The Westerly Land Trust

'Togetherhood' Volunteer Stewardship Day with Ocean Community YMCA
2024-10-09 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Join us for a day of community and conservation as we enhance our beautiful local trails! On October 9th, the Westerly Land Trust and Ocean Community YMCA invite you to participate in our Volunteer Stewardship Day.

Event Highlights:

Start out trailhead native plant garden: Help us lay the foundation for a vibrant native plant garden at the Bowling Lane trailhead to support local wildlife, educate the public, and help WLT restoration efforts.
Trail Clean-Up: Join fellow volunteers in picking up litter along the trails to ensure our natural spaces remain clean and inviting for everyone.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, gloves, water, and any personal gardening tools you’d like to use. We’ll provide refreshments and all necessary materials.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the stewardship of our local environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or want to lend a helping hand, all are welcome!

Let’s work together to create a thriving ecosystem for future generations. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Any questions? Send ’em over to mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Click here to register!

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve
2024-10-10 10:00 - 12:00 | RI
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.
Hike Leader: Marc Doherty Phone: 508 308-9787 Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.

Living Labs SSS Grades K-4 Magical Mushrooms
2024-10-15 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Magical Mushrooms: Did you know that some mushrooms glow in the dark and can be found in your backyard environment?! Nature is full of fascinating surprises, and we want YOU to join us on a mushroom hunt to discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world around us.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Wahaneeta Preserve
This program is for State Street School students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Transportation: All students are bussed to program after school. Students can be picked up by a guardian or take the bus home after program
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

Living Labs SSS Grades K-1 Magical Mushrooms NOW ON 10/15
2024-10-17 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW COMBINED WITH GRADES 2-4 ON TUESDAY, OCT 15. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
Magical Mushrooms: Did you know that some mushrooms glow in the dark and can be found in your backyard environment?! Nature is full of fascinating surprises, and we want YOU to join us on a mushroom hunt to discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world around us.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Wahaneeta Preserve
This program is for State Street School students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Transportation: All students are bussed to program after school. Students can be picked up by a guardian or take the bus home after program
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

FULL: Fungal Foray with the Mushroom Hunting Foundation: A Land Trust Days Event
2024-10-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Thank you for your interest. This event is now full. We hope to catch you at the next one!
Join us on Sunday, October 20th from 9:30am to 11:30am for a Fungal Foray at Wahaneeta Preserve. Led by Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt of the Mushroom Hunting Foundation, this exploratory walk will lead us through the diverse woods surrounding an old girl scout camp to find mushrooms, learn how to identify them and discover how these fungi fit into our local ecosystem – some of them may even fit onto our dinner plate! Ryan and Emily bring with them not only a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, but also a great specimen collection so we are sure to learn something new.

Be sure the check out the Mushroom Hunting Foundation (@mushroom_hunting_foundation) to learn more about Ryan and Emily’s mission.

This event is offered by WLT for no cost to participants as a part of Land Trust Days, the annual two-month celebration of the wonderful open spaces across Rhode Island that land trusts are protecting hosted by Rhode Island Land Trust Council.

Living Labs DCS Grades 2-4 Trails & Treasure
2024-10-22 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Trails & Treasure: Calling all explorers! Get ready to hit the trails and discover hidden treasure amongst the forest and the art of map making.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Barlow Nature Preserve
This program is for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Transportation: All students are bussed to program after school. Students can be picked up by a guardian or take the bus home after program
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

Living Labs DCS Grades K-1 Trails & Treasure
2024-10-23 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Westerly Track & Athletic Club: Grills Trail Race
2024-10-26 09:00 - 14:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
The Westerly Track & Athletic Club hosts an annual trail race at Grills Preserve in October. This year, it is #3 of 4 in the Fall Race Series. You’ll have two options: 10K or 10 miles. Both courses showcase Grills Preserve in Westerly, and the 10-Mile course also features beautiful trails, bridges, and riverfront in the Grills Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton. The course is a mix of about 80% single-track and 20% double-track.
For more information and to register for this Westerly Track & Athletic Club event, please click here.

Trails & Ales
2024-10-26 13:30 - 16:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Fall is here! It’s time to celebrate New England’s trademark season. We’ll be cozy company under the falling leaves at Wahaneeta Preserve. Plan on hiking through the woods before gathering under the pavilion to sample tasty local brews from Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island. We’ll raise a glass to what some might say is the best season of them all.

