The Westerly Land Trust

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve
2022-05-26 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
To sign up, please contact hike leader: Marc Doherty, (401) 315-2610, ext. 4 (w), (508) 308-9787 (c), and email: mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org
Please keep in mind that 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 maybe a snack. Hikes leave promptly so please be on time.
NOTE: This event is FREE to all. Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
*****************************************************************************
Due to the Covid:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

*****************************************************************************
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.

Yoga in the Preserve- BarreCoast
2022-05-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Winnapaug Farm Preserve, 117 Shore Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States, 117 Shore Rd, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
To honor the intersection of land conservation and mental and physical health, the Westerly Land Trust is thrilled to partner with BarreCoast for a third year of outdoor yoga at Winnapaug Farm Preserve. Join us as we practice vinyasa flow in the field while breathing in the fresh air and taking in the natural beauty that surrounds us.
The Westerly Land Trust would like to offer 10 complimentary spots to our members. To reserve your spot, please email Lauren at lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org. Please note, reservations are made on a first come, first served basis, and all people in your party must be WLT members.
If you would like to become a member today please CLICK HERE.

Thursday Hike: Morgan Pond, Ledyard
2022-05-19 10:00 - 12:30 | Morgan Pond, Ledyard, CT
On this hike, we will explore trails around Morgan and Rosamond ponds on Groton Utility land (not open to the public). Mid May is the peak season for migrant birds and spring wildflowers. Wide paths lead through woodland and wetland habitats with open views across the water along the way. Meet at the small parking area/rest stop along the north side of Sandy Hollow Roadd (Ledyard). Space is limited, so please carpool if possible.
To sign up, please contact hike leader: Maggie Jones, (860) 941-7682 and email: margarettljones@gmail.com
Please keep in mind that 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 maybe a snack. Hikes leave promptly so please be on time.
NOTE: This event is FREE to all. Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
*****************************************************************************
Due to the Covid:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

*****************************************************************************
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.

Guided Bird Count for World Migratory Bird Day
2022-05-14 07:30 - 11:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the Westerly Land Trust and expert ornithologists by getting out there and experiencing the spring migration. Observe the neo-tropical migrants as they return to their summer territories — from thrushes to warblers, bluebirds to tanagers and beyond.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! Meet us at Barlow Nature Preserve. Groups will head out to different WLT properties and gather back at Barlow to share our counts, stories and coffee + snacks.
Register Here!
This event is free for WLT members, $10 for non-members. Become a WLT member here.
Email mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org with any questions.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them (https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/about).
Light Pollution and Migratory Birds
Artificial light is increasing globally by at least 2 per cent per year and it is known to adversely affect many bird species. Light pollution is a significant threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation when they fly at night, leading to collisions with buildings, perturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with their ability to undertake long-distance migrations.
Solutions to light pollution are readily available. For instance, more and more cities in the world are taking measures to dim building lights during migration phases in spring and autumn. Best practice guidelines are also being developed under the Convention on Migratory Species to address this growing issue and ensure that action is taken globally to help birds migrate safely (Bonn, 9 December 2021. worldmigratorybirdday.org).
How you can help

Audubon Lights Out Program
International Dark Sky Association
Cornell Ornithology Lab — BirdCast Lights Out

Thursday Hike: Grills Preserve, Bradford
2022-05-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Grills Preserve, 198 Bowling Lane, Westerly, RI, 02808, United States
This walk on WLT’s 500-acre preserve is over primarily flat terrain often along the Pawcatuck River on clear, wide trails. We will be able to see some newly discovered foundations. There is a gorgeous scenic view from the top of aptly named, Big Hill, which requires a bit of steep climbing. Meet at the parking lot at the cul-de-sac end off Bowling Lane in Bradford Village.
To sign up please contact hike leader: Janice Fifer, (401) 213-6479, and email: jhfifer@verizon.net
Please keep in mind that 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 maybe a snack. Hikes leave promptly so please be on time.
NOTE: This event is FREE to all. Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
*****************************************************************************
Due to the Covid:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

*****************************************************************************
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: Candlewood Ridge & Avery Farm Nature Preserve
2022-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Candlewood Ridge and Avery Farm Nature Preserve, Groton, CT
Candlewood Ridge and Avery Farm Nature Preserve is owned and managed by Groton Open Space Association (GOSA) along with contiguous town property, comprise over 430 acres of high-quality wildlife habitat. A wonderful trail system showcases the diversity and rugged beauty of the landscape’s ridges, valleys, wetlands, shrublands and meadows. Meet at the end of Lambtown Road, heading north off the Gold Star Highway (Rte 184) where it dead ends at a parking area.
To sign up, please contact hike leader: Maggie Jones, (860) 941-7682 and email: margarettljones@gmail.com
Please keep in mind that 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 maybe a snack. Hikes leave promptly so please be on time.
NOTE: This event is FREE to all. Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
*****************************************************************************
Due to the Covid:

We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, please sign up with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader may not show up.
Social distancing of 6’ apart.
Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
Carpooling is up to the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.

*****************************************************************************
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.

Providence Pollinator Lab Bumblebee Walk
2022-05-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join the fun and inspiring Providence Pollinator Lab duo Dr. Rachael Bonoan and Alexa Pudlo from the on a hunt for queen bumblebees at Barlow Nature Preserve! Dr. Bonoan and Alexa will teach us how to identify bumblebee species, learn about their springtime habits and hopefully spot some queens as they look for a spot to nest.
Register Here!
The Providence Pollinator Lab has teamed up with Westerly Land Trust to measure pollinator biodiversity across WLT properties and has an amazing specimen collection to share with us. We are excited to have the chance to learn from the experts, so come and join us!
This event is free for WLT members and $10 for non-members. Click here to learn more about becoming a WLT member.
Questions? Email Marc Doherty at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org for answers!

