Thursday Hike: Champlin Farm Preserve
2025-12-18 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This will be the first Thursday Hike at the newly acquired Champlin Farm Preserve at 64 Boombridge Road in Westerly. The entrance is just north of a swamp area on the west side of Boombridge Roaad. Take the dirt road up the hill to parking at the top of the hill. The walk is through the woods, past granite outcropping, along the Pawcatuck River and past the gravel pit. It is moderate walking on new trails.
Please contact the hike leader to let them know you will be joining.
Leader: David Prigmore Phone: 401-348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2026-01-01 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
January 1, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Grills Preserve, Bradford
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.

Please contact the hike leader to let them know you will be joining.
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: 401-213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Feathered Friends
2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:15 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
January’s theme is Feathered Friends. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us!

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land 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 magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
January’s theme is Feathered Friends and will be held at Grills Preserve. Through playful discovery, gentle guidance, and curiosity-driven exploration, we will set out on a wonder walk to search for feathers, tracks, nests, and other clues that reveal which birds call our preserve home. Along the way, young naturalists will practice careful observation, deepen their connection to the winter landscape, and uncover the hidden stories carried on the wings of local birdlife.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants

An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

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 Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Native Seed Sowing Workshop
2026-01-23 16:00 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Discover how to grow native plants and support local wildlife in this hands-on seed-sowing workshop.

As native biodiversity declines and habitat is lost, it is more important than ever that we all make space where we can for native wildlife. Join WLT and our friends from the RI Natural History Survey and the RI Wild Plant Society for an introduction to propagating native plants. Following a brief lecture, attendees will grab a milk jug and sow some native perennial seeds of their own. A great event for all ages!

Registration required; spots are limited.
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 per person for non-members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Parking is available in the main lot at Barlow, with overflow parking available in the field up the farm road.

Regenerative Agriculture Conference at the Westerly Armory
2026-01-31 - 2026-02-01 | Westerly Armory, 41 Railroad Avenue, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
The Third Regenerative Agriculture Conference returns to the Westerly Armory for a two-day gathering of farmers, gardeners, scientists, and community members focused on soil health, sustainable food systems, and regenerative practices.
Presentations, vendors, demonstrations, a seed swap, and a book table will be featured throughout the weekend. Full schedule, speaker information, and additional details are available in the event flyer below.
Admission

$35 for one day
$60 for both days
Purchase tickets at: https://www.westerlyarmory.com

Contact Ellie with any questions: RegenerativeAgricultureWeekend@gmail.com

****CANCELED*** Volunteer Stewardship Day - Champlin Farm Preserve
2026-02-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
***Due to the snow and forecasted weather, this event has been canceled.
Keep your eye out for another weekend stewardship opportunity in the coming weeks.

_____________________________________________________________________
Help WLT remove invasive woody plants at Champlin Farm Preserve

With the trails and parking well established at the new Champlin Farm Preserve, it is time to turn our stewardship efforts towards creating healthy, native ecosystems. Winter is the best time to manage invasive woody plants such as autumn olive and burning bush. Join WLT in removing these shrubs near an old homestead site and creating brush piles for wildlife.
Dress to work outside and bring a water bottle, a pair of work gloves, loppers, and a small pruning saw if available.
Questions? Email Marc at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org.

Souper Bowl Hike LX
2026-02-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Kick off the New Year with a hike at Barlow Nature Preserve followed by a feast of soups!

LOCATION CHANGE: Barlow Nature Preserve

All ages are welcome!
Registration required and spots are limited.
Parking is available in the field at Wahaneeta Preserve.
To reduce waste, please consider bringing your own bowl and spoon
Fluorescent orange is required! We will have some to share.

This event is $10 for WLT members, and $20 per person for non-members. Not a member, but would like to be? Click here.

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
February 2, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Grills Preserve, Bradford
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.

Please contact the hike leader to let them know you will be joining.
Leader: Marc Doherty Phone: 508-308-9787 Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
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.
500 square inches by all hunters (including archers)and all users of management areas and undeveloped state parks during all portions of shotgun deer seasons.