This event is $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Registration is now closed.

Living Labs DCS Grades 2-4 Magical Mushrooms
2024-10-29 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Magical Mushrooms: Did you know that some mushrooms glow in the dark and can be found in your backyard environment?! Nature is full of fascinating surprises, and we want YOU to join us on a mushroom hunt to discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world around us.

Registration closes on 10/18/24
Location: Wahaneeta Preserve
This program is for Dunn’s Corners Elementary School students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Transportation: All students are bussed to program after school. Students can be picked up by a guardian or take the bus home after program
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

Living Labs DCS Grades K-1 Magical Mushrooms
2024-10-30 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Thursday Hike: Cottrell Preserve
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | RI
This is a WLT preserve. It is 21 acres which is boarded on the north by the Pawcatuck River and on
the south by the Westerly Ton Forest. It will be a moderate woods walk. It is within walking
distance of Flora Whitely Preserve at the Potter Hill bridge on Potter Hill Road. Parking is still
a challenge so we will meet at Flora Whitely Preserve.
Leader: David Progmore Phone:401348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.

Homeschool Grades K-4: Trails & Treasure
2024-11-07 09:30 - 11:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Trails & Treasure: Calling all explorers! Get ready to hit the trails and work as a team to decode a map that leads to hidden treasure.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Barlow Nature Preserve
This program is open to all homeschooled students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

This session is full; however, if you'd like to add your name to our waiting list, please do so here:
Join Waiting List (https://westerlylandtrust.org/waitlist-homeschool-k-4-trails-treasure-11-7/)

Homeschool Grades 5-8: Trails & Treasure
2024-11-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Trails & Treasure: Calling all explorers! Get ready to hit the trails and work as a team to decode a map that leads to hidden treasure. Grades 5-8 will get the chance to use more advanced technology.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Barlow Nature Preserve
This program is open to all homeschooled students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org
This session is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please fill out the form below:
Join Waiting List (https://westerlylandtrust.org/waitlist-homeschool-5-8-trails-treasure-11-7//)

Homeschool Grades K-4: Magical Mushrooms
2024-11-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Magical Mushrooms: Did you know that some mushrooms glow in the dark and can be found in your backyard environment?! Nature is full of fascinating surprises, and we want YOU to join us on a mushroom hunt to discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world around us.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Wahaneeta Preserve
This program is for homeschool students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org

This session is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please fill out the form below:
https://westerlylandtrust.org/waitlist-homeschool-k-4-magical-mushrooms-11-14//">Join Waiting List (http://span%20style=)

Homeschool Grades 5-8: Magical Mushrooms
2024-11-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Magical Mushrooms: Did you know that some mushrooms glow in the dark and can be found in your backyard environment?! Nature is full of fascinating surprises, and we want YOU to join us on a mushroom hunt to discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world around us. Grades 5-8 will get the chance to use more advanced technology.

Registration closes the Friday before program at 9AM
Location: Wahaneeta Preserve
This program is for homeschool students
NO COST thanks to generous community support
Spots are limited, reserve yours today and get ready for an adventure

If you are interested in a WLT program outside of what is being offered HERE please contact Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org
This session of Living Laboratories is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please fill out the information below:

Flannel in the Forest
2024-11-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This event is now full. We hope to catch you at the next one!
Wear your favorite flannel shirt and join us for a roughly 2.5-mile hike amongst the colorful fall leaves in the beautiful Riverwood Preserve. Chase away the chill with a complimentary hot beverage and good company.
NO COST for WLT members, $10 for not-yet-members. Become a member today by clicking HERE.

Thursday Hike: Wahaneeta
2024-11-21 10:00 - 12:00 | RI
Let’s wander the varied trails of this former Girl Scout Camp, Homestead, and Saw Mill. The trails are well-maintained and mostly have gentle ups and downs. A trailside visit with a Rhode Island “notable” is promised. Parking will be available at Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly. The gate will be open; drive through the gate, stay left, and park in the field. Meet at the cabin just up from the parking area.
Leader: Deirdre O’Connor Phone: 860 287-7281 Email: deirdreo@snet.net
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.

