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.

Did you miss the goats while they were at Avondale Farm Preserve? Here’s what they were up to.🐐

Our mowing crew had some stiff competition recently. In partnership with @romlandlivestock the herd of Kiko goats was back again hard at work removing invasive species. It’s a win win for everyone. The goats love porcelain berry and their efforts help to remove unwanted plants, provide nutrients to the soil and minimize our carbon footprint. 🚜🌾

#westerlyri #rhodeisland #landconservation #landtrust

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 18350687344174665
Did you miss the goats while they were at Avondale Farm Preserve? Here’s what they were up to.🐐 Our mowing crew had some stiff competition recently. In partnership with @romlandlivestock the herd of Kiko goats was back again hard at work removing invasive species. It’s a win win for everyone. The goats love porcelain berry and their efforts help to remove unwanted plants, provide nutrients to the soil and minimize our carbon footprint. 🚜🌾 #westerlyri #rhodeisland #landconservation #landtrust

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Stop scrolling and appreciate the bees. They’re working hard!🐝🌼

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 17882257782487168
Stop scrolling and appreciate the bees. They’re working hard!🐝🌼

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We had so much fun helping @wildrootsplay.ri create a whimsical fairy trail! Thanks to everyone that joined and helped make today so magical!✨🧚‍♂️

Join our next Wonder Walk on Wednesday, September 9 at Flora Whitely Preserve starting at 10 am. These free guided family adventures will continue monthly. Check out all up coming Wonder Walks at our Calendar of Events through the link in our bio or westerlylandtrust.org🌳

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 18036801962637201
We had so much fun helping @wildrootsplay.ri create a whimsical fairy trail! Thanks to everyone that joined and helped make today so magical!✨🧚‍♂️ Join our next Wonder Walk on Wednesday, September 9 at Flora Whitely Preserve starting at 10 am. These free guided family adventures will continue monthly. Check out all up coming Wonder Walks at our Calendar of Events through the link in our bio or westerlylandtrust.org🌳

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📝Fresh off the Presses:
A History of Wahaneeta Preserve

We are pleased to present The History of Wahaneeta Preserve. Many thanks to Steve Ruzzo for his hours of detailed research and wordsmithing, and to all the contributors who helped unearth Wahaneeta’s history: Sheilia Terranova Beattie, Les Crandall, Ellen Madison, and Dave Prigmore.🥾🌲

📖Pick up your copy at Barlow Nature Preserve or view an online version on our website. You can also enjoy the histories of Avondale Farm Preserve, Barlow Nature Preserve, Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, Grills Preserve, Sunnyacres Preserve, and Winnapaug Farm Preserve—both in print version and online.

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 18093795518069609
📝Fresh off the Presses: A History of Wahaneeta Preserve We are pleased to present The History of Wahaneeta Preserve. Many thanks to Steve Ruzzo for his hours of detailed research and wordsmithing, and to all the contributors who helped unearth Wahaneeta’s history: Sheilia Terranova Beattie, Les Crandall, Ellen Madison, and Dave Prigmore.🥾🌲 📖Pick up your copy at Barlow Nature Preserve or view an online version on our website. You can also enjoy the histories of Avondale Farm Preserve, Barlow Nature Preserve, Dr. John Champlin Glacier Park, Grills Preserve, Sunnyacres Preserve, and Winnapaug Farm Preserve—both in print version and online.

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We wrapped up Farm Squad 2026 this week!

Thanks to all of our partners who helped make this summer so fun and magical!! 💚🥒🌳

Stayed tuned for more photos and videos of students in action this summer!! 📸

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Open post by westerlylandtrust with ID 18387030931163281
We wrapped up Farm Squad 2026 this week! Thanks to all of our partners who helped make this summer so fun and magical!! 💚🥒🌳 Stayed tuned for more photos and videos of students in action this summer!! 📸

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