The Westerly Land Trust

Outdoor Bootcamp with BarreCoast
2026-05-24 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Active Hope: Emotional Support for Eco-grief
2026-06-03 16:30 - 18:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Eco-grief, or climate anxiety, are terms to describe our emotional responses to climate change and environmental loss.

This Active Hope workshop will include a mix of group practices, journaling and one-on-one discussion to honor our pain for the world. The practices that will be used are steeped in the teachings of The Work That Reconnects, an intentional framework for helping individuals and communities work through grief together and emerge refreshed and empowered!
The Westerly Land Trust is honored to host Zoë Hanley for this important and timely workshop exploring the emotional impacts of climate change and environmental loss.
About Zoë
Zoë Hanley, PhD, is a wildlife ecologist and facilitator for The Work That Reconnects (WTR). She is the Associate Science Director for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon and also offers workshops and retreats drawing from WTR teachings and deep ecology, using experiential and interactive processes, art, bird language and wildlife tracking to support emotional resilience for conservationists and communities. Zoë was born and raised in Rhode Island and loves returning to the New England coast for quality time with family and friends.
Important Info:

This workshop is geared towards college students and adults
Registration is required; spots are limited
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not-yet members
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE
Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve

What to Bring:

Notebook and something to write with

National Trails Day Hike
2026-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Celebrate National Trails Day with the Westerly Land Trust!

Join us for a morning of exploration at Champlin Farm Preserve. Recently protected and opened to the public, this 90-acre preserve offers a beautiful landscape of quiet forest, flowing streams, and prime agricultural fields along the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River.
What is National Trails Day?
National Trails Day is a nationwide initiative established by the American Hiking Society to celebrate and protect the trails that connect us to nature and one another. It is a day to advocate for equitable trail access and to leave the land better than we found it. By joining us, you are part of a massive movement of hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the country who are coming together to honor our public lands and the trails that make them accessible.
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: Available on site
Restrooms: Please note that there are no restroom facilities available at this preserve

What to Bring:

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain, as this is a newer trail system
Reusable water bottle
Hiking stick or poles, if you use them

Wednesday Wonder Walk - Buds & Bugs
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:15 | Avondale Farm Preserve, Quail Run, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
June’s theme is Buds & Bugs. 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 Buds & Bugs and will be held at Avondale Farm Preserve. Come explore blooming meadows in search of the tiny creatures that keep our world buzzing. Equipped with bug vacuums, we will carefully catch, observe, and identify pollinators before gently releasing them back to their homes. Along the way, students discover how flowers and bugs work together, learn why pollinators are so important, and practice careful observation skills. This hands-on adventure turns every meadow walk into a chance to discover the hidden helpers that keep plants, and our planet, thriving.

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. We will meet at Quail Run parking lot.

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)

Summer Solstice Yoga with Barrecoast
2026-06-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Come celebrate the summer solstice and the longest day of the year with a special outdoor yoga class led by Krystal Rose.

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.

Location

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.

Historic Cemetery Hike
2026-06-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Step into history and explore one of WLT’s newest protected landscapes.

Join us for a guided hike and historic cemetery tour at Champlin Farm Preserve, led by WLT volunteer and Rhode Island Historic Cemetery Commissioner Larry Hunter. Along the way, Larry will bring the past to life with stories, insights, and the hidden history behind the cemetery sites found on the property.
Located on Boombridge Road, Champlin Farm Preserve was permanently protected in October 2024 and spans 90.57 acres along the Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River. This beautiful landscape features a mix of forest, streams, and fertile farmland that has long supported crops and grazing—offering a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural history to discover.
Important Info:

Tours are recommended for adults
There are no restroom facilities available on site
Registration is required; spots are limited
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not yet member, which will be generously donated back to WLT by Larry.
Not a WLT member yet, but would like to be? CLICK HERE

What to Bring/Wear:

Be prepared for grassy and wooded terrain with sturdy footwear
Long pants and socks
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent

NEMBA Adventure Series: Woody Hill Fun Ride
2026-06-28 09:00 - 13:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Presented by Rhode Island NEMBA
Please note: This event is hosted by our partners at Rhode Island NEMBA in and around Westerly Land Trust preserves. All inquiries, registration, and proceeds go directly to RI NEMBA.

