Thursday Paddle: Flora Whitely Preserve
2026-08-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Flora Whiteley Preserve, 197 Potter Hill Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Grab your paddle and set off on the Pawcatuck River for a calm paddle upstream to begin your journey. Then hitch a ride back with the current and enjoy the quiet beauty of this Wild and Scenic River. Bring binoculars to spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Paddle craft of your choice is welcome, including kayaks and paddleboards.
Please contact the paddle leader to let them know you will be joining!
Leader: Lauren Barber Phone: 609-425-7047 Email: lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org
Location: Between Potter Hill Road and the Pawcatuck River, north of Lima Drive and South of the Potter Hill village. Flora Whiteley Preserve is across Potter Hill Road from the east arm of the Westerly Town Forest. Parking will be available in the field.
Important Note:

Rhode Island boating safety regulation that went into effect on April 2, 2023: All operators & passengers of canoes, kayaks, sailboards, kiteboards, paddleboards, and any other paddlecraft shall wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times while underway regardless of age.

Click HERE to view the full Thursday Paddle schedule.

Paddle, Yoga, Float & Flow
2026-08-14 17:00 - 19:30 | Flora Whiteley Preserve, 197 Potter Hill Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Certified yoga teacher, Janice Fifer, will guide us through Sun Salutations with a focus on hip and shoulder openers to prepare for a paddle up the Pawcatuck River. We will stop along the way for a short meditation and ride the river’s gentle current back to the put-in point. The day will end with relaxation and a closing circle. This is a moderate paddle for kayakers with some experience, with the emphasis on relaxing and enjoying nature.
What to bring: BYO Kayak, Paddle board, canoe etc, Paddle, Life Jacket, Yoga Mat, Large Towel (to put under your yoga mat), Water, Bug Repellent. Be aware that your shoes will get wet and muddy.
Please note: Rhode Island State Regulations require that everyone, regardless of age, MUST wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket, fastened in the manner the manufacturer intended.
Parking: Parking is available at Flora Whitely Preserve at 197 Potter Hill Rd. We will put in for our paddle there as well.
This event is FREE for members, and $10 per person for not-yet members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration required, spots are limited.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Date Night Picnic hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
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.

Summer Bounty Floral Design Workshop hosted by Echo Rock Flowers
2026-08-22 16:00 - 17:30 | 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

Composting for the Planet
2026-08-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Discover how you can reduce your food waste and start composting at home, even without outdoor space.

Reducing food waste and composting are two of the most impactful things individuals can do to help the planet, and they’re easy to do! Compost is a nutrient-rich food for plants that helps to create resilient soil. In this presentation, Charlotte Canner will discuss strategies for reducing food waste, what compost is, why it is important, and how to do it in a way that works for you, even if you don’t have outdoor space. Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a worm bin.
About Charlotte:
Charlotte is the Recycling Coordinator for the towns of South Kingstown and Narragansett. She has 10 years of experience teaching composting and operates a community compost site, Clew Compost, in her backyard in Pawcatuck. Learn more about her compost pickup and drop-off services at www.clewcompost.com.
Click HERE to register for this event!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Wonder Walk at Flora Whiteley Preserve
2026-09-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Flora Whiteley Preserve, 197 Potter Hill Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity 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 wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location: Flora Whiteley Preserve, 197 Potter Hill Rd, Westerly RI
Parking: located across from 190 Potter Hill Rd. Look for the WLT parking sign. We will open access to park in the field for this program.
Restrooms are not available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
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 Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

SOLD OUT: Westerly Land Trust Farm Dinner
2026-09-12 15:30 - 19:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
The Westerly Land Trust’s 2026 Farm Dinner is now SOLD OUT
To add your name to the WAIT LIST, please click here.
The Farm Dinner is our favorite event of the year; an evening spent enjoying good company and celebrating the bounty of the land. On Saturday, September 12th, we’ll set our table at the Barlow Nature Preserve, the 80-acre parcel that over the past 6 years has evolved past Westerly Land Trust’s homebase into our home. We’ve watched the two working farms here, Frontier Farm and Echo Rock Flowers, mature over the years, luring residents and visitors with the promise of fresh, local, nutritious food and beautiful flowers. Year-round, tiny, giddy voices can be heard, as young students chase bees and marvel at how a seed becomes a plump tomato. This land and all 1,900+ acres in WLT’s charge are worthy of a night like the Farm Dinner!
With this in mind, we have invited the inspiring husband-and-wife team behind Whitecrest Eatery and the Back Door Kitchen & Pizzeria, Johan Jensen and Abbey Hemmann, to plan and prepare our entire 2026 Farm Dinner menu. Johan is known for his globally influenced flavors and “dishes that are as exciting as they are delicious.” Abbey’s idea of a perfect dining experience is “a place where every guest feels right at home, everyone feels like they’re part of the family, and every visit feels like a celebration.”