And be sure to check out Dr. Bonoan’s TEDxTufts Talk: Embracing Science as a Verb!

Forest Bathing- Dr. Deirdre O’Connor
2022-04-30 09:00 - 11:30 | Wahaneeta Preserve, 118 Moorehouse Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Slow down, awaken your senses and connect with Nature as you luxuriate in a Forest Bath!
Join Dr. Deirdre O’Connor for a slow and easy walk in Wahaneeta Preserve.
Forest Bathing is the pleasant practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health and happiness. Evidenced based research confirms that time in nature has profound healing benefits for physical and emotional well – being. The term Forest Bathing comes from the Japanese tradition of “shin-rin yoku” literally translated to “bathing in the atmosphere of the forest”. On this walk you will experience and learn about how the regular practice of Forest Bathing can restore health and vitality by strengthening immune function, lowering stress hormones, improving mood and sleep, and stimulating creativity. Forest Bathing also offers us the opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world.
You will be walking slowly for about one mile on mostly flat but uneven forest trails as you are offered a series of invitations to explore the landscape with your senses and connect with the natural world. We will be walking and sitting for 2 hours and will finish our walk by sharing tea together. This experience is open to ages 15 and up.
To sign up for this event please email: lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org with the following information:

Email subject: Forest Bathing
Include: All attendee’s names and cell phone numbers

This experience is brought to you by Dr. Deirdre O’Connor. Each walk is $30 per person which Deirdre has generously pledged to donate to the Westerly Land Trust.
Dr. Deirdre O’Connor is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She practiced Naturopathic Medicine in Mystic, CT for over three decades where she was the founder and former Clinical Director of Natura Medica – The Center for Natural Medicine. Deirdre is delighted to continue to share the healing power of Nature through Forest Bathing where Nature and our true natures come to know one another. She resides in Westerly, enjoying birding, botany, bicycling and exploring the next cool place to share Forest Bathing.
**Please note: Spots are limited. If you sign up and can no longer participate, please let us know so that we can open this experience to others on our waitlist.

Thursday Hike: Carolina North, Richmond
2022-04-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Carolina North, Richmond
Join us for our free-guided trail walks on Thursdays. Walks are open to all ages with our target group being agile seniors. Please keep in mind that these are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Be aware that our hikes leave promptly so be on time!
Well-traveled, all-weather gravel tracks and footpaths, hills and valleys, a stream, a pond, and a deciduous and evergreen forest. Directions: Pine Hill Road, 1.7 miles west of Rt 112, or 0.6 miles east of Switch Road. Park at the DEM station, a red structure on the south side of the road.
To sign up please contact co-leaders: Sally Hanson, (401) 348-9109 (h), (401) 932-5295 (c) email sallyhanson242@gmail.com and Liz Anderson (401)401 322-8619 (h) and email newlondonliz@msn.com N 41º 27.979’ W 71º 41.293’
*****************************************************************************************
Due to the COVID:
• We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, please sign up
with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader
may not show up.
• Social distancing of 6’ apart.
• Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
• Carpooling is up to you or the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having
someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.
**************************************************************************
PLEASE NOTE:

Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
If you wish to bring a dog please contact the leader as some properties do not allow them.
However, if a dog is present they must be leashed at all times.
If you wish to get the hiking schedule emailed to you contact Lauren Barber,
lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org and ask her to put you on the Thursday hiking group email list.

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.

Earth Day Mini BioBlitz
2022-04-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Barlow Nature Preserve, 449 Westerly Bradford Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Calling all curious humans! Let’s celebrate Earth Day together by getting out there and finding all the life that surrounds us, both small and large. A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many living species as possible. From fungi to trees, mammals to insects and everything in between, we will try to catch ‘em all at Barlow Nature Preserve.

This is a free, all-ages, all-abilities and family-friendly event – it doesn’t matter if you are an expert naturalist or have never stepped into the woods before. The event will be from 4pm to 8pm, but participants can arrive or leave any time they would like to.
There will be snack and refreshments and a whole bunch of adventure!
There are some great tools out there besides field guides and experts that can help you identify all kinds of different species of plants and animals out there. Be sure to download apps like iNaturalist or Seek from the App Store. Play around with them and be sure to show up with a full battery when you join us!
Register Here!
Any questions? Email Marc Doherty at mdoherty@westerlylandtrust.org.

Thursday Hike: Riverwood Preserve, Westerly
2022-04-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Riverwood Preserve, 5 Boy Scout Drive, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join us for our free-guided trail walks on Thursdays. Walks are open to all ages with our target group being agile seniors. Please keep in mind that these are wooded trails with stumps, roots and rocks so be sure to wear hiking boots or good walking shoes. Be aware that our hikes leave promptly so be on time!
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.
To sign up please contact leader: David Prigmore, (401)348-2855, (401) 932-1654 (c) or email: d.bprigmore@gmail.com
*****************************************************************************************
Due to the COVID:
• We realize lots of people have concerns about getting together. Therefore, please sign up
with leader so that person will know how many are coming. If no one signs up the leader
may not show up.
• Social distancing of 6’ apart.
• Everyone needs to have a face mask in case it is needed.
• Carpooling is up to you or the leader. Keep in mind some folks may be uncomfortable having
someone share their vehicle. An alternate way is to caravan.
**************************************************************************
PLEASE NOTE:

Inclement weather cancels and if in doubt, contact leader.
If you wish to bring a dog please contact the leader as some properties do not allow them.
However, if a dog is present they must be leashed at all times.
If you wish to get the hiking schedule emailed to you contact Lauren Barber,
lbarber@westerlylandtrust.org and ask her to put you on the Thursday hiking group email list.

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.
