The Watch Hill Conservancy

Horseshoe Crab Community Science Program – Project Limulus
2026-06-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-06-14 21:00 - 23:30, 2026-06-14 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-06-12 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-12 07:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-02 23:30, 2026-06-02 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-05-31 22:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) and 3 more dates | 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

Discovery Table
2026-06-14 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-07 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-06 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

Horseshoe Crab Family Walks
2026-06-13 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-05-30 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

Bird and Learn
2026-06-07 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-05-03 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

Natural History Walk
2026-05-23 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

Westerly Library and Wilcox Park 42nd Annual Garden Market Fair
2026-05-17 09:00 - 14:00 | Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Please join Westerly Library and Wilcox Park for our 42nd Annual Garden Market Fair!

Wander through Wilcox Park to find everything from annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, organic vegetables, herbs, and garden accessories for purchase as well as tables with community nonprofit organizations, food, and music with The Westerly Band. Don’t forget to visit with the alpacas!
Please see below for an up-to-date list of participating vendors and community organizations!
Plant and Nature:

Berry Island Dahlias
Berry Island Soap Company
Blue Moon Farm Perennials
Colbey Sales and Service Co.
Delightfully Evil Designs
Earth Essence Herbals
Frontier Farm
Green Infrastructure Center, Inc.
Growing Hope Farm
Hallene Farm
Lazy K Ranch
Lovewell Farms
Paul-N-Dina Gardens
Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
Wood and Ink
Zen Zone

Nonprofits:

Dante Society of Westerly
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Friends of Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
Jonnycake Center of Westerly
League of Women Voters of South County RI
Literacy Volunteers of Washington County
Pace Organization of RI
RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) – Composting & vermicomposting
URI Master Gardeners
Watch Hill Conservancy
The Westerly Band
Westerly Land Trust
Westerly Multicultural Committee
Westerly Village-The Village Common RI
WildRoots Play

Food:

Westerly High School “Highland Grille”

Activities:

Soil testing with URI Master Gardeners, 9 am-12 pm
Sound Bath with Zen Zone at 11 am
Kids Korner with Natural Arts painting and making your own Dish Gardens
Live animals with Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Visit with the Alpacas
Food truck with Westerly High School’s “Highland Grille”
Live music with The Westerly Band
Neighbor Day activities on the Esplanade

Please note:

Westerly Library & Wilcox Park staff often take photos and recordings during programs and events, which may be used in publicity and marketing. If you do not wish to have your photo used, please contact a staff member to let us know and we will make every effort to honor that request.

Slow Birding
2026-05-11 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

Open House Adventure
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Join The Watch Hill Conservancy for this FREE family-friendly event and get a sneak peek at our complimentary conservation programs happening in The Napatree Point Conservation Area this summer! Meet our Napatree Naturalists to learn through hands-on activities suitable for children of all ages. Visit anytime between 11 AM and 2 PM. Please register to receive updates and parking information. Special guest: Mystic Aquarium. Experience their interactive marine touch tank featuring captivating sea creatures from our coastal waters!

REGISTER HERE
