Grills Preserve

This 543.5-acre preserve was acquired in several pieces from 2003-2006. The largest parcel is 482-acres and was purchased from Richard and Michael Grills. The remaining parcels were purchased from sisters Sally Gagnon, Marylou Collins and Kim Caswell, and the Fredap Realty Trust. This preserve has over 2 ½ miles of river frontage on the Pawcatuck River. It consists of extensive freshwater wetlands, a lagoon, upland forest, and “Big Hill” with exposed bedrock and scenic views. This preserve truly is a gem – a beautiful area that most people are surprised we have right here in Westerly.

Click here to read Grills Preserve’s history.

Trails: There is an extensive trail system, beginning at the public parking area at the end of Bowling Lane. Approximately 6 miles of trails cover the preserve, including a cross country loop that is used by the Westerly High School and Middle School teams. Hunting is permitted at this preserve. Hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders or any other visitors to this preserve are required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and from the third Saturday in April to the last day in May, annually.

*Fishing: This property is catch & release only

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Location: End of Bowling Lane in Bradford, RI

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Westerly Land Trust🌳

westerlylandtrust

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

🦞Just one of the many critters students found while
dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞

Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video.

🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳

#naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland

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🦞Just one of the many critters students found while dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞 Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video. 🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳 #naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland

🦞Just one of the many critters students found while
dipping-netting in the pond at Wahaneeta Preserve.🦞

Crayfish are found in fresh water in many places around the world. They have a hard and protective exoskeleton that sheds as they grow. A single tail flip can propel them through the water when they feel threatened, perfectly demonstrated by our little friend in the video.

🐝🥕There are still spots open for our next two Living Laboratories sessions- Interesting Insects and Farming with Friends. 🍅Our Farm Squad 4-week FREE summer program is still open as well. If the session you’re interested in is full, please join our waitlist! Select “Youth Education” in the link in our bio to register. 🌳

#naturesclassroom #crayfish #students #pond #dipnet #waders #elementaryschool #outside #explore #hike #wildlife #naturalist #westerlyrhodeisland #westerlyri ##rhodeisland ...

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