So join us for our 2026 Farm Dinner on Saturday, September 12th beginning at 3:30pm — gather with friends and neighbors out on the land and enjoy a fabulous meal prepared entirely with local ingredients.

To add your name to the WAIT LIST, please click here.
We look forward to seeing you at the table!
Due to the nature of this event, we are unable to accommodate individual dietary restrictions.

Special Thanks to the 2026 Farm Dinner’s Presenting Sponsor: South County Tourism Council

CCC Volunteer Season Kick-Off
2026-09-15 08:30 - 11:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Interested in joining a community of WLT land stewardship volunteers?
Join us as the WLT’s Coffee and Clearing Club kicks off its 2026-2027 volunteer season. Bring your work gloves and loppers and join our weekly work crew! There are many ways to help out, ranging from all abilities!

Coffee is served in The Coop at Barlow Nature Preserve at 8:30 am. Marching Orders are issued at 8:55 am, and volunteers work until 11 am, clearing trails and stone walls, blazing trails, building signs, gardening, and more. The CCC works every Tuesday from September through June.
Questions? Email Marc at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org.
CCC you there!

Photo by Andy Delguidice

Photo by Andy Delguidice

Photo by Andy Delguidice

Rhode Island Stone Walls
2026-09-17 17:30 - 18:30 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Explore how thousands of miles of historic stone walls reveal the intersection of the state’s geology, history, and ecology.
Rhode Island’s stone walls are an enduring testament to the state’s agricultural heritage, and their story parallels that of Rhode Island itself. Their stones reflect the geologic forces that shaped the landscape. Their placement on the land speaks to the labor and lives of those who came before us. In this presentation, Elliot Vosburgh, founder of the Rhode Island Stone Wall Mapping Project, explores how thousands of miles of stone walls reflect the intersection of geology, history, and ecology. Drawing on examples from both across the state and locally in Westerly, attendees will gain an appreciation for stone walls from several perspectives and will learn how these relics continue to support us in developing an understanding of Rhode Island’s past and present landscape.
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Trails to Treasure Girl Scout Adventure
2026-09-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Get your compasses and maps ready to learn navigation skills with the Westerly Land Trust! Learn to search for hidden treasures in nature by using tools, problem-solving, and the natural world around us. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can get dirty. Compasses will be provided. Please bring a small bag for a water bottle and a snack (practice leave no trace!) $10 per youth participant, free for chaperones. This is NOT a drop off program.
Level: Juniors, Volunteers, Brownies
Saturday, September 19, 10 am – 12 pm at Barlow Nature Preserve (449 Westerly-Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI)
Click HERE to sign up for Trails to Treasure

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.

Hawk Migration
2026-09-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Discover the secrets of hawk migration.
Joseph Zbyrowski is a raptor specialist with more than 30 years of experience working with hawks and owls. A retired environmental science teacher, he is a master bird bander, former raptor rehabilitator, and has done volunteer work with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.For the past three decades, Joseph has specialized in identifying and counting migrating hawks. He conducts the annual hawk migration count in Rhode Island and is actively involved in Peregrine Falcon and Barn Owl restoration projects.
In this Voices of the Land lecture, Joseph will present the findings from a multi-year survey of hawk migration at Napatree Point, Rhode Island’s premier hawk watch site. Each year, annual hawk watch counts are conducted at more than 275 locations across the United States. These counts provide exceptional opportunities to observe migrating raptors while also generating valuable scientific data used in research, wildlife management, and conservation efforts.
Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up with Joseph to potentially participate in a future hawk watch and experience the excitement of monitoring one of nature’s most remarkable migrations.
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Thursday Hike at Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2026-10-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, 5 Kettle Close, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
A walking tour of the WLT’s Dr. John Champlin 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
Click HERE to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.
Join the Thursday Hikers for free guided trail hikes on Thursday mornings. These hikes begin at 10:00 AM unless otherwise stated and leave promptly, so please arrive on time. This group will visit various local conservation properties, including some Westerly Land Trust (WLT) preserves. If you would like to lead a hike for the next series, please provide Sally with a date and a blurb.
Important Notes

Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

Fluorescent Orange Requirements
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Wonder Walk at Winnapaug Farm Preserve
2026-10-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity 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 wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: 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 in the clearing in the field.
Restrooms are not available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
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 Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Fungal Foray
2026-10-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, 5 Kettle Close, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join Denison Pequitsepos Nature Center and Westerly Land Trust to learn about local mushroom foraging. We will begin with an introduction to mushroom foraging, followed by a hike to identify local mushrooms on the trail. Participants will have the opportunity to explore Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park during this program.
Important Info:

Participants will meet at Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, 5 Kettle Cl, in Westerly, RI.
This program is for adults and older, interested children. Advanced registration required.
There is no cost to attend this program
Restrooms are not available on site; the closest is at Stop & Shop

Click HERE to register!

