The Westerly Land Trust

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2026-10-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This property is part of the Westerly Land Trust’s Pawcatuck River Corridor Initiative. It consists of 148 acres of woodland, rocky ridges and fresh water wetlands adjacent to the Pawcatuck River and the Boy Scout Camp. It has interesting quarry remnants, river views and descent through a beautiful gorge. Some climbing in rocky areas may be involved as the best views are from the higher elevations. Meet on Old Hopkinton Road at the end of Boy Scout Drive. Please park along the road – we will walk into the preserve from there.
Leaders: Ray Chang & Lynne Ranallo Phone: 508 320-9691 Email: rayc88@yahoo.com
Click HERE to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.
Join the Thursday Hikers for free guided trail hikes on Thursday mornings. These hikes begin at 10:00 AM unless otherwise stated and leave promptly, so please arrive on time. This group will visit various local conservation properties, including some Westerly Land Trust (WLT) preserves. If you would like to lead a hike for the next series, please provide Sally with a date and a blurb.
Important Notes

Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

Fluorescent Orange Requirements
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

WTAC Grills Trail Race 10K and 10M
2026-10-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Presented by Westerly Track & Athletic Club, with a special thank-you to the Westerly and Hopkinton Land Trust for allowing us to host on their properties.
Location: Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Bradford, RI
Start times:
9:00am: Check-in and bib pick-up opens
10:00am: 10M and 10K races start
Race cut-off time: Out of respect for volunteers’ time, our cutoff for the 10-mile course is 2 hours 30 minutes (15 minute/mile pace). Beyond this time, we do not have a guarantee of support, recording a finishing time, food, etc. If you have not reached the half-way water stop by 11:30am, we ask that you turn around and follow the dirt road road back one mile to the start.
Walkers are welcome at all of our events; HOWEVER, in consideration of our volunteers’ time, we respectfully ask walkers to choose the shorter 10K course.
Race format: Mass simultaneous start for both 10-Mile and 10K start. Course split at 1-mile. Not providing race shirts will keep our costs (and yours) lower. We will use our own timing instead of professional chip timing. This will keep the race logistics easier and less expensive, and accordingly, your entry fees will also be LOW!
Location: Both courses start and finish at Grills Preserve, Westerly.
Course Description: Both courses showcase Grills Preserve in Westerly, and the 10-Mile course also features beautiful trails, bridges, and riverfront in the Grills Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton. The course is a mix of about 80% single-track and 20% double-track.
Requirement: Each participant and volunteer must wear at least 200 square inches of orange. Anyone not wearing orange will not be allowed to race per State of RI DEM mandate.
Entry fees:
– Early registration (up to Oct 4): $23 adults, $18 age 18 and under
– Regular registration (Oct 5 – 23): $30 adults, $25 age 18 and under
– Race day registration (Oct 24): $35 adults, $30 age 18 and under
$5 discount to all WTAC members; $2 to all Mohegan Striders
Awards:
Awards to overall M/F finishers, plus top 1 in each M/F age group:
19 and under, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Note awards will be low cost and more of a fun nature.
Food (including pizza truck) and refreshments are served post-race for participants. Strollers and dogs prohibited on the course.
For more info, contact info@westerlytrackclub.org or (401) 447-1879 .

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.

The Dahlia Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-11-01 13:00 - 15:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Dig, Divide, and Store: An End-of-Season Dahlia Workshop
Imagine stepping into the world of Dahlia care with confidence and skill! This November, join Echo Rock Flowers for a hands-on workshop dedicated to preparing your Dahlias for the winter and ensuring they thrive next season. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to care for your Dahlia tubers at the end of their growing season.
Click HERE for more information and to sign up for the workshop.
Stephanie is generously donating 10% of all workshop proceeds to support the Westerly Land Trust and our mission to conserve open space, revitalize significant properties, and provide environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community!
Stephanie Bennett is the proud owner and operator of Echo Rock Flowers in Westerly, RI. She has been growing specialty cut flowers for retail markets since 2019 and works hard to offer fresh, unique, and sustainably-grown local flowers to her customers. Her operation began in the garden at the Barlow Nature Preserve and she has since expanded and continues to grow.
Her operation is seasonal, running primarily from April until October. She offers bouquet subscriptions (Spring, Summer, and Dahlia) that sell out every year with people on the waitlist! You can also find her whimsical farm bouquets at Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, William Wright & Co., The Cheese Corner, and the Farm Stand at Barlow. Follow along on Instagram @echo_rock_flowers or visit her website at www.echorockflowers.com

Wonder Walk at Camp Q/Riverwood
2026-11-11 10:00 - 11:00 | 22 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI 02891, 22 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve, details regarding parking for this program will be sent via Eventbrite email prior to program.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Flannel in the Forest
2026-11-22 08:30 - 10:30 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a cozy fall hike at Camp Quequatuck and Riverwood Preserve.

