The Westerly Land Trust Earns National Recognition with Renewed Accreditation
In 2022, the Westerly Land Trust renewed its accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, proving once again that, as a part of a network of more than 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, we are committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in conservation work. Through this process, we continue to demonstrate that we have sound finances, practice ethical conduct and responsible governance, and can ensure lasting stewardship.
In 2017, WLT underwent the voluntary, yet rigorous process to achieve accreditation for the first time. Accreditation is not a one-time action, but a tool to foster continuous improvement; therefore, participating land trusts repeat the process every five years to ensure growth and development of the organizations.
Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres- the size of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire combined.
We are humbled by the support of the Westerly community. You’ve signaled that care deeply about the protection and conservation of local open space. Thank you for your partnership!
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November brings shorter, colder days, but also more time to pause and reflect on the year coming to a close. Soon, we’ll all be in full holiday mode, moving a mile a minute. But until then, allow yourself space to sit and contemplate. How have you progressed toward your personal goals in 2025? What remains on your to-do list before the year ends? 🍂
🌳At the Westerly Land Trust, we find that these internal conversations are best had outdoors, surrounded by nature. Big things feel more achievable when you take notice of the everyday miracles around you.
💚In October, the world lost a conservation giant, Dr. Jane Goodall. As we slide headfirst into the holiday hustle, may Dr. Goodall’s words and outlook stay with you:
“People say to me so often, ‘Jane how can you be so peaceful when everywhere around you people want books signed, people are asking these questions and yet you seem peaceful,’ and I always answer that it is the peace of the forest that I carry inside.”
Witch way to the trail? 🧙♀️🕷️🎃
#halloween #witch #trail #hike #westerlyri #landtrust #nature #outside #october #fall
“All the trees are losing their leaves, and not a single one of them is worried.” - Donald Miller
Take a lesson from the trees: slow down, release what no longer serves you, and trust that growth will come again. 🍂
#nature #mindfulness #outdoors #naturelovers #seasonsofchange #fallleaves #fall #leaves #growth
Who knew stone walls could be so busy? Trail cameras at Wahaneeta Preserve have captured bobcats, raccoons, and even a curious house cat traveling these wildlife highways! 🐾🦝
#wildlife #nature #naturelovers #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #animals #discoverwildlife #discover #conservation
In 2024, the Westerly Land Trust partnered with the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (RIWPS) to establish a foundation plot at the Barlow Nature Preserve through RIWPS’s ReSeeding RI initiative. After a prolific summer bloom of heal-all (Prunella vulgaris var. lanceolata), volunteers spent countless hours this fall deadheading the flowers and collecting the tiny seeds. 🌸
🌾CCC volunteer Ian Sykes took a break from trail stewardship to harvest seeds, and WLT Board member Deirdre O’Connor separated the seeds from a grocery bag full of flowers—when finished, she had filled a pint jar.
Some of these seeds will be replanted at Barlow, while others will be distributed by RIWPS across the state to help conserve native ecotypic plants and preserve local genetic diversity. Though the task of extracting the tiny seeds was slow and painstaking, it plays a vital role in supporting resilient native plant communities throughout Rhode Island. 🌿🌳
#native #plantnative #plant #seed #volunteer #nature #getputside #flower
It’s hunting season in Rhode Island which means fluorescent orange isn’t just a style choice, it’s the law. 🦺✴️
Here’s what you need to know:
🔸Anyone in a state management area, privately conserved area, or undeveloped state park that allows hunting must wear at least 200 sq inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange that’s visible from all sides
🔸During shotgun deer season (starting in December), that requirement increases to 500 sq inches - for everyone not just hunters!
🔸This requirement runs from the second Saturday in September to the last day of February and again from the third Saturday in April to the last day of May.
🔸If you’re not sure if you have to wear orange, always choose to wear it for safety. Stay visible, stay safe.
Thanks to @rhodeisland.dem for the video inspiration- check out their website for official orange requirements, hunting safety tips, and seasonal details. www.dem.ri.gov/orange🦌🧡
Need some orange? Support WLT’s conservation efforts through the purchase of a fluorescent orange WLT beanie! Follow the link in our bio to get one. 🌳
#westerlyri #rhodeisland #nature #landtrust #conservation #hike #outside #fall #huntingseason #westerlylandtrust
@birdability is a national nonprofit dedicated to making birding accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for people with disabilities and other health concerns, is proud to announce the 6th annual Birdability Week, taking place October 20–26, 2025.
In addition to a full schedule of virtual events open to participants nationwide, for the first time Birdability in Rhode Island has partnered with Rhode Island Audubon, Ocean State Bird Club, South Kingstown Land Trust, and Westerly Land Trust in to offer accessible local programs across the state. Registration for all events is now open; details can be found here.
This year’s event theme “You Belong Here” affirms that birding is for everybody and every body. Birdability Week highlights the joy, sense of belonging, and community ties that result from ensuring all people can share in the beauty of birds and the outdoors.
Join Westerly Land Trust on Saturday, October 25 from 2-4pm at Avondale Farm for Forest Bathing and Birding! This is a FREE event. Follow the link in our bio to our calendar of events to sign up!
#birding #birdability #nature #explore #outdoors #fall #accessibility
Mushrooms led the way at our Fungal Foray🍄
Jess from @dpnaturectr brought the fungi facts as we explored WLT’s Flora Whitely and Cottrell Preserves! 🍂🍄🟫
Did you miss out on the Fungi Fun? Check out DPNC’s Wild Mushroom Festival this weekend!
#mushrooms #fungus #fungi #forage #mushroom