Click to view the full Thursday Hike Schedule

Valentine Trellis Class with Plants by the Village
2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join the Westerly Land Trust and Plants by the Village to make a unique heart-shaped Valentine Trellis!

Celebrate Valentine’s season with a hands-on Heart Trellis Planting Class, where creativity meets community 🌿❤️
In this guided workshop, you’ll plant a String of Hearts and train it to grow along a heart-shaped trellis—a beautiful living piece that’s perfect for your home or as a meaningful gift. The heart trellis is pre-made and included in the class; your focus will be planting, wrapping, and styling your plant for long-term growth.
This class is relaxed and beginner-friendly, with step-by-step instruction and all materials provided. You’ll leave with a planted and styled String of Hearts ready to thrive.
Giving Back:
Of the $65 class fee, $10 from each ticket will be donated to the Westerly Land Trust to support the preservation of local open spaces and natural habitats.
Create something lovely, enjoy a cozy creative experience, and support a wonderful local cause—all in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
💝 Ticket Price: $65
🌱 Includes: String of Hearts plant, heart-shaped trellis, planting materials, instructions, and a $10 donation to Westerly Land Trust

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Rhody Rocks
2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:15 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, 5 Kettle Close, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
February theme is Rhody Rocks. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us.

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land 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 magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
February’s theme is Rhody Rocks and will be held at Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park . Through playful discovery, gentle guidance, and curiosity-driven exploration, we will search for stones, glacial erratics, and other rocky clues that reveal how glaciers once shaped Rhode Island’s landscape. Along the way, young naturalists will practice careful observation, deepen their connection to the region’s ancient geology, and uncover the hidden stories carried in the stones scattered across our preserve.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Car pooling is ideal for this sight. Parking instructions will be emailed out closer to the program date.

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 Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Land Leaders
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
A student-led event where young learners share the knowledge and skills they’ve gained through hands-on experiences with the land.

Join us for Land Leaders, a hands-on family adventure where kids become the teachers! Inspired by WLT’s Living Laboratories after-school programs, students will guide their families through exciting exploration stations, featuring everything from microscopes and binoculars to nature art, hiking, and more.
As you visit each station, you’ll explore together, talk about what you’re seeing, and collect stamps for your adventure passport. Students get to share what they’ve learned, and adults get a window into how they experience the world around them.
This event is all about connection: adult to student, family to land, and community to conservation.
Know Before You Go!

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support.
Open to all ages!
Registration is required for all participants.
An adult must accompany their child/children during the program. This is a great opportunity to adventure together!
Parking is available in the main lot at Barlow Nature Preserve, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
This program will be both inside and outside. Please wear warm layers.
WLT is able to offer ALL youth programs for FREE thanks to generous community support. If you’d like to help keep programming free and transportation available for after-school enrichment, please consider donating!

Winter Tree Identification Lecture
2026-02-26 17:00 - 18:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Explore how to identify Rhode Island’s winter trees by observing bark, buds, and branches in this introductory lecture.

Identifying trees in the winter might seem like an expert’s task, but familiarizing oneself with bark, branches, and buds builds a strong foundation for seeing our forests for the trees! Join WLT’s Land Stewardship Manager, Marc Doherty, at Barlow Nature Preserve for an introduction to the trees of Rhode Island, their roles in our ecosystem, and how to identify them.
After gaining some knowledge in the classroom, be sure to sign up for one of the upcoming Winter Tree Identification walks at Grills Preserve. Winter Tree ID Walk #1 on Friday, March 6th, at 11 am or Winter Tree ID Walk #2 on Wednesday, March 11th, at 10 am.

Registration required; spots are limited.

Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Parking is available in the main lot at Barlow, with overflow parking available in the field up the farm road.

Winter Tree Identification Walk #1
2026-03-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Explore how to identify Rhode Island’s winter trees on a guided walk using bark, buds, and habitat clues.

