The Westerly Land Trust

Westerly Track & Athletic Club: Wahaneeta Trail Race
2024-09-14 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
The Westerly Track & Athletic Club hosts an annual trail race at Wahaneeta Preserve in September. This is the first of four races in WTAC’s Fall Race Series. Runners and walkers are welcome. The terrain of the course is entirely dirt trails, with some technical single-track. In order to minimize bunching up at the race start, the course will first run across a short grass field before continuing on double-track for approximately one-half mile. Most of the rest of the course will be on single-track and include challenges such as stream crossings on narrow wooden bridges, hills, and rock gardens. During the course of the race, you will cross streams multiple times, with most but not all having bridge crossings. The course is very spectator friendly, as the start/finish is in the same area, and during the course of the race runners will pass through the start/finish area twice before finishing.
For more information and to register for this Westerly Track & Athletic Club event, please click here.

Fall Equinox Outdoor Yoga with BarreCoast
2024-09-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Celebrate the change of seasons with an outdoor yoga class at Winnapaug Farm Preserve, brought to you by BarreCoast.

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Advanced registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot. Westerly Land Trust members, contact Erika Lebling at elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for reduced price registration of $10.

Living Labs SES Grades 2-4 Trails & Treasure
2024-09-24 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.

This program is for Springbrook 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 SES Grades K-1 Trails & Treasure
2024-09-25 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2024-09-26 10:00 - 13:00
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.
Leader: Sally Hanson Phone: 401 932-5395 Email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com
Please click here to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.

Forest Bathing
2024-09-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join Deirdre O’Connor for a slow and easy walk in Wahaneeta Preserve. Forest Bathing is the pleasant practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health and happiness. Evidenced 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 and learn about how the regular practice of Forest Bathing can restore health and vitality by strengthening immune function, lowering stress hormones, improving mood and sleep, and stimulating creativity. 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. This experience is open to ages 15 and up.

Registration is required. Spots are limited. Please reserve your spot through the form below.

Free for WLT members, $10 for not-yet-members (If you’d like to join WLT, please click here.)

Parking is limited please carpool if possible.

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.

This event is full; however, if you'd like to add your name to our waiting list, please do so here:
Join Waiting List

Living Labs SES Grades K-4 Magical Mushrooms
2024-10-01 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 Springbrook 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

This session of Living Laboratories is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please click the button below:
Join Waiting List

Living Labs SES Grades K-1 Magical Mushrooms- NOW ON OCT 1
2024-10-02 15:50 - 17:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW COMBINED WITH GRADES 2-4 ON OCT 1. 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 Springbrook 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 SSS Grades K-4 Trails & Treasure
2024-10-08 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 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

This session of Living Laboratories is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please click the button below:
Join Waiting List

Living Labs SSS Grades K-1 Trails & Treasure NOW ON OCT 8
2024-10-09 15:50 - 17:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW COMBINED WITH GRADES 2-4 ON TUESDAY, OCT 8. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
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 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

This session of Living Laboratories is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please click the button below:
Join Waiting List

'Togetherhood' Volunteer Stewardship Day with Ocean Community YMCA
2024-10-09 16:00 - 18:00 | 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
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

This session of Living Laboratories is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please click the button below:
Join Waiting List

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

This session of Living Laboratories is currently full. If you'd like to join our waiting list, please click the button below:
Join Waiting List

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
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
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
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.
