177 Main Street

177 Main Street was the site of the WLT’s Community Garden until 2019 when the garden was relocated to 145 Main Street, a lot also owned by the Land Trust.  In 2021, WLT partnered with Cinder Restaurant to create a permanent greenscape on the lot. The two entities determined that the best and highest use for their neighboring Main Street lots was a blend of commercial property and public urban greenway along the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Pawcatuck River. WLT was awarded a community development grant from the Rhode Island Foundation to support the transformation of 177 Main Street through landscaping, wayfinding signage, and public access walkways along the river.

The ultimate goal of the Urban Initiative is to transfer the improved properties to new operators, so in July 2023, 177 Main Street was sold to 169 Main St, LLC, which operates Cinder Restaurant. A conservation easement held by the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) ensures that the 177 Main St parcel will remain green open space, never to be developed.

More about WLT’s Urban Initiative

In 2004, the Board of Directors voted to expand the Westerly Land Trust’s mission to include an Urban Initiative, focused on redevelopment and enhancement of culturally significant commercial properties in areas of historic significance to the Town. The “smart growth” concept reflects the other side of the coin of land conservation. A vibrant downtown offering attractive options to live, dine, and shop reduces development pressure on precious open space.

Since establishing the Urban Initiative, the Westerly Land Trust has worked in partnership with the Royce Family Fund to purchase and adaptively re-use commercial properties of interest in downtown Westerly. The Westerly Land Trust holds three properties on Main Street along the Pawcatuck River as well as the historic Industrial Trust building on High Street and the United Theatre and Montgomery Ward building on Canal Street.

 

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WLT conserves open space, revitalizes culturally significant properties and provides environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community.

Happy New Year! 🎊

Perhaps you’re stepping into 2026 with intention and a long list of resolutions. Or maybe you’re of the mindset that winter is a quiet time for hibernation—you’ll bloom in the spring like the flowers! Either way, the land is waiting for you.

From all of us at the Westerly Land Trust, we wish you the best in 2026! 💚🌱

#happynewyear #conservation #nature #westerlyri #rhodeisland

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 17865993750540289
Happy New Year! 🎊 Perhaps you’re stepping into 2026 with intention and a long list of resolutions. Or maybe you’re of the mindset that winter is a quiet time for hibernation—you’ll bloom in the spring like the flowers! Either way, the land is waiting for you. From all of us at the Westerly Land Trust, we wish you the best in 2026! 💚🌱 #happynewyear #conservation #nature #westerlyri #rhodeisland

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Solstice greetings from the Westerly Land Trust! ❄️

For more than 5,000 years, people across the Northern Hemisphere have met the Winter Solstice with lights, feasts, and a shared sense of community. This impulse—to gather against the encroaching dark—is a calling innate to humankind. This year, that ancient tradition meets a celestial spectacle: on the night of the 21st, you might catch a glimpse of the Ursid meteor shower.

There is a unique magic to the solstice sky, made even more profound when punctuated by a multitude of shooting stars. Watching this display, it is easy to feel simultaneously tiny and boundless—a perspective that leaves us feeling deeply grounded. 🌠

It is that same sense of connection—to the earth and to one another—that drives the Westerly Land Trust. Our work is about more than just the land we conserve; it is about knitting together the community that enjoys it. Whether you find your peace by connecting with neighbors or disconnecting in the quiet of the woods, WLT provides a space for you to recharge.

As you reflect on these values this season, we invite you to join our efforts to steward the land and curate the programs that weave us together. Beyond the rush of the holidays, I hope you find a moment to stop and be still—perhaps even long enough to see a shooting star.

Thank you for your partnership in our land conservation and programmatic work. From all of us at the Westerly Land Trust, we wish you a Peaceful Solstice, Happy Holidays, and a Joyous New Year.

#winter #wintersolstice #conservation #nature #outside

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 18548935060058489
Solstice greetings from the Westerly Land Trust! ❄️ For more than 5,000 years, people across the Northern Hemisphere have met the Winter Solstice with lights, feasts, and a shared sense of community. This impulse—to gather against the encroaching dark—is a calling innate to humankind. This year, that ancient tradition meets a celestial spectacle: on the night of the 21st, you might catch a glimpse of the Ursid meteor shower. There is a unique magic to the solstice sky, made even more profound when punctuated by a multitude of shooting stars. Watching this display, it is easy to feel simultaneously tiny and boundless—a perspective that leaves us feeling deeply grounded. 🌠 It is that same sense of connection—to the earth and to one another—that drives the Westerly Land Trust. Our work is about more than just the land we conserve; it is about knitting together the community that enjoys it. Whether you find your peace by connecting with neighbors or disconnecting in the quiet of the woods, WLT provides a space for you to recharge. As you reflect on these values this season, we invite you to join our efforts to steward the land and curate the programs that weave us together. Beyond the rush of the holidays, I hope you find a moment to stop and be still—perhaps even long enough to see a shooting star. Thank you for your partnership in our land conservation and programmatic work. From all of us at the Westerly Land Trust, we wish you a Peaceful Solstice, Happy Holidays, and a Joyous New Year. #winter #wintersolstice #conservation #nature #outside

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The holidays are right around the corner, and we have some sustainable, local, last-minute gift ideas for you! 🎄❄️

If you’d like a WLT bright orange beanie or WLT note cards, follow the link in our bio to order. 🗓️

💐Do you know someone who would love a fresh basket of produce or bouquet of flowers each week, @echo_rock_flowers subscription or @frontierfarmri CSA would be a perfect gift. Follow the link in our bio to visit both farmers’ websites!

