• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • (401) 315-2610
  • [email protected]
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

The Westerly Land Trust

  • Explore the Land
    • Public Enjoyment
    • Conservation
    • Urban
    • Trail Maps
  • Connect & Enjoy
    • Calendar of Events
    • Scientists & Stewards
    • Youth Education
    • Hikes, Paddles, & Wellness
    • Barlow Farm Stand
  • Support Our Work
    • Ways to Give
    • Levels of Support
    • Volunteer
    • 2023 Corporate Sponsors
  • Learn About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Mission & History
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Staff
    • Join Our Team
    • Media and Communications
    • Renewal of Accreditation
  • Donate Now

Mission & History

Mission
The Westerly Land Trust conserves open space, revitalizes culturally significant properties, and provides environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community.

Statement of Purpose
The Westerly Land Trust, a not-for-profit corporation, operates throughout Westerly to conserve and enhance community resources. Specific programs include the preservation of open space, rehabilitation and redevelopment of established neighborhoods, and the creation of education and recreation opportunities for the public.

The Land Trust’s programs and activities are directed to the protection and enhancement of the environment, agriculture, and water resources as well as the community’s “sense of place.” Westerly is recognized as a place with special charm and attractions which are a source of pride to its residents and a magnet for tourists and new residents. The Westerly Land Trust aims to protect and strengthen that reputation.

History
The Westerly Land Trust was incorporated in 1987 in Rhode Island as a private non-profit conservation corporation. The land trust received tax-exempt status in March 1988 by the Internal Revenue Service under Code Section 501(c)3.

For several years, the original group of all-volunteer founding members, including Cynthia Lafferty, Jonathan Eckel, Harvey Perry, Calvert Groton, Theodore Goodchild, David Panciera and Clement Griscom, worked on various vital land conservation projects in the Town of Westerly.

Then in 1998, Westerly Land Trust successfully acquired its first property with the purchase of more than 50 acres which would become the Avondale Farm Preserve. It was a complex sales transaction requiring support from many individuals, foundations, and the State of Rhode Island, as well as a mortgage loan. The Avondale Farm project generated support from many in the community, earning WLT credibility with state agencies, foundations, and individuals.

From 1998 to the present, land holdings have grown to 32 properties totaling over 1,700 acres, including eight preserves featuring frontage along the Pawcatuck River. WLT’s largest preserves are its 550-acre Grills Preserve and 482-acre Crandall Family Preserve.  Crandall Family Preserve encompasses the Town of Westerly’s Crandall water wellhead, thus WLT plays a critical role in protecting the Town’s drinking water supply. In addition, the land trust has created a robust suite of programs, including our education initiative working with grades K-8 to provide environmental education opportunities.

In 2004, the Board of Directors voted to expand the Westerly Land Trust’s mission to include an Urban Initiative, focused on redevelopment and enhancement of culturally significant commercial properties in areas of historic significance to the Town. The “smart growth” concept reflects the other side of the coin of land conservation. A vibrant downtown offering attractive options to live, dine, and shop reduces development pressure on precious open space.

Since establishing the Urban Initiative, the Westerly Land Trust has worked in partnership with the Royce Family Fund to purchase and adaptively re-use commercial properties of interest in downtown Westerly. The Westerly Land Trust holds four properties on Main Street along the Pawcatuck River as well as the historic Industrial Trust building on High Street and the former United Theatre and Montgomery Ward buildings on Canal Street.

During 2011 and 2012, the Westerly Land Trust facilitated a “KeepSpace Westerly” community visioning project in collaboration with Rhode Island Housing. This process of envisioning the future of downtown Westerly resulted in specific projects creating the Westerly Regional Arts Partnership, the Westerly Revolving Fund, an urban community garden, the installation of bicycle racks and improvements to the facades of downtown businesses.

Since 2016, the Westerly Land Trust has prioritized environmental education as a critical objective. With the inception of the Environmental Literacy Pilot Program, WLT began partnering with local educational organizations to create science-based curriculum focused on welcoming students onto our properties and offering hands on learning experiences in nature.  Our curriculum is gauged towards K-8 students, primarily serving southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut.

In addition to engaging K-8 students, WLT produces programming designed for all different age groups, including weekly guided hikes (and paddles in the summer), monthly all-ages hikes, birding events, and educational seminars and discussions. All genders, races, ethnicities are welcomed and encouraged to attend all programing.  WLT is honing its ability to deliver quality, enriching, hands-on, outdoor education.