Overview
It’s Summertime and the living is easy! Come live out the dog days at Woody Hill for 3 fantastic, easy to follow, arrowed loops for all skill levels. Woody Hill showcases some of the best hand-built trails in New England!
Registration

Preregistration is strongly encouraged. This event sells out every year.
Click HERE to register and learn more information about the event.
Schedule

Registration/Check in 9:00AM
Arrows down: 1:00 PM

Contact:
Rhode Island NEMBA at rhodeisland@nemba.org

First Day of Farm Squad!
2026-06-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
When you sign up for Westerly Land Trust’s summer youth education program, Farm Squad, you are enrolling your student in a total of 10 programs!
Each Tuesday and Thursday for 5 weeks, we will gather at Barlow Nature Preserve (home to Frontier Farm, Echo Rock Flowers, and WLT’s pollinator and children’s garden), to explore the fascinating world of farming and the environment. Together, we’ll dive into hands-on topics like planting, pollinators, soil health, farm biodiversity, harvesting, composting, microgreens, and hydroponics.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! We’ll get creative with nature-inspired art, stretch our legs on guided hikes, discover nature-themed stories and literature, and even taste our way through the farm for a full sensory experience.
Throughout the summer, we’ll also welcome local scientists, farmers, and environmental stewards who will share their inspiring work in our community, showcasing real-world environmental careers and sparking curiosity and inspiration in the next generation of changemakers.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: June 30 – July 30 (10 total programs) 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
NO COST

Thanks to generous community support, there’s no cost to participate. If you’d like to help keep WLT youth education programs free for all, please consider making a donation!

WHO CAN JOIN?

Farm Squad is open to ALL students ages 5-10, regardless of what school they attend, including homeschool students
Transportation to and from the program is required

REGISTRATION

Registration is required. Spots are limited.
By registering for this “event,” you are registering for all 10 programs.
Registration is live for WLT members on February 2.

WLT members get first dibs! Not a WLT member but would like to become one? CLICK HERE

Registration is live for EVERYONE on March 2
Up to 2 planned absentees, spots are limited.

CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up for Farm Squad!
Questions- please email Lauren Barber, lbarber@westerylandtrust.org or call 401-315-2610 x1.

Outdoor Yoga Flow with Barrecoast
2026-07-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
If you’re looking for a special opportunity to connect breath to movement in the great outdoors, this is it!
Join us for a special one-hour outdoor yoga flow at the beautiful Winnapaug Farm Preserve led by Lauren Barber.

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.

Location

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.

Date Night Picnic hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-07-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Join Echo Rock Flowers for a magical date night amongst the flowers!
Click Here for More Info & to Sign Up!
If you’re looking for a unique date night – a quiet escape where you can connect with your loved one – then keep reading.
Imagine this: you come to the farm and upon entering, you are offered a cold drink and your own picnic basket that has already been lovingly filled with tasty treats. You take in the beauty around as you choose your own table amongst the rows of flowers. At your table is a pre-picked bucket of flowers, 2 vases, and simple directions on how to make your own arrangement. Together you work on creating your floral designs as you sip your libation, snack on light refreshments and enjoy the serenity of the farm in the glow of a Summer evening.
Your Date Night includes:

1 drink per person (for 21+ your options include IPA, Light Lager, Rosé or white wine)
Infused-water station & seltzers for nonalcoholic options
2 Vases + Flowers for you to design with and take home. If you are a couple and/or family, perhaps you keep one arrangements at home and give the other away. If you are friends joining us, then you each get your own!
Refreshments for 2 packed in a picnic basket (*basket not included to take home, allergies accommodated – please list during checkout). Options include, but are not limited to – a charcuterie box, fresh fruit and veggies, croissants with whipped butter and a couple of sweet treats.

SOMA & Sound Journey
2026-08-09 09:00 - 10:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Outdoor Somatic Yoga with Sound Bath at the Winnapaug Farm Preserve!
Join us for a tranquil journey of mind and body led by Amanda Gray and Maddy McCann.