To gift a friend or family member a WLT Membership, follow the link in our bio and select “Levels of Support”. 🌳

🔪 @graygoosecookerywatchhill will sharpen your knives when you make a donation to WLT at the Gray goose cookery! Sharp knives are safe knives!

👗👠 @second.serve.resale strives to lower the consumption of new clothing by promoting the benefits of resale. When you shop Second Serve Resale and select WLT at checkout, 85% of your sale will be generously donated back to WLT. Follow the link in our bio and select “Shop and Support” to check out the pieces they have.

As we wrap up 2025 we want to say a big heartfelt thank YOU to all of our volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and community partners! We couldn’t do all we do without you! 🌳💚

#westerlyri #landtrust #conservation #rhodeisland #stoningtonct

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 18200638180324894
The holidays are right around the corner, and we have some sustainable, local, last-minute gift ideas for you! 🎄❄️ If you’d like a WLT bright orange beanie or WLT note cards, follow the link in our bio to order. 🗓️ 💐Do you know someone who would love a fresh basket of produce or bouquet of flowers each week, @echo_rock_flowers subscription or @frontierfarmri CSA would be a perfect gift. Follow the link in our bio to visit both farmers’ websites! To gift a friend or family member a WLT Membership, follow the link in our bio and select “Levels of Support”. 🌳 🔪 @graygoosecookerywatchhill will sharpen your knives when you make a donation to WLT at the Gray goose cookery! Sharp knives are safe knives! 👗👠 @second.serve.resale strives to lower the consumption of new clothing by promoting the benefits of resale. When you shop Second Serve Resale and select WLT at checkout, 85% of your sale will be generously donated back to WLT. Follow the link in our bio and select “Shop and Support” to check out the pieces they have. As we wrap up 2025 we want to say a big heartfelt thank YOU to all of our volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and community partners! We couldn’t do all we do without you! 🌳💚 #westerlyri #landtrust #conservation #rhodeisland #stoningtonct

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In December, the Westerly Land Trust was awarded a grant of $47,170 from the Champlin Foundation to support a collaborative agricultural initiative with the Jonnycake Center of Westerly. The project will convert a 3-acre hayfield at WLT’s Haggerty Family Preserve into a productive farm growing food for distribution to food-insecure residents in the Westerly area.

This initiative builds on @thejonnycakecenter successful Giving Garden at Ninigret Park, which is now operating at full capacity. In response to increasing community need, Jonnycake approached WLT to explore farming opportunities on conserved land.

WLT Executive Director Jennifer Fusco said,
“The Westerly Land Trust is committed to conserving open space and protecting our natural resources. When we can accomplish those goals while supporting a partner like Jonnycake and helping them put food on the table for families in need, it’s a win-win.”

Food insecurity is on the rise statewide, with demand at the Jonnycake Center routinely exceeding supply. In a letter to the Champlin Foundation, Jonnycake Center Executive Director Lee Eastbourne wrote,
“We as a Center strongly believe that food is medicine, and access to a greater array of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables will help in creating a healthier community.”

In the coming weeks, WLT will begin preparing the Haggerty Family Preserve for farming—turning conserved land into meaningful community impact. 💚🥗

#community #partnership #landtrust #conservation #outside #sustainableagriculture #farming #foodpantry #farm

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 18086423222003099
In December, the Westerly Land Trust was awarded a grant of $47,170 from the Champlin Foundation to support a collaborative agricultural initiative with the Jonnycake Center of Westerly. The project will convert a 3-acre hayfield at WLT’s Haggerty Family Preserve into a productive farm growing food for distribution to food-insecure residents in the Westerly area. This initiative builds on @thejonnycakecenter successful Giving Garden at Ninigret Park, which is now operating at full capacity. In response to increasing community need, Jonnycake approached WLT to explore farming opportunities on conserved land. WLT Executive Director Jennifer Fusco said, “The Westerly Land Trust is committed to conserving open space and protecting our natural resources. When we can accomplish those goals while supporting a partner like Jonnycake and helping them put food on the table for families in need, it’s a win-win.” Food insecurity is on the rise statewide, with demand at the Jonnycake Center routinely exceeding supply. In a letter to the Champlin Foundation, Jonnycake Center Executive Director Lee Eastbourne wrote, “We as a Center strongly believe that food is medicine, and access to a greater array of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables will help in creating a healthier community.” In the coming weeks, WLT will begin preparing the Haggerty Family Preserve for farming—turning conserved land into meaningful community impact. 💚🥗 #community #partnership #landtrust #conservation #outside #sustainableagriculture #farming #foodpantry #farm

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