Wear your favorite flannel shirt and join us for a 2.5 to 3 -mile hike in the tucked-away Riverwood Preserve, looking down at the Pawcatuck river from the bedrock hills through deep scarlet oaks. Finish the hike by chasing away the chill with a complimentary hot beverage, special snack, and good company at the trailhead shared with Camp Quequatuck.
Important Info:

Event parking will be at Camp Quequatuck/Riverwood trailhead. Turn onto Boy Scout Drive from Old Hopkinton Road, follow WLT staff/signage through the gates at the end of Boy Scout Drive to the parking lot at Camp Quequatuck.
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not-yet members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Restrooms are available on site.

Click HERE to sign up!

Dried Flower Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-11-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Winter Ornament Workshop
Celebrate the season with a festive and creative Winter Ornament Workshop! Join Echo Rock Flowers for a cozy afternoon in our conference room, surrounded by the warmth of holiday cheer, as we craft unique ornaments using our beautiful dried flowers. This workshop is the perfect way to make heartfelt gifts for loved ones or to create something special for your own holiday decorations.
Enjoy the holiday spirit with Christmas music, warm cider, and cookies while you craft. Stations will be set up with all the materials you need to create three stunning ornaments, including thick wire, dried flowers, ribbon, hot glue guns, and scissors. Each participant will also receive a labeled to-go box to neatly carry their ornaments home.
Click HERE for more information and to sign up for the workshop.
Stephanie is generously donating 10% of all workshop proceeds to support the Westerly Land Trust and our mission to conserve open space, revitalize significant properties, and provide environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community!
Stephanie Bennett is the proud owner and operator of Echo Rock Flowers in Westerly, RI. She has been growing specialty cut flowers for retail markets since 2019 and works hard to offer fresh, unique, and sustainably-grown local flowers to her customers. Her operation began in the garden at the Barlow Nature Preserve and she has since expanded and continues to grow.
Her operation is seasonal, running primarily from April until October. She offers bouquet subscriptions (Spring, Summer, and Dahlia) that sell out every year with people on the waitlist! You can also find her whimsical farm bouquets at Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, William Wright & Co., The Cheese Corner, and the Farm Stand at Barlow. Follow along on Instagram @echo_rock_flowers or visit her website at www.echorockflowers.com

Wonder Walk at Wahaneeta Preserve
2026-12-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Wahaneeta Preserve, the property is adjacent to the Paul E. Trombino Memorial Foundation Little League complex, and to the 800-acre Woody Hill Management Area of the Department of Environmental Management. Access is from Moorhouse Road, off Dunns Corners – Bradford Road. For this program we will open up additional parking. Drive past the public parking through the gate, stay left and park in the field.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Wonder Walk at Grills Preserve
2027-01-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Grills Preserve. There is a parking lot located at the end of Bowling Lane in Bradford, RI. We will park and meet here at the trailhead.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

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.

Wonder Walk at Champlin Farm Preserve
2027-02-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Champlin Farm Preserve. For this program we will open up additional parking. Drive past the public parking through the gate, stay right, and park in the field on your right hand side. You will see educators’ cars.
Restrooms are not available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Wonder Walk at Barlow Nature Preserve
2027-03-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Barlow Nature Preserve. Parking is available as you pull into Barlow immediately to your left.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Wonder Walk at Cottrell Family Preserve
2027-04-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Cottrell Family Preserve, 13-29 Christian Hill Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Cottrell Family Preserve. There is limited parking in the Westerly Town Forest parking lot on Laurel Avenue with overflow parking in Flora Whiteley field (across from the Potter Hill Dam right down the street from Westerly Town Forest Parking). Carpooling is encouraged.
Restrooms are not available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Wonder Walk at Wildwood Preserve
2027-05-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Wildwood Preserve, 38 Forrestal Drive, Westerly, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Wildwood. We will park along side Rangley Drive off of Potter Hill Rd. Carpooling is encouraged.
Restrooms are not available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Wonder Walk at Crandall Family Preserve
2027-06-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Crandall Family Preserve, 79 Pound Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity and encouraging stewardship, we hope to inspire the next generation to care for—and protect—the wild places around them.
Each session invites children and their families to slow down, look closely, and discover the wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Crandall Family Preserve has a parking lot we will open for this progam. You can find it on the left-hand side of Pound Rd. This location is extra special for it is only accessible with WLT guides present due to the nature of the environment.
Restrooms are not available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
About the Hosts
WildRoots Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where children and families can nurture connection, holistic development, and Earth stewardship through immersive experiences in nature and play.
The Westerly Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving open space, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building community in Westerly, Rhode Island. By preserving and managing lands like Barlow Nature Preserve, WLT provides opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement with the natural world.
WLT & WildRoots Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve