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.

Location

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.

Summer Bounty Floral Design Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-08-22 16:00 - 16:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Celebrate the height of the growing season with an immersive, hands-on floral design experience set right in the fields of Echo Rock Flowers
In this workshop, guests will learn the fundamentals of garden-inspired floral design while creating a lush, seasonal centerpiece using flowers harvested at their absolute peak. We’ll begin with a design demonstration covering color balance, movement, mechanics, and how to work with the natural shapes of summer blooms. From there, you’ll begin your own creative design as you enjoy light refreshments and the company of fellow enthusiasts.
This workshop is perfect for flower lovers of all experience levels – whether you’re brand new to floral design or simply want to slow down and create with beautiful, locally grown flowers.
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

Date Night Picnic hosted by Echo Rock Flowers (Dahlia focus)
2026-09-19 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA

Fall Equinox Yoga on the Farm
2026-09-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a special outdoor yoga class with Krystal Rose as we celebrate the fall equinox!

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.

Location

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.

WTAC Grills Trail Race 10K and 10M
2026-10-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Presented by Westerly Track & Athletic Club, with a special thank-you to the Westerly and Hopkinton Land Trust for allowing us to host on their properties.
Location: Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Bradford, RI
Start times:
9:00am: Check-in and bib pick-up opens
10:00am: 10M and 10K races start
Race cut-off time: Out of respect for volunteers’ time, our cutoff for the 10-mile course is 2 hours 30 minutes (15 minute/mile pace). Beyond this time, we do not have a guarantee of support, recording a finishing time, food, etc. If you have not reached the half-way water stop by 11:30am, we ask that you turn around and follow the dirt road road back one mile to the start.
Walkers are welcome at all of our events; HOWEVER, in consideration of our volunteers’ time, we respectfully ask walkers to choose the shorter 10K course.
Race format: Mass simultaneous start for both 10-Mile and 10K start. Course split at 1-mile. Not providing race shirts will keep our costs (and yours) lower. We will use our own timing instead of professional chip timing. This will keep the race logistics easier and less expensive, and accordingly, your entry fees will also be LOW!
Location: Both courses start and finish at Grills Preserve, Westerly.
Course Description: 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.
Requirement: Each participant and volunteer must wear at least 200 square inches of orange. Anyone not wearing orange will not be allowed to race per State of RI DEM mandate.
Entry fees:
– Early registration (up to Oct 4): $23 adults, $18 age 18 and under
– Regular registration (Oct 5 – 23): $30 adults, $25 age 18 and under
– Race day registration (Oct 24): $35 adults, $30 age 18 and under
$5 discount to all WTAC members; $2 to all Mohegan Striders
Awards:
Awards to overall M/F finishers, plus top 1 in each M/F age group:
19 and under, 20-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Note awards will be low cost and more of a fun nature.
Food (including pizza truck) and refreshments are served post-race for participants. Strollers and dogs prohibited on the course.
For more info, contact info@westerlytrackclub.org or (401) 447-1879 .

The Dahlia Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-11-01 13:00 - 15:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Dig, Divide, and Store: An End-of-Season Dahlia Workshop
Imagine stepping into the world of Dahlia care with confidence and skill! This November, join Echo Rock Flowers for a hands-on workshop dedicated to preparing your Dahlias for the winter and ensuring they thrive next season. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to care for your Dahlia tubers at the end of their growing season.
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

Dried Flower Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-11-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Winter Ornament Workshop
Celebrate the season with a festive and creative Winter Ornament Workshop! Join Echo Rock Flowers for a cozy afternoon in our conference room, surrounded by the warmth of holiday cheer, as we craft unique ornaments using our beautiful dried flowers. This workshop is the perfect way to make heartfelt gifts for loved ones or to create something special for your own holiday decorations.
Enjoy the holiday spirit with Christmas music, warm cider, and cookies while you craft. Stations will be set up with all the materials you need to create three stunning ornaments, including thick wire, dried flowers, ribbon, hot glue guns, and scissors. Each participant will also receive a labeled to-go box to neatly carry their ornaments 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
