The Westerly Land Trust

Thursday Hike: Barlow Nature Preserve
2023-12-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
We will first take a short ¾ mile hike in the woods around the farm. Then we will venture to the “Barlow 2” trail system just west of the farm. Here we will explore a white cedar grove and catch views of beaver lodges in McGowan Brook and Newton’s Marsh along just under two miles of trail.
To sign up, please contact hike leader: Marc Doherty, (508) 308-9787 (c) and email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
Thursday hikes are FREE. Be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes.
PLEASE NOTE:

Hikes leave promptly.
Ending times are estimated as it difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc.
Please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
If you wish to bring a dog please contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. However, if a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.

FLUORESCENT ORANGE REQUIREMENTS:
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.
For more information on Thursday hikes (including hikes not on WLT property) click here.

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.

Family Winter Seed Sowing
2024-01-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Calling all curious kids and parents to join us as we learn how to grow native plants from seed.

We are calling all curious kids and caregivers to join us as we learn how to grow native plants from seed!
Growing native plants at home is an excellent way to support local biodiversity and help build a beautiful and resilient garden.
Rare plant monitor, experienced youth education coordinator, and 12-year veteran of the nursery industry George Christie will lead us as we learn about seeds, cold dormancy, germination, and why winter sowing is the best way to grow many of our native plants. Both sun-loving and shade-tolerant native plants will be available so you can grow what you sow no matter the conditions in your home garden!
This event is FREE and open to youth.
Parent/ guardian is required to accompany their student at the event! This is a great opportunity to adventure together!
You can email Marc (mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org) with any questions.

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve, Bradford
2024-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | RI
We will hike up one side of Big Hill and down the other, then proceed to the Polly Coon Bridge, cross over to Hopkinton Grills Sanctuary, up the hill and back down, before returning to the parking lot. The ups and downs will keep us warm. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: (401) 213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
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.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
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 last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Full Moon by the Fire
2024-01-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Crandall Family Preserve, 79 Pound Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
It may be the dead of winter, but let’s walk, talk and warm our souls with a guided hike, fire, and good eats under the Wolf Moon.

Buddle up and grab your headlamps and flashlights for a guided night hike through the hidden gem of Crandall Family Preserve. The Wolf Moon will light up the night as we stroll out to Wolf Island, where legend has it, the last wolf in Westerly was ever seen. After our 2 mile hike we will gather around a fire at the overlook where we will share food, drink and more! Hope to see you all there!
This event is FREE for members, and $10 per person for not-yet members. Not a member, but would like to be? Click here!
Registration required, spots are limited.
Parking is available on Pound Rd. on the left-hand side in the dirt lot. We will meet and gather at the lot then walk down to the preserve together.

Thursday Hike: Burlingame North, Charlestown
2024-02-01 10:00 - 12:30 | RI
This hike will be about 4.5 miles. It will take us on part of the Vin Gormley trail. There are lots of ups and downs, ledges, stone walls and streams. Meet at the gate on the north side of the Buckeye Brook Road, 1.9 miles east of its intersection with RI 216; and 0.8 miles west of the Shumankanuc Road intersection. N 41º 23.955’ W 71º 42.076’
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: (401) 213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
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.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
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 last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Full Moon by the Fire- POSTPONED to 2/2
2024-02-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Crandall Family Preserve, 79 Pound Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Due to inclement weather, this event is postponed to Feb 2.
It may be the dead of winter, but let’s walk, talk and warm our souls with a guided hike, fire, and good eats under the Wolf Moon.

Buddle up and grab your headlamps and flashlights for a guided night hike through the hidden gem of Crandall Family Preserve. The Wolf Moon will light up the night as we stroll out to Wolf Island, where legend has it, the last wolf in Westerly was ever seen. After our 2 mile hike we will gather around a fire at the overlook where we will share food, drink and more! Hope to see you all there!
This event is FREE for members, and $10 per person for not-yet members. Not a member, but would like to be? Click here!
Registration required, spots are limited.
Parking is available on Pound Rd. on the left-hand side in the dirt lot. We will meet and gather at the lot then walk down to the preserve together.

Souper Bowl Hike LVIII
2024-02-04 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. Proceeds will support WLT’s Youth Education programs.

Join fellow hiking superstars for a pass around the preserve and score a bowl of soup! Vegetarian and vegan options are available. This year, funds raised through this event will go straight to WLT’s youth education programs. Thank you for helping keep our hands-on, enriching, outdoor environmental education free of charge, so that it may be enjoyed by all students.
All ages are welcome!

Event is $25 per person.
For $40, we’ll throw in a Westerly Land Trust neon orange winter hat.
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. Cups, plasticware, and paper bowls will still be provided as needed.
Tickets are nonrefundable.

Mind, Body & Spirit: 1 Day Cleanse Workshop
2024-02-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
What better way to settle into the winter than the gift of pause to reset your whole self!
HOW THE CLEANSE WORKS

February 5th pick up at The Barlow Nature Preserve: 3 clean organic vegan meals, 2 juices, a wellness shot and a healthy snack to nourish yourself on February 6th.
February 6th enjoy all your cleanse meals and juices, a schedule will be provided. All meals are prepared and ready to eat.
February 6th 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Karen Dillon will lead meditation, journaling, a light yoga detoxing class and dharma discussion to help us cleanse our mind and emotions at Westerly Land Trusts Barlow Nature Preserve.
Karen will offer you journaling exercises to deepen your spiritual practice and your cleansing process.
BONUS offering: (optional) one-on-one total health and wellness assessments for each participant by Karen.

