The Westerly Land Trust

Native Seed Sowing Workshop
2026-01-23 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | 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!

POSTPONED: Winter Tree Identification Lecture
2026-02-26 17:00 - 18:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

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.

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)

Thursday Hike at Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2026-03-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park- Tom Harvey Trailhead, Intersection of Tom Harvey Road & Newbury Dr., Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, United States
A walking tour of the WLT’s Dr. John Cmaplin Glacier Park featuring wooded trails with gentle hills and some rocky sections. This site’s unique geological features are worth the trip. Meet at the trailhead off of Tom Harvey Road just outside the entrance to Winnapaug Cottages. Please park in the designated area outside of the Winnapaug Cottages gate or in the parking lot across the street.
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: 401-213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net
Click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule!

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.

Winter Tree Identification Walk #1
2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:30 | 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, March 6th.

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.

401Gives 2026
2026-03-31 06:00 - 2026-04-01 18:00
Click here to support the Westerly Land Trust through 401Gives. (Time details below.)
401Gives, Rhode Island’s Statewide Day of Giving, is celebrated every year on or around 4/01 (derived from the Ocean State’s area code). In 2026, to honor Passover, 401Gives will run:
TUESDAY, March 31st beginning at 6am through WEDNESDAY, April 1 ending at 6pm.
Powered by United Way of Rhode Island, this is the 7th consecutive 401Gives and the Westerly Land Trust’s 7th time participating. Joining in the fun is easy! Beginning at 6am on Tuesday, March 31st simply click this link 401gives.org/organizations/westerly-land-trust and make a gift to support the Westerly Land Trust’s conservation efforts, local small-scale agriculture, and environmental education. Then sit back and watch the 401Gives leader boards climb as people all over the world support their favorite Rhode Island nonprofits.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Want your gift to go even further?
401Gives offers a variety of additional prizes for the participating nonprofits throughout the day. Here are some of the big ones:
Tuesday, March 31 at 6AM, Early Bird Catches the Worm–Papitto Opportunity Connection Match: The first $20,000 will be matched by Papitto Opportunity Connection. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $500.00. Online donations only.
Tuesday, March 31 at 1PM, Energize and Recharge–RI Energy Match: The first $25,000 will be matched by Rhode Island Energy. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $500.00. Online donations only.
Tuesday, March 31 at 4:01PM, Ocean State Community Match–Rhode Island Foundation: Starting at 4:01PM on 3/31/26, the next $20,000 will be matched by by the Rhode Island Foundation at $20 each (Ex: $20, matched by $20, turns into $40). There is no maximum donation, minimum gift is $5. The maximum match is $20 per donor, per nonprofit. Online donations only.
Wednesday, April 1 at 4:01PM, All That And A Match–Rhode Island Foundation: The biggest match out of of the whole giving period–$30,000! Starting at 4:01 p.m. on 4/1/2026, donations will be matched by Rhode Island Foundation by $25 each. There is no maximum donation, minimum gift is $5. The maximum match is $25 per donor, per organization. Online donations only.
For a complete list of prizes, click here.

Forest Health Monitoring Volunteer Open House
2026-04-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
WLT is looking to recruit volunteers for its new Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) program.

If you are interested in forest health, tree identification and citizen science, this might be an opportunity for you!
Forest Health Monitoring seeks to hit the ground running with this long-term ecological monitoring project this summer at Grills Preserve. We will establish a network of 10-meter radius circular plots, within which we will record observations such a tree species, diameter-at-breast height, mortality, canopy cover and more. To learn more about our methods, check out the Wildlands and Woodlands Stewardship Science page.
While some experience in tree identification would be nice, it is far from a requirement — eager and passionate volunteers are what we are looking for!
At the open house, you will hear from the WLT team leading this project about the motivations and methods as well as get the opportunity to ask and questions and mingle with other like-minded folks.
Things to Know

This event is free, thanks for volunteering with us!
Bring a notebook or another tool if you would like to take notes
Parking is available on site
A restroom is available on site
If you would like to further support WLT’s conservation mission, click here.

Questions? Email Marc at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org.

Thursday Hike - Riverwood Preserve
2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
Co-Leaders: Sally Hanson, Ray Chang, Lynne Ranallo Phone: 401 932-5295 Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
Click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule!