Thursday Hike: Crandall Family Preserve
2026-10-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Crandall Family Preserve, 79 Pound Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Take a short hike out to Wolf Island at the Crandall Family Preserve. This shorter hike leads to a small bit of upland in the sea of wetland that is the Crandall swamp. Rhododendron tunnels lead to an oak-holly forest. We will then walk out along the old Pound Road to a swamp overlook where we might witness some migrating songbirds. Total distance approximately two miles. Meet at gated parking lot about 150 yards before the end of Pound Road.
Leader: Marc Doherty Phone: 508 308-9787 Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
Click HERE to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.
Join the Thursday Hikers for free guided trail hikes on Thursday mornings. These hikes begin at 10:00 AM unless otherwise stated and leave promptly, so please arrive on time. This group will visit various local conservation properties, including some Westerly Land Trust (WLT) preserves. If you would like to lead a hike for the next series, please provide Sally with a date and a blurb.
Important Notes

Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

Fluorescent Orange Requirements
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2026-10-22 10:00 - 11:30 | 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.
Leaders: Ray Chang & Lynne Ranallo Phone: 508 320-9691 Email: rayc88@yahoo.com
Click HERE to view the full Thursday Hike schedule.
Join the Thursday Hikers for free guided trail hikes on Thursday mornings. These hikes begin at 10:00 AM unless otherwise stated and leave promptly, so please arrive on time. This group will visit various local conservation properties, including some Westerly Land Trust (WLT) preserves. If you would like to lead a hike for the next series, please provide Sally with a date and a blurb.
Important Notes

Distance/ Target Group: Walks are 1 ½ to 3 hours and are open to all ages with the target group being agile seniors.
Estimated Times: Ending times are estimated as it is difficult to ascertain when it will finish due to number of people, how fast/slow the hikers walk, etc. Hikes leave promptly.
Inclement weather: Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact the leader.
Dogs: If you wish to bring a dog, contact the leader as some properties do not allow them. If a dog is present, they must be leashed at all times.
Trail Safety: These are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Make sure you bring water and a snack if you want one.
Thursday hike/WLT events: CLICK HERE to sign up for WLT’s email list and receive a monthly email including Thursday hike schedule and other WLT events/programs.

Fluorescent Orange Requirements
In State Management areas everyone is required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and the last Thursday in April to the last day in May, annually.

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 World of Bats
2026-10-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Just in Time for Halloween! Discover the Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Mammal with Bat Expert Julia Chase-Brand!
More than an accomplished bat researcher, Julia Chase-Brand is a truly remarkable woman whose life has been defined by curiosity, perseverance, breaking barriers, and changing history. Many may remember her as a pioneering distance runner and/or her appearances on Nickelodeon as the beloved “Bat Lady,” where she inspired young audiences to appreciate wildlife and science. She also made history by becoming the oldest person to earn a medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, proving that learning and pursuing new dreams have no age limit.
Julia Chase-Brand grew up in nearby Groton, CT, and went on to spend a quarter century studying bats, primarily in the mountains of Trinidad and the rainforests of Australia. “Blind as a bat”? No! Though all the bats in the Americas have sonar or “echolocation”, Julia and her colleagues found that they have vision as well and can use vision for homing, obstacle avoidance, escape, and even pattern vision, when it suits their purposes.
Red bats, white bats, striped bats, bats that fish, bats that make tents, bats that eat frogs and frogs that eat bats. Come enjoy an evening discovering bats and some of the other characters who ambled into this researcher’s wildlife including an amorous gorilla, a 7 inch tarantula, and a friendly capybara that loved to curl up and snooze with its human friends.
This inspiring program celebrates a lifetime of exploration, groundbreaking research, and lifelong learning. It is designed to engage both children and adults alike. Come celebrate the season with the real stars of Halloween and discover why bats are among the most extraordinary animals on Earth!
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

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

Wonder Walk at Camp Q/Riverwood
2026-11-11 10:00 - 11:00 | 22 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI 02891, 22 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity 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 wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve, details regarding parking for this program will be sent via Eventbrite email prior to program.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
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 Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Flannel in the Forest
2026-11-22 08:30 - 10:30 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for a cozy fall hike at Camp Quequatuck and Riverwood Preserve.

