Wednesday Wonder Walk
2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | 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 (registration will be open soon).
– Wednesday, Dec 10- Terrific Trees (Wahaneeta)
– 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 24- Buds & Bugs (Avondale)

Souper Bowl Hike LX
2026-02-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Kick off the New Year with a hike at Wahaneeta Preserve followed by a feast of soups!

Kick off the new year with a hike at Wahaneeta Preserve and score a bowl of soup to enjoy by the fire.

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

Feathered Friends Springbrook Elementary School Grades K-4
2026-04-07 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Sprinbrook Elementary School Grades K-4

Soar into the fascinating world of birds. Become a naturalist and explore what makes birds so special. From tiny songbirds to soaring hawks, learn how to spot, identify, and understand the feathered wildlife that calls our preserve home.
All students will be bussed to Wahaneeta Preserve from school, and transportation home is available.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
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!
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Feathered Friends State Street Elementary School Grades K-4
2026-04-09 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for State Street Elementary School Grades K-4

Soar into the fascinating world of birds. Become a naturalist and explore what makes birds so special. From tiny songbirds to soaring hawks, learn how to spot, identify, and understand the feathered wildlife that calls our preserve home.
All students will be bused to Wahaneeta Preserve from school, and transportation home is available.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
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!
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Sprout Scouts Springbrook Elementary School Grades K-4
2026-04-14 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Sprinbrook Elementary School Grades K-4

Plants aren’t the only things growing – get ready for a green adventure for growing minds! Dig into the amazing world of plants and discover how they grow, survive, and support life all around them.
All students will be bused to Barlow Nature Preserve from school, and transportation home is available.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
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!
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Sprout Scouts State Street Elementary School Grades K-4
2026-04-16 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for State Street Elementary School Grades K-4

Plants aren’t the only things growing – get ready for a green adventure for growing minds! Dig into the amazing world of plants and discover how they grow, survive, and support life all around them.
All students will be bused to Barlow Nature Preserve from school, and transportation home is available.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Feathered Friends Dunn's Corners Elementary School Grades 2-4
2026-04-28 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades 2-4

Soar into the fascinating world of birds. Become a naturalist and explore what makes birds so special. From tiny songbirds to soaring hawks, learn how to spot, identify, and understand the feathered wildlife that calls our preserve home.
All students will be bused to Wahaneeta Preserve from school, and transportation home is available.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Feathered Friends Dunn's Corners Elementary School Grades K-1
2026-04-30 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades K-1

Soar into the fascinating world of birds. Become a naturalist and explore what makes birds so special. From tiny songbirds to soaring hawks, learn how to spot, identify, and understand the feathered wildlife that calls our preserve home.
All students will be bused to Wahaneeta Preserve from school, and transportation home is available.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Sprout Scouts Dunn's Corners Elementary School Grades 2-4
2026-05-05 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades 2-4

Plants aren’t the only things growing – get ready for a green adventure for growing minds! Dig into the amazing world of plants and discover how they grow, survive, and support life all around them.
All students will be bused to Barlow Nature Preserve from school, and transportation home is available.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Sprout Scouts Dunn's Corners Elementary School Grades K-1
2026-05-07 14:50 - 16:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Living Laboratories for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School Grades K-1

Plants aren’t the only things growing – get ready for a green adventure for growing minds! Dig into the amazing world of plants and discover how they grow, survive, and support life all around them.
All students will be bused to Barlow Nature Preserve from school, and transportation home is available. This is an early release day from school, the program ends at 4:30 pm.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
A healthy snack is provided at the start of the program.
Registration closes for all programs on April 1, 2026

Feathered Friends: Homeschool Ages 5 - 9
2026-05-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Learn to spot, identify, and understand our feathered friends!

Soar into the fascinating world of birds. Become a naturalist and explore what makes birds so special. From tiny songbirds to soaring hawks, learn how to spot, identify, and understand the feathered wildlife that calls our preserve home.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
This program is for homeschool students
Student drop off and pick up is required

Feathered Friends: Homeschool Ages 10-14
2026-05-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Sprout Scouts: Homeschool Ages 5 - 9
2026-05-21 09:30 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Learn to spot, identify, and understand our feathered friends!

Plants aren’t the only things growing – get ready for a green adventure for growing minds! Dig into the amazing world of plants and discover how they grow, survive, and support life all around them.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
This program is for homeschool students
Student drop off and pick up is required

Sprout Scouts: Homeschool Ages 10-14
2026-05-21 12:00 - 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Dig into the amazing world of plants!

Plants aren’t the only things growing – get ready for a green adventure for growing minds! Dig into the amazing world of plants and discover how they grow, survive, and support life all around them.

NO COST thanks to generous community support
This program is for homeschool students
Student drop off and pick up is required

Farm Squad (Ages 5-10)
2026-06-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for 10 FREE programs of Farm Squad Fun at Barlow Nature Preserve!

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

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 to hear from our past Farm Squad!!
Questions- please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.