A Celebration of Red-Wings
2026-04-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council event hosted at The Westerly Land Trust Barlow Nature Preserve for a naturalist-guided exploration of a vibrant freshwater marsh habitat, home to nesting Red-winged Blackbirds.
This immersive experience combines real-time wildlife observation with engaging mini-talks about:

The ecological importance of freshwater marshes
How marsh habitats support our Wild & Scenic rivers
The significance of Red-Winged Blackbirds as indicators of healthy wetlands

What to Know

Registration is required; spots are limited.
This event is no cost thanks to the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild & Scenic Stewardship Council
Parking is available on site at 449 Westerly Bradford Road
Restrooms are available on site
Event is rain or shine, dress for the weather
All abilities and ages welcome

What to Bring

Lawn chair
Binoculars
Camera, if you have one and would like to take photos

Meet Your Guides

Bruce Fellman: A longtime observer, teacher, photographer, and writer of natural history, Bruce brings decades of experience to the field. Residing in North Stonington, his talents come together in his long-running columns for The Westerly Sun.
Sue Palmer: Although claiming she is retired, Sue is one of Rhode Island’s most energetic birders, and for each of the last six years has recorded over 300 species of birds in Rhode Island alone. Her bird photography has been published nationally. Sue lives in Westerly and brings deep knowledge and enthusiasm to the field.
Tripod-mounted optics will be available for comfortable extended viewing.

Stay In Touch

Not a Westerly Land Trust member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Winter Tree Identification Walk #2
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 | 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.

Forest Bathing
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with Nature as you luxuriate in a Forest Bath!

Celebrate the start of WLT’s Earth Week by joining Deirdre O’Connor for a slow and relaxing walk in Riverwood Preserve.
Forest Bathing is the pleasant practice of spending time in nature to enhance health and happiness. Evidence-based research confirms that time in nature has profound healing benefits for physical and emotional well–being. The term Forest Bathing comes from the Japanese tradition of “shin-rin yoku,” literally translated to “bathing in the atmosphere of the forest”. On this walk, you will experience how the regular practice of Forest Bathing can restore your health and vitality.
Forest Bathing also offers us the opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world. You will be walking slowly for about one mile on mostly flat but uneven forest trails as you are offered a series of invitations to explore the landscape with your senses and connect with the natural world. We will be walking and sitting for 2 hours, and will finish our walk by sharing tea together.
Registration

Registration is required. Spots are limited.

Free for WLT members, $10 for not-yet-members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE.
This experience is open to ages 15 and up.

Things to Know

Parking is available at Riverwood Preserve. Turn onto Boy Scout Drive off of Old Hopkinton Road, continue down the road through the set of open gates, and continue on the dirt road along the river until you are at the parking area by the sign for Camp Quequatuck
Outhouses are available at the trailhead
Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes
Dressing in layers is recommended, possibly a day pack for shedded layers
Bring a hiking stick or poles if you like using them

Deirdre O’Connor is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Deirdre is delighted to share the Healing power of Nature through Forest Bathing, where Nature and our true natures come to know one another. She resides in Westerly, enjoying birding, botany, bicycling, and exploring the next cool place to share Forest Bathing.

Volunteer Stewardship Day - Champlin Farm Preserve
2026-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Help WLT provide homes for the birds at Champlin Farm Preserve!

The sun shines strong on the south-facing fields at Champlin Farm Preserve and the nearby wetlands and open woodlands make for prime bluebird breeding habitat.
Over the winter, our CCC volunteers assembled some birdhouses and we need you to help us put them up!
Volunteers will help by digging holes, squaring posts, and hanging houses. We will also take a moment to learn about proper birdhouse management and how to monitor for success.
Things to Know

This event is free, thanks for volunteering with us!
Dress to work outside and bring a water bottle
Parking is available on site
There is no bathroom on site
If you would like to further support WLT’s conservation mission, click here.

Questions? Email Marc at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org.

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)

Is a River Alive Book Club
2026-04-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
In partnership with Westerly Library & Wilcox Park and in celebration of Earth Day, please join us to discuss the book “Is a River Alive?”.

In partnership with Westerly Library & Wilcox Park, and in celebration of Earth Day, join us for a discussion of Robert Macfarlane’s book Is A River Alive?
The Library has generously donated copies of the book for the first 10 participants. If you’re interested in a copy, please email Erika at elebling@westerlylandtrust.org. You can also check out a copy through the consortium with your library card.
For the day of the event, come prepared to discuss the book, then we’ll all go for a hike through the woods of Riverwood Preserve.
Things to Know

This event is NO COST
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE.
Outhouses are located at the trailhead

Contact Erika with any questions — elebling@westerlylandtrust.org

Thursday Hike - Champlin Farm Preserve
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for part of our Earth Week celebration! All week (April 18 – 26), WLT will be offering events to celebrate, take care of, and connect with our Earth. Check out our Calendar of Events to see what else is happening during Earth Week.
This walk is at Champlin Preserve at 64 Boombridge Road in Westerly. The entrance is just north of a swamp area on the west side of Boombridge Road. Take the dirt road up the hill to the parking at the top of the hill. The walk is through the woods, past a granite outcropping, along the Pawcatuck River, and past the gravel pit. It is moderate walking on new trails.
Leader: David Prigmore Phone: 401 348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
Click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule!

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.

Clean-Up Crews & Brews 2026
2026-04-26 11:30 - 14:00 | 14 Canal St, 14 Canal Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Help us clean-up our community and then celebrate with a tasty pint at Grey Sail Brewing Company of RI.