Wear your favorite flannel shirt and join us for a 2.5 to 3 -mile hike in the tucked-away Riverwood Preserve, looking down at the Pawcatuck river from the bedrock hills through deep scarlet oaks. Finish the hike by chasing away the chill with a complimentary hot beverage, special snack, and good company at the trailhead shared with Camp Quequatuck.
Important Info:

Event parking will be at Camp Quequatuck/Riverwood trailhead. Turn onto Boy Scout Drive from Old Hopkinton Road, follow WLT staff/signage through the gates at the end of Boy Scout Drive to the parking lot at Camp Quequatuck.
This event is no cost for WLT members and $10 for not-yet members. Not a member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Restrooms are available on site.

Click HERE to sign up!

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

Wonder Walk at Wahaneeta Preserve
2026-12-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity 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 wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Wahaneeta Preserve, the property is adjacent to the Paul E. Trombino Memorial Foundation Little League complex, and to the 800-acre Woody Hill Management Area of the Department of Environmental Management. Access is from Moorhouse Road, off Dunns Corners – Bradford Road. For this program we will open up additional parking. Drive past the public parking through the gate, stay left and park in the field.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
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 Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Wonder Walk at Grills Preserve
2027-01-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity 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 wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Grills Preserve. There is a parking lot located at the end of Bowling Lane in Bradford, RI. We will park and meet here at the trailhead.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
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 Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Barn Owls: Restoring a Rare Rhode Island Raptor
2027-01-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Explore the Barn Owl’s unique physical traits, remarkable hunting abilities, and fascinating natural behavior.
Joseph Zbyrowsk is a raptor specialist with more than 30 years of experience working with hawks and owls. A retired environmental science teacher, he is a master bird bander, former raptor rehabilitator, and has done volunteer work with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. He is currently involved in Peregrine Falcon and Barn Owl restoration projects and has dedicated much of his career to the conservation of Rhode Island’s birds of prey.
In this Voices of the Land lecture, Joseph will explore the fascinating world of the Barn Owl, one of North America’s most distinctive and elusive raptors. He will discuss the owl’s unique physical characteristics, remarkable hunting abilities, behavior, and his personal restoration program to encourage barn owls to nest and successfully reproduce.
Click HERE to sign up!
Important Info

Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve
This event is no cost for WLT members, and $10 per person for not-yet members.
Not a WLT member and would like to be? CLICK HERE!
Registration is required, spots are limited.

Wonder Walk at Champlin Farm Preserve
2027-02-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Champlin Farm Preserve, 64 boombridge Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity 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 wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Champlin Farm Preserve. For this program we will open up additional parking. Drive past the public parking through the gate, stay right, and park in the field on your right hand side. You will see educators’ cars.
Restrooms are not available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
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 Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve

Wonder Walk at Barlow Nature Preserve
2027-03-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Rd, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Walk, wonder, and grow with us!
Join WildRoots and the Westerly Land Trust once a month for Wonder Walks, a guided family hiking series designed to spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of nature. All walks are offered at no cost to you and your family.
Through shared exploration and hands-on discovery, families will connect with Westerly Land Trust’s beautiful natural spaces while building a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make each property unique. By fostering curiosity 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 wonder of the natural world together. We begin every program with a thoughtfully selected nature story before heading out on the trails to explore. Children are invited to use tools like bug vacuums, waders, magnifying glasses, and digital microscopes to get a closer look at nature and investigate what sparks their curiosity. Westerly Land Trust and WildRoots guides will lead each adventure, creating opportunities for exploration while supporting discovery and inquiry.

Registration is required for all participants
An adult must accompany their child/children during program. This is a great way to adventure together!
Location/ Parking: Barlow Nature Preserve. Parking is available as you pull into Barlow immediately to your left.
Restrooms are available at this site.

Click HERE to sign up!
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 Wonder Walks Schedule
– Wednesday, Aug 12– WildRoots
– Wednesday, Sept 9 – Flora Whiteley Preserve
– Wednesday, Oct 7– Winnapaug Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, Nov 11– Camp Quequatuck/ Riverwood Preserve
– Wednesday, Dec 9- Wahaneeta Preserve
– Wednesday, Jan 6- Grills
– Wednesday, Feb 17 – Champlin Farm Preserve
– Wednesday, March 17 – Barlow Nature Preserve
– Wednesday, April 21– Cottrell Family Preserve
– Wednesday, May 19- Wildwood
– Wednesday, June 23– Crandall Family Preserve