The Westerly Land Trust staff and board of directors continue to build upon land holdings and simultaneously strive to fulfill its commitment to meet all standards of Land Trust Accreditation as set by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. In February of 2017, the Westerly Land Trust was awarded national accreditation, making it one of only six accredited land trusts in Rhode Island at the 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. So in 2022, the Westerly Land Trust renewed its accreditation, 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.

The Westerly Land Trust is a thriving, dynamic and effective organization that protects and enhances Westerly’s natural environment and sense of place. Its leaders are engaged in attracting the talent and resources necessary to sustain and expand the organization’s programs to effectively achieve its mission.

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Join our email list

We are on Instagram

❗️401 Gives, Rhode Island`s Statewide Day of Giving kicks off TOMORROW, Friday, March 31, at 6am. This year, because April 1st (4/01 like RI`s area code) falls on a Saturday, United Way of Rhode Island has planned a full four-day weekend of fundraising, concluding at 6pm on Monday, April 3.

Simply log in to 401gives.org/organizations/westerly-land-trust or follow the link in our bio to support the Westerly Land Trust`s conservation efforts, local small scale agriculture and environmental education programs. ☺️

⏰Set your alarm clocks! Make your gift go even further with these time-sensitive matches:

Friday, March 31st at 6AM: The first $25,000 will be matched by the Rhode Island Foundation. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $500. Online donations only.

Friday, March 31st at 4:01PM: The first $25,000 will be matched by the Rhode Island Foundation. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $500. Online donations only.

Saturday, April 1st at 12PM: Each gift, no matter the size (minimum gift $5) will be matched by $20 from Rhode Island Foundation until the $25K is used up. Online donations only.

Monday, April 3rd at 12PM: Each gift, no matter the size (minimum gift $5) will be matched by $20 from Papitto Opportunity Connection until the $20K is used up. Online donations only.

Monday, April 3rd at 6PM: The last $1,500 of 401Gives will be matched by Hope Global. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $50. Online donations only.

🌳401Gives by the numbers:
The inaugural 401Gives in 2020 raised $1.3 million for 366 nonprofits. In 2021, $2.3 million was raised for 422 nonprofits, and last year, a whopping $3.1 million was raised for 507 nonprofits.

Thank you for supporting Rhode Island nonprofit work!👏

@401gives #401Gives #unitedway #rhodeisland #westerly #westerlyri #stoningtonct #watchhillri #landtrust #landconservation

9 1
Open
❗️401 Gives, Rhode Island's Statewide Day of Giving kicks off TOMORROW, Friday, March 31, at 6am. This year, because April 1st (4/01 like RI's area code) falls on a Saturday, United Way of Rhode Island has planned a full four-day weekend of fundraising, concluding at 6pm on Monday, April 3. 

Simply log in to 401gives.org/organizations/westerly-land-trust or follow the link in our bio to support the Westerly Land Trust's conservation efforts, local small scale agriculture and environmental education programs. ☺️
 
⏰Set your alarm clocks! Make your gift go even further with these time-sensitive matches:

Friday, March 31st at 6AM: The first $25,000 will be matched by the Rhode Island Foundation. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $500. Online donations only.

Friday, March 31st at 4:01PM: The first $25,000 will be matched by the Rhode Island Foundation. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $500. Online donations only.

Saturday, April 1st at 12PM: Each gift, no matter the size (minimum gift $5) will be matched by $20 from Rhode Island Foundation until the $25K is used up. Online donations only.

Monday, April 3rd at 12PM: Each gift, no matter the size (minimum gift $5) will be matched by $20 from Papitto Opportunity Connection until the $20K is used up. Online donations only.

Monday, April 3rd at 6PM: The last $1,500 of 401Gives will be matched by Hope Global. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $50. Online donations only.
 
🌳401Gives by the numbers:
The inaugural 401Gives in 2020 raised $1.3 million for 366 nonprofits. In 2021, $2.3 million was raised for 422 nonprofits, and last year, a whopping $3.1 million was raised for 507 nonprofits.
 
Thank you for supporting Rhode Island nonprofit work!👏
 
@401gives #401Gives #unitedway #rhodeisland #westerly #westerlyri #stoningtonct #watchhillri #landtrust #landconservation

🕕The Westerly Land Trust is participating in our 4th Annual 401Gives beginning at 6am on Friday, March 31st and running through Monday, April 3rd.