Turkey Trot
2024-11-29 10:00 - 13:00 | RI
It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving and all of the food has been eaten – what is there to do next? How about a walk at Grills Preserve? This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We should be able to see most of the popular attractions, including the Polly Coon Bridge, the Larkin Foundation dating from the 1660s, and views from Big Hill after a short but steep climb. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac at the end of Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.
Leader: Sally Hanson Phone: 401 932-5395 Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.

2024 Annual Meeting
2024-12-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
The Westerly Land Trust Annual Meeting is open to all members. Join us as we recap 2024 and share plans for 2025. To RSVP, please call 401-315-2610 or email Jenn at jfusco@westerlylandtrust.org.
We’ll meet at Barlow Nature Preserve (449 Westerly Bradford Road) on Tuesday, December 3, from 5:30-7:30pm.

Thursday Hike: Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2024-12-05 10:00 - 11:30 | RI
A walking tour of the WLT’s Glacier Park preserve 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: David Prigmore Phone: 401 348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com

5th Annual Westerly Light Parade
2024-12-15 18:00 - 19:00 | High Street, Down Town Westerly
The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 5th Annual Westerly Light Parade, and we’ll be there! Check out our truck, complete with environmentally friendly solar-powered lights.
For more information click here!

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2024-12-19 10:00 - 12:00 | RI
This property is part of the Westerly Land Trust’s Pawcatuck River Corridor Initiative. It consists 148 acres of woodland, rocky ridges, and freshwater 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.
Leader: Marc Doherty Phone: 508 308-9787 Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Thursday Hike: Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2025-01-02 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 Champlin 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 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
To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

Fern Mounting Workshop
2025-01-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Join us for our Fern Mounting Workshop!
As an extension of our Wellness in the Woods initiative, we are partnering with Plants by the Village to help you experience the many benefits of owning a living plant! Learn how to mount ferns and create your own beautiful botanical display! This in-person event will guide you through the process step by step. No experience necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! Limited spots available, so sign up now to secure your spot. See you there!
Date: January 16th, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:30
Location: Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd
$5/ticket will be donated to the Westerly Land Trust
Click Here to Register!

Thursday Hike: Cottrell Family Preserve
2025-01-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Cottrell Family Preserve, 13-29 Christian Hill Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
This is a WLT preserve. It is 21 acres which is bordered on the north by the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River and on the south by the Westerly Town Forest. It will be a moderate woods walk. It is within walking distance of Flora Whitely Preserve at the Potter Hill bridge on Potter Hill Road. Parking is still a challenge so we will meet at Flora Whitely Preserve.
Leader: Casey Merkle Phone: 847 970-0229 Email: coordinator@wpwildrivers.org

Friday by the Fire
2025-01-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
A crisp winter hike and reveling around a fire with friends old and new… on a Friday night — what could be better!

After a nice late afternoon stroll through Grills Preserve, we will gather around the fire to share a warm drink. Bring warm layers and a headlamp/flashlight. Hope to see you all there.
This event is FREE for members, and $10 per person for non-members. Not a member, but would like to be? Click here.
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Friday by the Fire
2025-01-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
A crisp winter hike and reveling around a fire with friends old and new… on a Friday night — what could be better!

A crisp winter hike and reveling around a fire with friends old and new… on a Friday night — what could be better!

Tickets are nonrefundable.

SOLD OUT! Native Seed Sowing Workshop
2025-01-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Learn a new gardening skill and bring home some native plants for your garden!

Wait, seed sowing in January? Yep, it’s winter and that means it’s time to sow native seeds. This is a great activity for all ages and an awesome way to get excited about the growing season during these long winter nights. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
One of the best ways to support local biodiversity is to grow native plants. Growing native plants from seed is a bit different than starting seeds for your vegetable garden — most native seeds require a period of cold, moist stratification so they can germinate come spring.
We are proud to have two native plant allies joining us to help out — Betsy Lennon (RI Wild Plant Society) and George Christie (RI Natural History Survey, NPT Plant Conservation Volunteer, Diptera enthusiast). While we will have shelter in the greenhouse or garage, things might be a bit chilly, so dress accordingly. A fire, hot drinks and new friends will also help keep us warm.
This event is NO COST for all attendees, donation is optional. Registration is required, spots are limited.
Not a WLT member, but would like to be? Click here.
If you have any questions, email Marc at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Souper Bowl Hike LIX
2025-02-02 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

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