fungal Foray at Wahaneeta Preserve. Led by Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt of the Mushroom Hunting Foundation, this exploratory walk will lead us through the diverse woods surrounding an old girl scout camp to find mushrooms, learn how to identify them and discover how these fungi fit into our local ecosystem – some of them may even fit onto our dinner plate! Ryan and Emily bring with them not only a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, but also a great specimen collection so we are sure to learn something new.

Be sure the check out the Mushroom Hunting Foundation (@mushroom_hunting_foundation) to learn more about Ryan and Emily’s mission.

This event is offered by WLT for no cost to participants as a part of Land Trust Days, the annual two-month celebration of the wonderful open spaces across Rhode Island that land trusts are protecting hosted by Rhode Island Land Trust Council.

SOLD OUT! Native Seed Sowing Workshop
2025-01-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Learn a new gardening skill and bring home some native plants for your garden!

Wait, seed sowing in January? Yep, it’s winter and that means it’s time to sow native seeds. This is a great activity for all ages and an awesome way to get excited about the growing season during these long winter nights. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
One of the best ways to support local biodiversity is to grow native plants. Growing native plants from seed is a bit different than starting seeds for your vegetable garden — most native seeds require a period of cold, moist stratification so they can germinate come spring.
We are proud to have two native plant allies joining us to help out — Betsy Lennon (RI Wild Plant Society) and George Christie (RI Natural History Survey, NPT Plant Conservation Volunteer, Diptera enthusiast). While we will have shelter in the greenhouse or garage, things might be a bit chilly, so dress accordingly. A fire, hot drinks and new friends will also help keep us warm.
This event is NO COST for all attendees, donation is optional. Registration is required, spots are limited.
Not a WLT member, but would like to be? Click here.
If you have any questions, email Marc at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Postponed- Date TBD: Nordic Walking Kick-Off- Is it Right for you?
2025-03-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Discover the benefits of Nordic Walking at this FREE Kick Off event to introduce you to a new way to adventure.

Curious about Nordic Walking? Join Julie Gooding, of healthyFUTURES, to learn about and experience the pleasure and health benefits of Nordic Walking. At this event you can try out specially designed Activator poles and discover if Nordic walking is right for you.
Julie is an ACE-certified personal trainer and Urban Poling-certified instructor with 16 years of working with older adults. There is NO COST to attend this introductory Nordic Walking event at the Westerly Land Trust (WLT).
Following this Kick-Off event, Julie will be teaching a training program that will include 3 one hour sessions at Premier Physical Therapy and 2 Nordic Walking experiences at WLT’s Barlow Nature Preserve; Nordic Walking-Walking the Trail and Nordic Walking- Improving your Posture. Training fee is discounted for WLT members.

Registration is required, spots are limited.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Setting Up Your Hive
2025-03-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Discover the world of hive configuration and learn helpful tips on setting up your own hive at home.

Join Cail Calder of Westerbee honey, aka “The Beeman” , for an immersive and hands-on workshop where you will learn the basics of beekeeping and how to set up your own bee hive. Whether you’re a budding beekeeper or just curious about the fascinating world of bees, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to start your journey.
Topics include:

The essentials of bee hive setup: choosing the right hive, tools, and equipment.
How to assemble and prepare your hive for bees.
The different types of beehives (Langstroth, Top Bar, Warre) and which one suits your needs.
Basic bee biology and understanding bee behavior.
The best practices for maintaining a healthy bee colony.
How to troubleshoot common challenges in beekeeping.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll feel confident in setting up your own hive, and ready to care for your bees in a sustainable and productive way. Bring your questions, enthusiasm, and get ready to start your beekeeping adventure!
Who Should Attend:
This workshop is perfect for beginners, urban gardeners, environmental enthusiasts, or anyone interested in supporting local pollinators and sustainable living. Workshop is geared toward adults and high school students.
Materials:
Hives, tools, and reference guide for future beekeeping success will be provided. 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 $25.00 per person which Cail generously pledged to donate to WLT. Registration is required; spots are limited.

Microgreens 101
2025-04-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Get ready to dig into the world of microgreens.

Microgreens are perfect for small spaces, they are easy to grow, and can be a great addition to your meals, providing a burst of fresh flavor and nutrition. We invite you to join us for an interactive and hands-on workshop where you’ll discover the joys of growing your own fresh food! In Microgreens 101, you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing nutritious microgreens right in the comfort of your own home.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is hosting expert microgreen grower, Kain Bonneau, who will guide you through the process of selecting seeds, preparing your growing space, and nurturing your plants from seed to harvest, while highlighting nutritional value and culinary applications. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this workshop will equip you with the skills to start growing microgreens in no time.
At the end of the session, you’ll take home your very own microgreens grow kit, so you can get started immediately!
Come prepared to get dirty as we will be sowing and sampling many varieties of microgreens.
What You’ll Learn:

The basics of microgreens and their health benefits
How to choose the right seeds and materials for your grow kit
Step-by-step instructions for growing microgreens indoors
Tips and tricks for maintaining your plants and achieving the best harvest

What You’ll Get:

A microgreens grow kit (seeds, soil, and containers)
Knowledge and confidence to grow your own food at home
A chance to taste microgreens
A fun, educational experience and the opportunity to meet fellow green thumbs!

Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to learn how easy and rewarding it is to grow your own fresh, healthy food.
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 $25 per WLT member and $35 for nonmember, which Kain has generously pledged to donate a portion of proceeded to WLT. Registration is required; spots are limited.

Cemetery 101
2025-04-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
RI is a special spot for historic cemeteries. Learn why in this discussion led by the RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter.

Did you know that Rhode Island designates April and May as “Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks” or that there are nearly 90 cemeteries in Westerly and approximately 3,200 in the whole state? Join us for an informative discussion of “Cemetery 101” led by Larry Hunter, WLT Volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner. Larry will dig into the history of RI cemeteries and discuss the orientation and types of headstones, the use of footstones and field stones, and the types of stones and various materials. He will also review the dos and don’ts of visiting cemeteries and the cleaning, maintenance, restoration, and preservation of stones.

This event is lecture style, held in a “classroom” setting in the Barlow Nature Preserve boardroom. There are two “in the field” events coming up on April 30 (Quaker Burial Ground) and May 7 (Grills Preserve), and while Cemetery 101 is not a required prerequisit for either, it is excellent background information. We invite you to register for all three!
NO COST for WLT members and $10 for non-members, which Larry has generously pledged to donate to WLT.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Spring Birding in Westerly
2025-04-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a lecture-style event to explore migratory birds you can see during Spring in our town!

Love birds and want to see more of them? Spring is a great time to explore migratory (birds that aren’t always here) birds in our town. Avid birder, Barbara Seith, will take you through several birds you might be able to see and hear in Westerly from April through June.

This event is lecture-style, held in a “classroom” setting in the Barlow Nature Preserve boardroom. There is an “in-field” event coming up on May 2 Early Spring Birding at Avondale Farm Preserve. While Spring Birding in Westerly is not a required prerequisite, it is excellent background information to prepare you for what you might see on our birding walk. 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.

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).
