Voices of the Land: Nature Speaks- A Lesson in Human Rewilding
2023-11-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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 | RI
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).

Historic Cemetery Tour
2025-04-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Quaker Burial Ground, 108 Old Post Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Honor “Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks” with WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner, Larry Hunter.

To further our celebration of Rhode Island’s “Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks”, join us for a Voices of the Land event led by WLT volunteer and RI Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter. This discussion will focus on the Quaker Burial Ground, building on many of the lessons from Larry’s Cemetery 101 lecture on April 22. If you couldn’t make it to Cemetery 101, you are still welcome to join us on this tour. We hope to see you there!

Tours are recommended for adults.
This event is second in a 3-part series. While Cemetery 101 (April 22) is not a required prerequisit for this tour, it offers excellent background information. We invite you to register for all three– including the 3rd in the series: the Historic Cemetery Hike on May 7 at Grills Preserve!
Prepare for being out in the grass and woods, and bring bug repellant and water.
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.

Early Spring Birding Walk
2025-05-02 07:30 - 09:00 | 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
