Dr. Rachael E. Bonoan- Nutritional Ecologist

Dr. Rachael Bonoan is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Providence College, where she teaches in the Environmental Biology major and leads the Bonoan (aka Providence Pollinator) Lab. The Providence Pollinator lab focuses on insect pollinators, which get most of their nutrients by collecting protein-rich pollen and sugary nectar from flowers. Hailing from Tiverton, RI, she is grateful to be studying insect pollinator nutrition and behavior in her home state.

Rachael and her students have surveyed insect pollinator diversity on Westerly Land Trust properties using bee hotels, bee bowls, and field observations. These data are part of the Providence Pollinator Lab’s reference collection of RI insect pollinators, with a focus on bees. Students in the Providence Pollinator Lab are also investigating which flowering plant species are most visited by bees, and the nutritional content of those flowers. Taken together, these data can be used to inform native pollinator-friendly plantings on Westerly Land Trust properties and beyond. Preliminary data show that if you want to plant for pollinators, dense blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a pollinator magnet, that is also nutritious!

Outside of research and teaching, Rachael is co-founder of the Tufts Pollinator Initiative and founding member/past president of the Boston Area Beekeepers Association. She is passionate about sharing her research with diverse audiences and engaging children in science through encouraging curiosity, which is the topic of her TEDx talk and children’s eBook, Dress Like a Scientist Day.

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To learn more about the scientists & stewards on our land click HERE.

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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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