Sign up by February 1 – Email dillonhang5@me.com or text 201-805-4415.
This experience is brought to you by Karen Dillion. Karen is a yoga teacher and health and wellness coach and has been leading cleanses for over 7 years. The cleanse is $95 total and Karen has generously pledged to donate 10% of proceeds to the Westerly Land Trust.

Thursday Hike: Mount Misery, Voluntown, CT
2024-02-08 10:00 - 12:30 | RI
Steep, but short climb up Mount Misery in first mile, then easier rolling hills. Nice ledge views from Mount Misery. Total hike is about 4 miles. Meet and park at Pachaug State Forest Chapman Area. Entrance to forest is off Route 49, 0.6 miles north of intersection with Routes 138/165. Once you turn left (coming from the south) into Pachaug State Forest, follow road 1 mile to an open field and park there. 41.593608, -71.867344
Leader: Jeff Walker Phone: 401-447-1879 Email: Jeffrey.walker@cox.net

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
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.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
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 last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: Wahaneeta Preserve, Westerly
2024-02-15 10:00 - 11:30 | RI
We will start @ Wahaneeta Preserve. The preserve is on left side of Moorhouse Road off Dunns Corner-Bradford Road. Turn in at Trombino Fields sign.
Leader: David Prigmore Phone: (401)348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
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.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
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 last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Genuine Geologists
2024-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Step into the boots of a Geologist and hunt for your very own geode to break open and take home!

Looking for something to do over February break? Embark on a guided hike in search of stones that hold a secret inside. Use tools and technology to examine your findings!
This event is FREE and open to youth.
A parent/ guardian is required to accompany their student at the event. This is a great opportunity to adventure together!

Thursday Hike: King/ Benson Preserve
2024-02-22 10:00 - 12:00 | RI
For more information please contact hike leader.
Leader: Sally Hanson Phone: (h) (401) 348-9109, (c) (401) 932-5295
Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
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.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
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 last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Volunteer Stewardship Day
2024-02-25 11:00 - 13:00 | RI
Come help WLT’s stewardship efforts at Cottrell Family Preserve as we continue to restore a small meadow near the Pawcatuck River. Over the years, the invasive plant autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) has encroached on the former pasture, limiting the meadow’s capacity for biodiversity and native plants.
Volunteers will use hand tools, selective herbicide application and build brush piles for wildlife while learning about meadow restoration and why it is important. It’ll be beautiful and fun, too!
Email Marc at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org to learn more and sign up! Capacity is limited to 15 volunteers.
Cottrell Family Preserve
Sunday, February 25th from 11am to 1pm

Thursday Hike: Charlestown Moraine Preserve and Schoolhouse Pond Preserve, Charlestown
2024-02-29 10:00 - 13:00 | RI
Rain or snow cancels. A trail has been developed and blazed by the Conservation Commission covering the eastern portion of the Charlestown Moraine Preserve, which can be accessed from the parking lot. A trail through the western portion will be developed soon. This particular Moraine is called a terminal moraine and marks the areas where the advance of the ice left large deposits of soil, rock and gravel that was pushed or carried by the ice. The Moraine runs from Long Island to Narragansett and can be seen in Rhode Island From Westerly to Narragansett. The advancing ice scoured the rock and soil and formed ice pockets. When the ice receded, the material formed the outwash plain we see on the coast, basically south of Route 1. The edge of the advance comprised of rock and gravel is what we see north of Route 1 in many areas of Charlestown. Second growth oak and some birch, juniper and white pine, with an understory of fern beds, buckle berry and mountain laurel dominate the forest. The forest also supports a diversity of wildlife species including resident and migratory bat species. Schoolhouse Pond Preserve: This is a 93 acre property across from Burlingame Wildlife Management. The beautiful property consists of undeveloped frontage on pristine School House Pond plus 2.5 miles of hiking trails through hardwood and pine forest. From Rte 1 take Kings Factory Road north to parking lot on left. After hiking a loop here we will carpool 1.8 miles north to Schoolhouse Pond trail for another nice loop.
Co-Leaders: Sue & Geoff Sewall Phone: 401-377-2826 (h) Email: suemsew@gmail.com
Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com

Sign Up Required: Sign up with listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up. Thursday hike is FREE.
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.
Snow: If there is a lot of snow consider bringing snowshoes, stabilizers, or something for traction.
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 last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Houseplants 101 with Plants by the Pool
2024-02-29 17:30 - 20:00 | RI
Are you wanting to add plants to your home but intimidated by them? There are several benefits to having plants in your home and caring for them is easy! Join us to learn the basics on caring and maintaining houseplants. You will leave with knowledge and a new plant to add to your home!
Location: Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is in partnership with Plants by the Pool!
$5.00 of each ticket will be donated to Westerly Land Trust to support our conservation efforts.
Sign up at this link: https://bit.ly/WLThouseplants101

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:
https://unitedtheatre.org/shows/clear-day-thunder-rescuing-the-american-chestnut/
