In 2018, Eleanor Barlow’s generous bequest made possible the protection of this 80-acre land and inspired its new name: the Eleanor F. & Edward W. Barlow Nature Preserve. A true ambassador landscape, this preserve has diverse habitat, including agricultural land, upland forest, and extensive freshwater wetlands adjacent to the state-owned, 111-acre Newton Swamp Management Area. Additionally, the Barlow Nature Preserve boasts significant scenic and recreational value with upland areas consisting of walking trails and overlooks.

When considering the best and highest use for this property, it was determined that the Barlow Nature Preserve would become the home and headquarters for the Westerly Land Trust, and that the land would be brought back into agricultural vibrancy. In 2019, WLT renovated the existing farmhouse into a beautiful office space, and three young farmers were engaged to tend the land. We at the Westerly Land Trust are incredibly proud of the work that has been accomplished by Frontier Farm and Echo Rock Flowers.

These two farms operate the Barlow Farm Stand, which is open June-September, Thursdays and Fridays, 3-6PM and Saturdays, 12-4PM. In addition to food and flowers grown on Barlow Nature Preserve land, you’ll find other goods like eggs and honey from partner farms.

As you walk up the path to the farm stand, you’ll come across WLT’s Little Free Library, designed and installed by a talented WLT volunteer, David Osborne. Our community has generously filled the library with a variety of nature books, so please stop by and take a book or leave a book! Check around the back of the library for a hidden compartment where you’ll find plant seeds. Help yourself!

Click here to read Barlow Nature Preserve’s history.

Trails: This property has two trail systems: one located on the east side of the property and one on the west. Please visit the WLT trails app for trail maps and directions.

Trail Map

Location: 449 Westerly Bradford Road