To build on our Winter Tree Identification Lecture, let’s hit the trail and see, touch, and even smell the trees at Grills Preserve.
WLT’s Land Stewardship Manager, Marc Doherty, will lead a 1.5-mile walk through a variety of forest habitats where we can reveal tree species by looking at their shape, habitat, buds, branching, and more.
While not required, it is recommended that you attend the preceding Winter Tree Identification Lecture on Thursday, February 26th.

Registration required; spots are limited.
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 per person for non-members.

Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Parking is available on site.

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Sprout Scouts
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:15 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
March’s theme is Sprout Scouts. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us.

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land 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 magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
March’s theme is Sprout Scouts and will be held at Barlow Nature Preserve. We will head out on a wonder walk to search for early signs of life waking beneath the cold New England landscape. Along our walk we invite you to look closely for swelling buds, stubborn green shoots pushing through the soil, moss on rocks, and tiny seedlings glowing in sunny patches. With careful observation and curious minds, we will discover how plants prepare for spring long before the weather warms. After exploring, we will sow seeds to give new life a gentle head start for the seasons to come.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

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 Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Winter Tree Identification Walk #2
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Spring Equinox Yoga Hike
2026-03-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Celebrate the arrival of Spring and embark on a mindful adventure through the forest where we will practice yoga and welcome new beginnings.

The Spring Equinox is a perfect time to get outside and take notice of nature during a period of rapid change and vibrant growth. Join hike leader and local yoga teacher, Janice Fifer, for a grounding experience through the forest of Grills Preserve.
This experience will begin at the trailhead with centering and a short breathing practice, followed by a mindful walk to the Polly Coon Bridge where we will meditate with the sounds of the river rushing over the rocks. On your way to Big Hill, we invite you to draw inspiration from plants and animals that reawaken this time of year. A series of standing yoga poses will be strategically sprinkled into this experience throughout the hike where we will pause to stretch, breathe, and balance amongst the trees.
We will cover ~ 3 miles total. No need for a yoga mat. Consider bringing an old towel or garden kneeling cushion to make sitting on the ground more comfortable.

All levels welcome, no yoga experience necessary.

Registration required; spots are limited.

This event is at NO COST to WLT members, and $10 per person for non-members, which Janice has generously pledged to donate to WLT.

Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Habitat Hunters
2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:15 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
April’s theme is Habitat Hunters. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us for this years Earth Day celebration!

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land 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 magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
April’s theme is Habitat Hunters and will be held at Champlin Farm Preserve. For Earth Day, Habitat Hunters will set out on an outdoor adventure to search for the hidden homes of the creatures that share our landscape. With curious eyes and gentle footsteps, students will look for nests tucked in branches, burrows beneath roots, tracks crossing muddy paths, and cozy shelters made from leaves, bark, and stone. Along the way, they’ll uncover the clues animals leave behind and learn how each habitat provides food, safety, and space to grow. By exploring these sercret worlds, we will discover how every creature big or small, fits into the beautiful web of life we celebrate on Earth Day.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

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 Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

For the Love of Trees: An Arbor Day Celebration with Westerly Library and Wilcox Park
2026-04-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, Auditorium, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Westerly Library and Wilcox Park joined by The Westerly Friends Meeting and The Westerly Land Trust that present an Arbor Day celebration featuring music and entertainment with Frank Pendola and John Roarke. Deirdre O’Connor of the Westerly Land Trust will describe the programs and events families can participate in. She will also speak about how the Westerly Land Trust is helping the tree canopy of Westerly. Poetry reading by Mark Diekmann. Arborist, Ashley Ravo, will share how to care for our trees.
Cookies provided by the Westerly Friends Meeting. Entertainment in the Auditorium from 10 am-12 pm followed by a ceremonial tree planting in Wilcox Park from 12 pm-12:30 pm.
Children ages 6-10 are encouraged to join in the fun.
Take a tree home and do your part to increase our tree canopy! Free tree saplings will be given away in the park.
Click Here to Sign Up

Please note:

Westerly Library & Wilcox Park staff often take photos and recordings during programs and events, which may be used in publicity and marketing. If you do not wish to have your photo used, please contact a Westerly Library & Wilcox Park staff member to let us know and we will make every effort to honor that request.

