• Bird and Learn

    Bird and Learn
    Napatree Point Conservation Area Fort Road, Westerly, RI, United States
    Nature Walks

    We welcome both new and experienced birders to join us in exploring the variety of bird species in the Napatree Point Conservation Area. We welcome both new and experienced bird watchers to 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. During our 2-mile walk, we'll observe and learn about these beautiful animals, sharing our appreciation and knowledge with each other. This program is open to anyone with a desire to learn about birding or share their expertise. We encourage your curiosity and enthusiasm as we aim to foster lasting connections. A limited number of binoculars will be available for participants. Ages 10+ This program is designed to last 90 minutes so participants can utilize the free parking along Bay Street. Rain will cancel these events. Program cancellations will be communicated via email. This is a FREE program offered by The Watch Hill Conservancy.   REGISTER HERE

  • WHC Event at The UNITED – Bat Boy

    United Theatre 5 Canal Street, Westery, RI, United States
    Special Events & Programs

    Bat Boy Filmmaker: Aaron Lemle Running Time: 20 mins (FREE public event) This Halloween weekend, come hang with the bats!  Join us for Bat Boy, a touching and unexpected short film by Aaron Lemle that explores the beautiful connection between a misunderstood autistic young man and the bats he loves. Then, get ready to go batty with Dr. Peter V. August as he presents Bats in Rhode Island: Their Natural History and Importance to Society. Discover the incredible diversity of bats around the world, learn about the bats in our own backyard, and uncover the surprising economic, ecological, and medical ways these gentle little mammals contribute to society. You may even leave wondering why we ever thought bats were scary! Following the presentation, don’t fly away, stick around for a short, bat-tastic Q&A all about bats!   Aaron Lemle is an independent film producer and director based in LA. He created the full-service production company, A Type Productions LLC that makes films for start-ups, non-profits, government organizations, and education and art institutions around the world. His films have been shown in notable festivals including San Diego International Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, KCET Fine Cut, the San Francisco Doc Fest and have been broadcast on PBS POV.   Peter August is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Natural Resources Science at the University of Rhode Island. He holds a B.S. degree (Biology) from the University of San Diego, an M.S. degree (Biology) from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. degree (Biology) from Boston University. His dissertation topic was community ecology of small mammals and bats in tropical forests of Venezuela. He has been a science advisor for the Napatree Point Conservation Area in Watch Hill since 2010 and in 2024 August, co-authored the book Napatree Point: A Decade of Stewardship. REGISTER HERE

  • Natural History Walks

    Natural History Walks
    Napatree Point Conservation Area Fort Road, Westerly, RI, United States
    Nature Walks

    Join The Watch Hill Conservancy at 9:00 am for a FREE guided walk to learn about the Napatree Point Conservation Area a Start your day with coffee and a nature walk! Join our Naturalists for a themed walk (plants, birds, marine life) based on participants' interests and enjoy this excellent opportunity to learn about the natural history of Napatree Conservation Area. Open to all ages. 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

  • Uncovering Napatree: A Geological Journey

    Napatree Point Conservation Area Fort Road, Westerly, RI, United States
    Nature Walks

    Join Science Advisor & geologist, Dr. Bryan Oakley, for a geological walk through the Napatree Point Conservation Area. Discover the geological forces that influenced Napatree’s present features and explore how it is continuously shaped by longshore drift and major storms. As we explore the Conservation Area, participants will gain insight on how Napatree’s unique geology contributes to the resilience of this dynamic barrier spit, including its ability to withstand and respond to ongoing climate impacts. About Dr. Bryan Oakley: Dr. Oakley is a broadly trained geoscientist on our Science Advisory Team at The Watch Hill Conservancy and on the Napatree Point Conservation Area. He has dedicated his career to research on glacial, coastal and marine environments. Alongside his work & research with us, he is a professor at Eastern Connecticut State University teaching Environmental Earth Sciences. Program Details:The program will last approximately 90 minutes. Participants are to utilize the free parking available along Bay Street. Please note: Rain will cancel the program. The rain date for this program is Sunday, November 15th, 2026 from 9-10AM. Any cancellations will be communicated via email. This is a FREE program offered by The Watch Hill Conservancy.   REGISTER HERE

  • Bird and Learn

    Bird and Learn
    Napatree Point Conservation Area Fort Road, Westerly, RI, United States
    Nature Walks

    We welcome both new and experienced birders to join us in exploring the variety of bird species in the Napatree Point Conservation Area. We welcome both new and experienced bird watchers to 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. During our 2-mile walk, we'll observe and learn about these beautiful animals, sharing our appreciation and knowledge with each other. This program is open to anyone with a desire to learn about birding or share their expertise. We encourage your curiosity and enthusiasm as we aim to foster lasting connections. A limited number of binoculars will be available for participants. Ages 10+ This program is designed to last 90 minutes so participants can utilize the free parking along Bay Street. Rain will cancel these events. Program cancellations will be communicated via email. This is a FREE program offered by The Watch Hill Conservancy.   REGISTER HERE

  • Natural History Walks

    Natural History Walks
    Napatree Point Conservation Area Fort Road, Westerly, RI, United States
    Nature Walks

    Join The Watch Hill Conservancy at 9:00 am for a FREE guided walk to learn about the Napatree Point Conservation Area a Start your day with coffee and a nature walk! Join our Naturalists for a themed walk (plants, birds, marine life) based on participants' interests and enjoy this excellent opportunity to learn about the natural history of Napatree Conservation Area. Open to all ages. 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