The Watch Hill Conservancy

Napatree Investigators Program (Ages 7-13)
2026-07-09 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-08 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-07 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Attend once a week, a few dates, or just one program. Each week covers a different conservation theme. Please read the full description.

We ask that you register each child for only one day per week of the program, as all the sessions for that week are the same.
You can attend once a week, a few dates, or just one program.
Registration is required for this program.
Each week covers a different conservation theme. (Each registration ticket will tell you the theme of that week)
Week 1: Tidal Pools – July 7, 8, 9
Week 2: Crabbing – July 14, 15, 16
Week 3: Lagoon Exploration – July 21, 22, 23
Week 4: Seining – July 28, 29, 30
Week 5: Beach Combing – August 4, 5, 6
Week 6: Clamming – August 11, 12, 13
Foster your child’s curiosity for the flora and fauna of the various habitats and ecosystems of the beautiful beach environment of Napatree Point, a premier RI coastal Conservation Area. With a different conservation theme each week, participating Investigators will spend the morning on the beach with The Watch Hill Conservancy’s Naturalists as they learn and explore. Each child will take home a custom t-shirt as a souvenir of this special opportunity to be up close and personal with nature and the beautiful shoreline.

REGISTER HERE

Discovery Table
2026-07-05 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-04 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-28 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-27 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-21 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-20 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-14 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Can’t join a program? Find us at the Discovery Table every Saturday and Sunday from June through August. Our interactive information table tells the story of Napatree and showcases what you may find during your visit!

No Registration Required

Bird and Learn
2026-07-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
New and experienced bird watchers, join us in exploring the variety of bird species in the Napatree Point Conservation Area, recognized as a “Globally Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society!

REGISTER HERE

A Lifeline of Liberty: Local Privateering 1775–1777 with Jack Spratt
2026-07-01 18:00 - 19:00 | The Chaplin B. Barnes Reading Room, 1 Bay Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join Captain Jack Spratt as he commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a compelling story of the Revolutionary War along our shores. In 1775 and 1777, continental privateers—the “maritime militia”—sailed from our waters, driven by both patriotism and the promise of profit. By capturing British merchant ships, they kept the “Struggle for American Liberty” fed and armed at its most desperate hour while drastically disrupting British commerce throughout the Atlantic Basin.
British warships chased, engaged, and seized American privateers off Watch Hill, treating them as pirates and sending many to the notorious prison ships anchored in New York Harbor at Wallabout Bay, where the infamous HMS Jersey became a symbol of suffering and sacrifice. Stonington and Fishers Island endured British foraging raids, while Gardiners Island, firmly Loyalist along with much of Long Island, stood with the Crown, creating a stark divide across the Sound.
This is a story of how ordinary sailors and their neighbors, in what was truly our country’s first civil war, helped win the struggle for independence. As part of the program, Captain Jack will also share recommended local Revolutionary War sites to explore during this remarkable milestone of democracy.
The event is free and open to the public.
Presented by The Westerly Historical Society, with support from The Watch Hill Conservancy and Grey Sail Brewing.

Horseshoe Crab Community Science Program – Project Limulus
2026-07-01 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-06-29 21:30 - 23:30, 2026-06-29 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-06-27 20:30 - 23:00, 2026-06-27 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-06-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-06-14 21:00 - 23:30, 2026-06-14 08:30 - 09:30 and 1 more date | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Select morning and evenings during the May, June & July full and new moon high tides
Ages 12+ (Registration required)
Join us for our 20th year participating in Project Limulus, a scientific survey tracking horseshoe crab populations. Volunteers will walk two miles along the Napatree Point Conservation Area during the May and June full and new moon high tides—prime spawning time for these ancient creatures. The survey takes 1-4 hours, depending on horseshoe crab activity (anywhere from zero to a thousand crabs might be encountered). While all are welcome to participate in this important conservation effort, participants should be prepared for the physical demands of the survey. Experience these “living fossils” up close while contributing valuable data to this long-term research program.

REGISTER HERE

Beach Bums Children’s Program (Ages 4-6)
2026-06-28 09:00 - 11:00 | RI
Ages 4-6 (Registration required)
This program is for our conservation kiddos! Napatree Naturalists will read a themed children’s story coupled with a hands-on activity! Our stories and activities will cover topics such as horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, hermit crabs, and keeping our beaches clean. Each participant will take home a small, child-safe souvenir. Parents must accompany their children.
This program is designed to last 60 minutes so participants can utilize the free parking along Bay Street.
Rain will cancel these events. Program cancelations will be communicated via email.
This is a FREE program offered by The Watch Hill Conservancy

REGISTER HERE

Horseshoe Crab Family Walks
2026-06-27 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-06-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
All ages (Registration required)
Explore the fascinating world of horseshoe crabs. Discover why these remarkable “Living Fossils” have survived for over 300 million years, learn about their significant contributions to medical research, and understand their crucial ecological importance to Napatree Point Conservation Area and Little Narragansett Bay. This informative outdoor experience offers a unique opportunity to appreciate these ancient creatures and their role in our local ecosystem. This walk is perfect for all ages!

REGISTER HERE

2026 Celebration of Summer
2026-06-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Misquamicut Beach Club, 22 Fort Hill Road, Westery, 02891, United States
Annual Cocktail Party to Benefit The Watch Hill Conservancy on Friday June 26th, 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at The Misquamicut Beach Club, 22 Fort Road, Watch Hill.

Payment Options

Register and pay online: REGISTER HERE

Check made payable to WHC and mail to: WHC, 1 Bay Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Use your credit card over the phone: 401-315-5399

Slow Birding
2026-06-24 09:00 - 10:00 | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Our NEW Slow Birding program invites participants to sit quietly and unplug, while being surrounded by the beauty of The Napatree Point Conservation Area. Join Naturalists for peaceful observations, journaling, and wildlife viewing. Participants are encouraged to bring a foldable chair, cozy blankets, and a hot beverage. Binoculars and notebooks are provided. This program is designed to last 60 minutes so participants can utilize the free parking along Bay Street. Rain will cancel these events. Program cancellations will be communicated via email.
REGISTER HERE

Natural History Walk
2026-06-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join our Naturalists for a guided walk to learn about the natural history, flora and fauna of Napatree Conservation Area! Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This program is designed to last 90 minutes so participants can use the free parking along Bay Street. This program will start at 9:00 AM and meet at The Napatree Point Conservation Area entrance. Registration is required. Light rain will not cancel these events, but a downpour will.

REGISTER HERE