This year, The Westerly Land Trust and The Greater North End Community Development Corporation are teaming up to expand our Earth Day–inspired community trash pick-up.
Volunteers will help clean up areas in and around Westerly Land Trust properties, as well as the historic North End. After the clean-up, everyone will gather back at the Canal Street parking lot at 1:30 PM to consolidate trash, which will be transported to the dump the following day, weighed, and reported back to all participants.
As a thank-you for your efforts, participants will receive a token to enjoy a complimentary beverage of their choice at Grey Sail Brewing Company of Rhode Island. Please note, token must be used on day of the cleanup.
We will head to Grey Sail around 2:00 PM where Geoff Kaufman will be playing live music and Crews & Brews participants will have a chance to win a gift card to Jonnycake Center of Westerly, where you can find almost everything – vintage and new!
Many thanks to Grey Sail Brewing Company of Rhode Island for hosting our clean-up crews and to Jonncake Center of Westerly for their gift card donation. Vetrano’s Wood Fired Pizza will be open for purchase.
Things to Know

Registration is required to help us determine how many preserves we will be able to tackle with our crews!
We will all meet in the parking lot at 14 Canal Street at 11:30 AM, then disperse into our cleanup crews from there.
We will meet back at Canal Street Parking at 1:30 PM and head to Grey Sail around 2:00 PM to keep the fun going.
We recommend comfy shoes, and you may consider wearing long sleeves.
Please bring gloves, buckets, and trash pickers if you have them– we’ll share what we have.
Wear solid daylight fluorescent orange above the waist and visible in all directions – we will bring some extra vests if needed

Guided Bird Walk on World Migratory Bird Day
2026-05-09 07:00 - 10:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us in welcoming back the neotropical migrants such as warblers, orioles and tanagers, as they return to their breeding territories.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
This year’s WMBD theme, shared spaces, seeks to highlight how every community — whether urban, rural, or wild — can do things to support our migratory birds.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! Meet your birding leader, Maggie Jones, at Barlow Nature Preserve and then head out to explore other nearby WLT properties.
Important Info:

Registration is required; spots are limited
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not yet member.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE
Parking is available on site
There is an outhouse at Barlow

What to Bring:

Comfortable clothing and shoes
Fluorescent orange is required (hat or vest), we will have some to share
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars, we will have some to share

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)

Grow Your Own - The Cutting Garden Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Imagine stepping outside to your own garden, snips in hand, and cutting a bouquet of fresh, vibrant blooms for your home. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create and care for a manageable cut flower patch filled with stunning flowers that bloom all season long.
Join Echo Rock Flowers for a hands-on gardening workshop designed to educate and inspire. You’ll be amazed with what you can grow in such a small area! We will guide you through the process of creating your very own cutting garden – from seed to vase. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop will leave you equipped and excited to grow your own patch of beauty at 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

42nd Annual Garden Market Fair
2026-05-17 09:00 - 14:00 | westerly library and wilcox park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Please join Westerly Library and Wilcox Park for their 42nd Annual Garden Market Fair! Make sure to stop by Westerly Land Trust’s table to say hi and learn more about us!
Wander through Wilcox Park to find everything from annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, organic vegetables, herbs, and accessories for purchase as well as tables with community nonprofit organizations, food, and music with The Westerly Band. Don’t forget to visit with the alpacas!
For inquiries or vendor opportunities, please contact Park Superintendent Alan Peck at x334 or apeck@westerlylibrary.org.
Please see below for an up-to-date list of participating vendors and community organizations!
Plant and Nature:

Berry Island Dahlias
Berry Island Soap Company
Earth Essence Herbals
Growing Hope Farm
Hallene Farm

Nonprofits:

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Literacy Volunteers of Washington County
RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) – Composting & vermicomposting
The Westerly Band
Westerly Land Trust
Westerly Village-The Village Common RI

Food:

Westerly High School Culinary Team

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 staff member to let us know and we will make every effort to honor that request.

Outdoor Bootcamp with BarreCoast
2026-05-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Let’s kick off summer! Join us Memorial Day weekend for a 1-hour outdoor bootcamp class led by Christina Coleman. We will utilize our own body weight and resistance bands to increase intensity.

Bring your yoga mat, another mat or sheet/blanket to place underneath and a bottle of water.

Advanced Registration Required.
Enroll online using your existing class package or purchase a single drop in!

Click HERE to register!

Westerly Land Trust members, contact Erika Lebling, elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for reduced price registration of $10.

The Winnapaug Farm Preserve is at 117 Shore Road Westerly, RI off of Winnapaug Road. From Winnapaug Road, take a left onto Shore Road and go to the second red gate, approximately 1/8 a mile down on the right hand side where you will park and walk 20 steps to where you will practice.

Participants meditating at Winnapaug Farm Preserve with BarreCoast
