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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This season of gratitude brings to mind the Westerly Land Trust’s pick for our 2025 book club last April: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book promotes the benefits of the gift economy, encouraging readers to count the gifts the land gives us—food, water, wildlife, inspiration—and then reciprocate through stewardship, care, and conservation. Kimmerer speaks to the joy that’s born out of this gift giving cycle, saying,
“To name the world as a gift is to feel your membership
�in a web of reciprocity.”
As a part of the Westerly Land Trust community—whether you’re a donor, a volunteer, an advocate, a student, or the like—we hope you feel your special place in our web of reciprocity. Your continued care returns to the earth, enriching our shared landscapes and nurturing our community. And for this we tip our hats, and send this message of thanks:
From all of us at the Westerly Land Trust, thank you for building bridges between neighbors and nature, for believing in the importance of protecting these special places, and most of all, for being a part of our family.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🌳
#community #thankful #westerlyri #rhodeisland #stoningtonct #pawcatuckct #conservation #outside #nature
Have you met the newest residents of Avondale Farm Preserve? A herd of Kiko goats has moved in and they are tearing up the neighborhood...in the best way possible!🌾
WLT has partnered with Coleman Replogle, owner and operator of Rōm Land + Livestock, to reduce the occurrence of invasive plants in Avondale’s fields. Coleman relocated his herd of goats here in November and will implement a rotational grazing system throughout the winter. Goat grazing is an environmentally friendly way to remove unwanted plants—the goats love porcelain berry— while improving the soil health. Not only are we able to forgo chemical herbicides and heavy machinery, but the goat droppings provide natural fertilizer, enriching the land.
@romlandlivestock believes in sustainable farming practices and strives to be responsible stewards of the land—two pillars close to WLT’s heart.
Aurora Borealis over Avondale Farm Preserve🌌✨
Thanks to recent solar activity causing strong geomagnetic storms, the northern lights were pushed further south, allowing us to see them here in Westerly, RI!
#auroraborealis #northernlights #nightsky #stars #astronomy #rhodeisland #southcountyri #westerlyri #avondale #landtrust
When @westerlylandtrust and @wildrootsplay.ri come together, learning turns into a magical adventure!✨
At our Prints, Paths, and Play program students discovered animal tracks and signs🐾, then hiked over to @wildrootsplay.ri for a cozy afternoon of play and tea. So grateful for a partnership that keeps curiosity and community thriving! 💚🌳
#westerlyri #rhodeislandlife #nature #conservation #hike #outside #childdevelopment #childledlearning #explore
In the spirit of the season, the Westerly Land Trust elves are readying the workshop to make winter wreaths out of locally sourced and foraged greenery. Reserve yours today to dress your door for the holidays while supporting WLT’s land conservation work and environmental programming.
🎄Please order your wreath by Tuesday, November 25.
Wreaths will be available for pick up at the Westerly Land Trust offices at Barlow Nature Preserve (449 Westerly-Bradford Road) from Tuesday, December 2 through Friday, December 5.
🏞️The Westerly Land Trust Notecards are now available for pre-order! Each set of 12 showcases the six winning images from the 2025 Photo Contest. Perfect for sending notes year-round and sharing the spirit of Westerly with friends and family. Orders will be available for pickup at the WLT offices at Barlow Nature Preserve in late November (we’ll notify you when they arrive). Thank you to all the photographers who highlighted the beauty of our preserves this year.
Follow the link in our bio to order your wreath and notecards today!
‼️Save the Date: WLT’s Annual Meeting‼️
Thursday, December 4, 5:30-7:30pm
Barlow Nature Preserve
The Westerly Land Trust Annual Meeting is open to all members. Join us as we recap 2025 and share plans for 2026. To RSVP, call 401-315-2610 or email Erika at elebling@westerlylandtrust.org.
#westerlyri #holidayseason #holiday #celebrate #wreath #naturephotography #rhodeisland #nature #conservation #environment #landtrust
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