Watch this video for a glimpse of the important work your 401Gives gift will support❗️

401Gives is Rhode Island’s Statewide Day of Giving powered by the United Way of Rhode Island.

@liveunitedri @401gives #401Gives #unitedway #rhodeisland #westerly #westerlyri #stoningtonct #watchhillri #landtrust #landconservation

26 0
Open
🕕The Westerly Land Trust is participating in our 4th Annual 401Gives beginning at 6am on Friday, March 31st and running through Monday, April 3rd. 

Watch this video for a glimpse of the important work your 401Gives gift will support❗️

401Gives is Rhode Island’s Statewide Day of Giving powered by the United Way of Rhode Island. 

@liveunitedri @401gives #401Gives #unitedway #rhodeisland #westerly #westerlyri #stoningtonct #watchhillri #landtrust #landconservation

👏 We are excited to announce a 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 with the Westerly Land Trust for summer 2023, thanks to a partnership with the Southeastern New England Educational and Charitable Foundation (SNEC).

The Westerly Land Trust is seeking currently-enrolled college students to assist with diverse tasks relating to environmental education and land stewardship.

For more information and to apply, please follow the link in our bio. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵.

#westerly #westerlyri #stonington #stoningtonct #watchhill #watchhillri #summerinternship #summerinternship2023 #landconservation #landtrust #rhodeisland

55 1
Open
👏 We are excited to announce a 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 with the Westerly Land Trust for summer 2023, thanks to a partnership with the Southeastern New England Educational and Charitable Foundation (SNEC).
 
The Westerly Land Trust is seeking currently-enrolled college students to assist with diverse tasks relating to environmental education and land stewardship.
 
For more information and to apply, please follow the link in our bio. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟳𝘁𝗵.
 
#westerly #westerlyri #stonington #stoningtonct #watchhill #watchhillri #summerinternship #summerinternship2023 #landconservation #landtrust #rhodeisland

🌳Join Westerly Land Trust educators for an 8-week hands on adventure to explore the great outdoors. Step into the boots of a new scientist or steward each Thursday to discover the weird and wild plants, animals and phenomena that make Westerly our beautiful home. Grade 3 & 4 will dive deeper into exploration using more advanced technology. 🥾🧑‍🌾🐝🌱

Program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS.
Participants must attend a WPS Elementary School (SES, DCS, SSS). 📚

Follow the 🔗 in our bio and click on the session corresponding to the grade your student will be in for the next school year to find out more information and to register for program!

#westerlyri #rhodeisland #summer #summercamp #southcounty #outdoors #handsonlearning #exploration

31 0
Open
🌳Join Westerly Land Trust educators for an 8-week hands on adventure to explore the great outdoors. Step into the boots of a new scientist or steward each Thursday to discover the weird and wild plants, animals and phenomena that make Westerly our beautiful home. Grade 3 & 4 will dive deeper into exploration using more advanced technology. 🥾🧑‍🌾🐝🌱

Program is FREE thanks to a partnership with WPS. 
Participants must attend a WPS Elementary School (SES, DCS, SSS). 📚

Follow the 🔗 in our bio and click on the session corresponding to the grade your student will be in for the next school year to find out more information and to register for program! 

#westerlyri #rhodeisland #summer #summercamp #southcounty #outdoors #handsonlearning #exploration

On Monday, March 20th at 5:24 PM EST the sun will sit directly over the Earth`s equator signaling the start of spring.☀️This is a natural turning point in Earth`s cycle and a perfect time to get outside and take notice of nature during a period of rapid change and vibrant growth. 🌷

🧘To celebrate the arrival of spring, embark on a mindful adventure through the forest with local yoga teacher, Janice Fifer, where you will practice yoga and welcome new beginnings. 🌳For more information or to register for the Spring Equinox: Yoga Hike, follow the 🔗 in our bio and select "Attend an Event". We hope to see you there!☺️

📸: Thank you to Greg Pettys for capturing this beautiful picture at Avondale Farm Preserve!

