Eutrochium fistulosum (hollow Joe-Pye weed) with monarch, photo DMcGrady
This walk is cancelled due to illness.
On September 4, 2025 from 10am to noon, join Marc Doherty, Westerly Land Trust’s (WLT) Land Stewardship Manager for a slow walk around the coastal grasslands, shrublands and salt marsh at Westerly Land Trust’s founding property, Avondale Farm Preserve. Avondale Farm is a mixed-use site, where restored native grassland sits alongside a certified-organic hayfield.
The walk will begin around the grassland areas, work its way through some shrubland and finish in the salt marsh at the top of Colonel Willie Cove. Marc will share plant identification, some of their uses/ecological roles as well as discuss how WLT manages these ecosystems, including their goals, success and challenges.
During the grassland tour, expect to see a mix of ecotypic and non-ecotypic species including wild senna, Joe-Pye weed, New England aster and New York ironweed and grasses like Indian grass, big bluestem and eastern gamagrass. The group will then weave through a shrubland composed of winged sumac, bayberry, wild grape and numerous invasive shrubs, leading to a salt marsh. A short venture out onto the marsh platform during low tide will reveal native and invasive salt marsh grasses and wildflowers such as salt marsh aster and sea lavender.
This walk is free and open to the public. Donations to help support our walks are appreciated. DONATE NOW
General walk guidelines
Wear clothing and sturdy footwear appropriate for the weather conditions and for protection against sun exposure, ticks and other insects, briers, tree root etc. Bring a sufficient supply of water and nourishment for your needs.
Dogs are not permitted.
Cancellations
Should you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible. communications@riwps.org
We walk light rain or shine. In case of cancellations due to poor weather conditions, we will email you. We tend to wait until the day before the walk to make this call as weather forecasts can be changeable.
Registration is required
The number of participants is limited to maximize the ability for everyone to observe the plants and participate in the conversation.
Note: Only one person can register at a time. To register a second person, just repeat the process.
More specific location of the walk is provided upon registration.
