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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Week 1 of our Farm Squad Summer Program was a hit!
🌱🌿 Students explored the rich biodiversity at Barlow Nature Preserve, got creative with rock painting, and celebrated a bountiful first harvest of lettuce, radishes, and green beans. Here’s to more fun and exploration in the weeks ahead! 🌻
#nature #science #outdoors #explore #growingtogether #garden #vegetables #westerlyri #rhodeisland #getoutside
The Westerly Land Trust is proud to announce a new partnership with Ocean State Kids (OSK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all young, developing children—regardless of ability—through neurodiversity-affirming outdoor experiences. Westerly Wildflowers, an OSK group led by Bianca Paredes, will be meeting every Monday at Wahaneeta Preserve to explore, learn, and play in nature. This partnership, like all of our educational programing, is in line with the following pillar of the WLT Strategic Plan:
Nurture life long love of nature: We have an opportunity and a responsibility to encourage meaningful connections between people and nature. We will engage the community through programs that foster appreciation of nature, spark imagination, expand knowledge and create memories. 🌳✨🔍
Welcome, Westerly Wildflowers!🌼
#outdoorlearning #naturebasedlearning #landstewardship #natureforall
Check out ways you can get out on the land and connect with nature this July!
🚣♀️Head to our website and check out the Hikes, Paddles, and Wellness page to see the full schedule for Thursday Paddles!
🧘♀️Join us for yoga at Winnapaug Farm Preserve this Sunday, July 13 at 9 am led by WLT’s very own Lauren Barber who is also a @barre_coast yoga instructor! WLT members email elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for a reduce price registration of $10!
💐Bring your loved one for a Date Night Picnic at Barlow Nature Preserve hosted by @echo_rock_flowers on Friday, July 25 at 6 pm. Design your own bouquet while enjoying tasty treats and a refreshing drink!
🥕The Barlow Farm Stand, operated by @frontierfarmri and @echo_rock_flowers is opened Thursdays and Fridays 3-6pm, and Saturdays 12-4pm!
What’s better on a hot day than escaping the office for oysters, boats, and beer? 🦪☀️
On Wednesday, WLT hosted 70+ team members from our generous Corporate Sponsor, ParsonsKellogg of Providence, for a special field trip to Winnapaug Farm Preserve. The visit gave them a firsthand look at how their support makes a real difference in Westerly.
To show our appreciation, we arranged boat tours of the Watch Hill Oysters farm, followed by fresh oyster sampling and cold Grey Sail brews.🍻🌊
Huge thanks to Grey Sail Brewing of RI for the refreshing beers, to Watch Hill Oysters for the scenic tours and delicious oysters, and of course, to ParsonsKellogg for championing land conservation in Westerly. 💚
#conservation #oysters #rhodeisland #westerlyri #parsonskellogg #saltmarsh #saltpond #winnapaugpond #watchhill
Congratulations to our favorite brewery around, Grey Sail Brewing of RI, for being Rhode Island’s first brewery recognized by Better Bev for outstanding environmental practices! 🌱🎉
Through their partnership with RIDEM’s Green Breweries Program, Grey Sail is reducing their environmental impact by installing solar panels, investing in carbon capture, donating spent grain to local farms, and more. Sustainability never tasted so good!
Additionally, we are proud to call Grey Sail a longtime partner and friend. They have supported WLT’s work as a Corporate Sponsor since 2018, and have donated many tasty, cold beverages for events like the Farm Dinner, President’s Circle Reception, and Crews and Brews. 🍻
Thanks, Grey Sail, for leading the way in both sustainability and community support! 💚
#sustainability #sustainable #ecofriendly #conservation #community #nature #brewery #greysailbrewing
🌊🌊🌊 CCC by the sea, sea, sea! Today we tipped our caps to our dedicated team of volunteers who have been working since September to steward WLT land. Many thanks to all our volunteers, to Dave Prigmore for hosting by the sea, and to the mowing crew who will be going strong all summer long.
CCSee you next fall!! 👋
#westerlyri #rhodeisland #summer #stewardship #volunteers #community #beach #thankyou
🌳Last Thursday, we hosted our first event at Champlin Farm Preserve. Our President’s Circle reception honored our closest supporters and celebrated this recently-protected 90-acre property. Many thanks to Grey Sail Brewing of RI for donating cold beverages on this warm night. 🥂
🥾Since October 2024, WLT staff and volunteers (the CCC) have been working hard to blaze trails and create a parking area at the entrance of Champlin Farm Preserve. Please check it out! It is quite a special place. (64 Boombridge Road in Westerly)
The Westerly Land Trust would like to sincerely thank all the donors who help conserve and steward more than 1,800 acres of open space in Westerly. 💚
#landconservation #conserve #protect #stewardship #steward #westerlyri #community #rhodeisland #nature
🌞Kick off summer with WLT and @barre_coast today!!
Join us for Summer Solstice Yoga at Winnapaug Farm Preserve at 6pm. 🌳WLT members, email elebling@westerlylandtrust.org for a ✨reduced price✨registration of $10 per class.
Scroll to the next picture to view the full BarreCoast summer series out on the land!🧘♀️
#yoga #outside #nature #meditate #summer #summersolstice