109 3
Open
On Monday, March 20th at 5:24 PM EST the sun will sit directly over the Earth's equator signaling the start of spring.☀️This is a natural turning point in Earth's cycle and a perfect time to get outside and take notice of nature during a period of rapid change and vibrant growth. 🌷

🧘To celebrate the arrival of spring, embark on a mindful adventure through the forest with local yoga teacher, Janice Fifer, where you will practice yoga and welcome new beginnings. 🌳For more information or to register for the Spring Equinox: Yoga Hike, follow the 🔗 in our bio and select "Attend an Event". We hope to see you there!☺️

📸: Thank you to Greg Pettys for capturing this beautiful picture at Avondale Farm Preserve!

March 14th is National Science Education Day, a day on which we tip our caps to the people who teach all ages how the world around us works. Today is also Pi Day as 3.14 are the first three digits of pi!

Tomorrow on March 15th, we kickoff our Spring Living Laboratories session. Living Laboratories is an after-school, outdoor, hands-on enrichment program for Westerly Public Elementary students led by WLT educators. There is still time to register for our other programs during the spring session. Follow the link in our bio and click "WPS Living Laboratories-Afterschool Enrichment- SPRING 2023" to register. If a program you are interested in is full, be sure to join our waitlist to be notified if a spot opens for your student!

42 1
Open
March 14th is National Science Education Day, a day on which we tip our caps to the people who teach all ages how the world around us works. Today is also Pi Day as 3.14 are the first three digits of pi!

Tomorrow on March 15th, we kickoff our Spring Living Laboratories session. Living Laboratories is an after-school, outdoor, hands-on enrichment program for Westerly Public Elementary students led by WLT educators. There is still time to register for our other programs during the spring session. Follow the link in our bio and click "WPS Living Laboratories-Afterschool Enrichment- SPRING 2023" to register. If a program you are interested in is full, be sure to join our waitlist to be notified if a spot opens for your student!

Thank you to @andydelphoto for capturing these amazing pictures of our very dedicated volunteer group nicknamed CCC for Coffee and Clearing Club, a nod to FDR`s Civilian Conservation Corps. CCC is the largest volunteer group of any land trust in our region. We rely on our incredible volunteers for everything from maintaining our beautiful properties to helping events run smoothly. A big thanks to all our volunteers, we couldn`t do it without you!

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Follow the link in our bio and select "Become a Volunteer" to fill out the form so we can learn a little more about you!

91 0
Open
Thank you to @andydelphoto for capturing these amazing pictures of our very dedicated volunteer group nicknamed CCC for Coffee and Clearing Club, a nod to FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps. CCC is the largest volunteer group of any land trust in our region. We rely on our incredible volunteers for everything from maintaining our beautiful properties to helping events run smoothly. A big thanks to all our volunteers, we couldn't do it without you!
 
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Follow the link in our bio and select "Become a Volunteer" to fill out the form so we can learn a little more about you!

Today is World Wildlife Day! Let’s celebrate our ecosystems’ interconnected web of flora and fauna. Keep scrolling to see wildlife that can be spotted on our properties.

🌳🦊🌿🦅🐸🐝🌷🦌🐢

Are you interested in learning more about bobcats (picture 6)? Join us Thursday, March 9 at 5:30 PM for an active discussion in which URI research associate Amy Mayer will share results from the 2015-2020 bobcat study conducted in collaboration with RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife. Click “Attend an Event” at the link in our bio to register.

56 1
Open
Today is World Wildlife Day! Let’s celebrate our ecosystems’ interconnected web of flora and fauna. Keep scrolling to see wildlife that can be spotted on our properties. 

🌳🦊🌿🦅🐸🐝🌷🦌🐢

Are you interested in learning more about bobcats (picture 6)? Join us Thursday, March 9 at 5:30 PM for an active discussion in which URI research associate Amy Mayer will share results from the 2015-2020 bobcat study conducted in collaboration with RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife. Click “Attend an Event” at the link in our bio to register.
Load More Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected account for the user 17841400288686775.

Copyright © 2023 · Powered by Nomad Web Solutions · Log in

  • Home
  • Trail Maps
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
Home
Events
Contact
Properties
Trail Maps
Trail Maps
  • Avondale Farm Preserve
  • Barlow Nature Preserve
  • Cottrell Family Preserve
  • Crandall Family Preserve
  • Dr John Champlin Glacier Park
  • Grills Preserve
  • Mastuxet Brook Greenway South
  • Riverwood Preserve
  • Wahaneeta Preserve
  • Whiteley & Anderson Preserves