The Westerly Land Trust

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registration is now closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday Hike: Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2024-12-05 10:00 - 11:30 | RI
A walking tour of the WLT’s Glacier Park preserve featuring wooded trails with gentle hills and some rocky sections. This site’s unique geological features are worth the trip. Meet at the trailhead off of Tom Harvey Road just outside the entrance to Winnapaug Cottages. Please park in the designated area outside of the Winnapaug Cottages gate or in the parking lot across the street.
Leader: David Prigmore Phone: 401 348-2855 Email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com

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

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2024-12-19 10:00 - 12:00 | RI
This property is part of the Westerly Land Trust’s Pawcatuck River Corridor Initiative. It consists 148 acres of woodland, rocky ridges, and freshwater wetlands adjacent to the Pawcatuck River and the Boy Scout Camp. It has interesting quarry remnants, river views, and descent through a beautiful gorge. Some climbing in rocky areas may be involved as the best views are from the higher elevations. Meet on Old Hopkinton Road at the end of Boy Scout Drive. Please park along the road – we will walk into the preserve from there.
Leader: Marc Doherty Phone: 508 308-9787 Email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org

Thursday Hike: Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park
2025-01-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park- Tom Harvey Trailhead, Intersection of Tom Harvey Road & Newbury Dr., Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, United States
A walking tour of the WLT’s Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park featuring wooded trails with gentle hills and some rocky sections. This site’s unique geological features are worth the trip. Meet at the trailhead off Tom Harvey Road just outside the entrance to Winnapaug Cottages. Please park in the designated area outside of the Winnapaug Cottages gate or in the parking lot across the street.
Leader: Janice Fifer Phone: 401 213-6479 Email: jhfifer@verizon.net
To see the full Thursday Hike schedule click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are nonrefundable.

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

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

Souper Bowl Hike LIX
2025-02-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Kick off the New Year with a hike at Wahaneeta Preserve followed by a feast of soups!

Kick off the new year with a hike at Wahaneeta Preserve and score a bowl of soup to enjoy by the fire.

All ages are welcome!
Registration required and spots are limited.
Parking is available in the field at Wahaneeta Preserve.
To reduce waste, please consider bringing your own bowl and spoon

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

Thursday Hike
2025-02-03 08:00 - 17:00 | RI
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 contact Sally at sallyhanson242@gmail.com.

Important Notes

Sign Up Required: Sign up with the listed hike leader so they know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up!
Thursday hikes are FREE.
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 the 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 the 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.

Collect & Craft
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Create a pinecone bird feeder to help fuel your feathered friends for winter.

Don’t forget your feathered friends this Winter! Birds need extra love during the colder months when food sources are scarce and more energy is used to keep warm.
Join WLT educators and create a pinecone bird feeder with suet and seeds to fuel your backyard birds. Embark on a guided hike through the woods of Wahaneeta Preserve to collect your pinecone then venture into the warm cabin to craft your birdfeeder.
This event is NO COST and open to youth.
A parent/ guardian is required to accompany their student at the event. This is a great opportunity to adventure together.

Weekend Volunteer Stewardship Day
2025-02-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Cottrell Family Preserve, 13-29 Christian Hill Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join WLT’s stewardship efforts as we continue to restore a lovely meadow at Cottrell Family Preserve.

Join WLT’s stewardship efforts as we continue to restore a lovely meadow at Cottrell Family Preserve. Winter is a great time to manage unwanted or invasive woody growth in our open grasslands. We will work to remove autumn olive and build brush piles in this warm-season grassland.
Come prepared to work outside with gloves, loppers, and a water bottle. After the work session, we will take a short stroll along the bank of the Pawcatuck and identify some trees!
Parking

We will park and gather at the Flora Whiteley lot (aka the grassy lot by the dam).
Click here for help navigating to parking!

Email WLT’s Land Stewardship Manager, Marc, with any questions — mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