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Eco Engineers
2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:15 | Rotary Park Parking Lot, 91 Airport Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
May’s theme is Eco Engineers. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us.

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land 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 magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
May’s theme is Eco Engineers and will be held at Mastuxet Brook Greenway South (we will meet at Rotary Park, trail is behind the playground). Our adventure will begin with a hike to observe how water flows, ripples, and gathers to identify the best spots a beaver might choose for building a dam. Students will then have the opportunity to step into waders and climb into the water to construct their own mini dams using sticks, stones, mud, and other natural materials. Through hands-on problem-solving and playful experimentation, we will discover how animals use design to shape their habitats and why beavers are such incredible ecosystem engineers.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight.

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 Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Buds & Bugs
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:15 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
June’s theme is Buds & Bugs. Come walk, wonder, and grow with us.

We are teaming up with our friends from WildRoots once a month for Wednesday Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series curated to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. Our partnership blends playful discovery with embedded teaching, helping children build knowledge naturally as they explore. By connecting families to the land 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 magic of the natural world together. Every month features a new theme and a new Westerly Land Trust property, giving young explorers the chance to get to know their local environment in a meaningful and memorable way.
May’s theme is Buds & Bugs and will be held at Avondale Farm Preserve. Come explore blooming meadows in search of the tiny creatures that keep our world buzzing. Equipped with bug vacuums, we will carefully catch, observe, and identify pollinators before gently releasing them back to their homes. Along the way, students discover how flowers and bugs work together, learn why pollinators are so important, and practice careful observation skills. This hands-on adventure turns every meadow walk into a chance to discover the hidden helpers that keep plants, and our planet, thriving.

Programs are NO COST thanks to generous community support
Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Parking is available on sight. We will meet at Quail Run parking lot.

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 Wednesday Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta Preserve)
– Wednesday, Jan 14- Feather Friends (Grills Preserve)
– Wednesday, Feb 18- Rhody Rocks (Glacier)
– Wednesday, March 11- Sprout Scouts (Barlow)
– Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!)- Habitat Hunters (Champlin)
– Wednesday, May 13- Eco Engineers (Mastuxet Brook South)
– Wednesday, June 17- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

First Day of Farm Squad!
2026-06-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
When you sign up for Westerly Land Trust’s summer youth education program, Farm Squad, you are enrolling your student in a total of 10 programs!
Each Tuesday and Thursday for 5 weeks, we will gather at Barlow Nature Preserve (home to Frontier Farm, Echo Rock Flowers, and WLT’s pollinator and children’s garden), to explore the fascinating world of farming and the environment. Together, we’ll dive into hands-on topics like planting, pollinators, soil health, farm biodiversity, harvesting, composting, microgreens, and hydroponics.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! We’ll get creative with nature-inspired art, stretch our legs on guided hikes, discover nature-themed stories and literature, and even taste our way through the farm for a full sensory experience.
Throughout the summer, we’ll also welcome local scientists, farmers, and environmental stewards who will share their inspiring work in our community, showcasing real-world environmental careers and sparking curiosity and inspiration in the next generation of changemakers.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: June 30 – July 30 (10 total programs) 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
NO COST

Thanks to generous community support, there’s no cost to participate. If you’d like to help keep WLT youth education programs free for all, please consider making a donation!

WHO CAN JOIN?

Farm Squad is open to ALL students ages 5-10, regardless of what school they attend, including homeschool students
Transportation to and from the program is required

REGISTRATION

Registration is required. Spots are limited.
By registering for this “event,” you are registering for all 10 programs.
Registration is live for WLT members on February 2.

WLT members get first dibs! Not a WLT member but would like to become one? CLICK HERE

Registration is live for EVERYONE on March 2
Up to 2 planned absentees, spots are limited.

CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up for Farm Squad!
Questions- please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.
