Acer pensylvanicum (goosefoot maple, striped maple), photo DMcGrady

Note: Details of this walk have been updated as of August 6 to reflect a change from the original planned route of the walk.

On 5 September 2024 from 10 am to 12 pm join Tysh McGrail, long time RIWPS member, landscape designer and lover of native plants, at the Sprague Farm Town Forest, a 1,278+ acre Glocester Land Trust Property. Our walk will pass along the edge of a White Cedar swamp, a vernal pool, colonial era farmstead remnants, fieldstone bridges over streams and many stone walls.

We will be walking under oaks, white pine, beech, birch, shagbark hickory, hemlock, and tupelo. There is also a “rare for Rhode Island” stand of striped maple (aka Moosewood) to see. The understory includes stand upon stand of mountain laurel, sweet pepper bush, and huckleberry. The ground layer will reveal wild calla, narrow leaf mountain mint, royal fern, and the American groundnut vine among many other Rhode Island Natives. Mosses, lichen and mushrooms are everywhere as are signs of the pileated woodpecker.

If you have additional time for exploring after our walk Tysh recommends heading over to the Atlantic Cedar Swamp.

This walk is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. DONATE

Registration Below.  We will email the meet up location and directions to those who register a few days before the walk using either office@riwps.org or communications@riwps.org.  (Be sure to check your spam/junk folder if you do not get this email.)

Cancellations. We always have more people who want to attend a walk than can be accommodated. If you find that you cannot attend, notify communications@riwps.org as soon as possible.

As with all our walks, sturdy footwear, clothing appropriate for the weather and for protection against sun exposure, ticks and other insects, briers, tree root etc. as well as a sufficient supply of water and nourishment are essential. Dogs are not permitted.