9/21/25 - 10:00 Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge & Sculpture Trail, Matunuck, Charlestown

Flat, easy stroll of up to 2.5 miles, or you can do less if you prefer. One of five national wildlife refuges in the State. In 1974, Mrs. Ann Kenyon Morse donated the first 365 acres to the refuge. Today, the refuge includes 787 acres of various wildlife habitats including fields, shrublands, woodlands, saltwater ponds and sandy beaches. Approximately 300 bird species, more than 40 mammals and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians call Trustom their home. Trustom Pond is the only undeveloped salt pond in the State, making it even more valuable to wildlife.

LINK: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/rhode-island/trustom-pond-national-wildlife-refuge-trail

DIRECTIONS: 1040 Matunuck School House Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879

Sculpture Trail follows the Trustom Pond hike for those interested. Just 5 miles down the road, a flat, easy half-mile stroll through numerous art installations created from a variety of materials.

LINK: https://sklt.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SculptureUpdate2-9.6.2018.pdf

DIRECTIONS: Turn left onto Matunuck School House Rd, after 1 mile turn right onto Green Hill Beach Rd. Destination is on the right. The trailhead is a break in the stone wall (on your left) across from Bedford Drive. Park only on the left (east) side of the road.
Download Trail Map

LEADER: Heather Wiehl, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com or 401-338-1848

9/28/25 - 10:00 - Barn Island, Pawcatuck, CT

 3.5 mile loop through uplands and salt marshes overlooking Little Narragansett Bay with a few gentle hills.

 DIRECTIONS: US 1 west from Pawcatuck for 2.5 miles to the traffic signal at Wequetequock Cove. Turn left on Greenhaven Road, then immediately right, on Palmer Neck Road. Follow Palmer Neck to the parking area on the right, across from trailhead and just before the boat ramp. Park at Boat Ramp if no parking is available near trailhead Kiosk.

LINK: Barn Island - Long Island Sound Study

LEADER: Heather Wiehl, 401-338-1848, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com

10/5/25 - 10:00 - Narragansett Beach Walk & Canonchet Farm

Celebrate the fall with a flat, easy loop at Canonchet Farm followed by a walk on Narragansett beach up to The Narrows and back.

DIRECTIONS: Route 1 / Boston Neck Rd. to 106 Anne Hoxsie Lane to Canonchet Farm, park in first lot at Canonchet Trailhead. Or park across the street at Narragansett Town Beach off Boston Neck Road if Anne Hoxsie Land is closed.

LINK: https://canonchet.org/trails.php

LEADER: Heather Wiehl, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com, 401-338-1848

10/12/25 - 10:00 Beavertail State Park, Jamestown

 2.5ish miles of flat trails with lots of scenic ocean views and walk around the lighthouse. We stop at the Lighthouse Museum and tiny aquarium for a break.

 DIRECTIONS: 138 towards Jamestown/Newport over the Jamestown bridge, take Helm St. exit south to North Rd. to Beavertail Rd. Park in first parking lot on right after entering the park.

 LEADER: Heather Wiehl, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com

10/19/25 - 10:00 Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown

9:30 - Meet in the Park-and-Ride on Route 1A just before going over Jamestown bridge to ride share if you like.

Flat, easy loop with spectacular views. 242 acres that offer an important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds. Situated on the coast overlooking the ocean. Join us for lunch after hike lunch at Anthony's for delicious seafood!

DIRECTIONS: Route 138 East across Newport Bridge. Continue on Admiral Kalbfus Rd. Take Miantonomi Ave, Valley Rd, and Purgatory Rd to Sachuest Point Rd to the end at 769 Sachuest Point Rd.

LINK: Sachuest_Point_NWR_Trail_Map.pdf

LEADER: Marybeth Smith, Cell: 401-304-7546; email Sullymb1@gmail.com or Heather Wiehl 401-338-1848 hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com

10/26/25 - 10:00 Camp Yawgoog, Rockville

Yawgoog Pond Loop covers 4ish miles of hilly rocky trails around Yawgoog Pond. Along with the ponds are streams, rocky ledges, cliffs, steep pitches, and beautiful vistas. Wes Anderson’s film "Moonrise Kingdom" was partially filmed here for the dramatic scenery.

DIRECTIONS:  61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873. From Route 138 head North-West through Hope Valley, turn right at blinking traffic light at Fire Station / West’s Bakery, stay on Route 138 / Rockville Rd / Spring St. for 3.1 miles, turn Left at  the "Camp Yawgoog" sign with the big guy carrying a canoe. Continue for 1 mile to the Camp Yawgoog gate. Turn right at the gate into the parking area, meet at Parking area.

LINK: https://www.yawgoog.org/uploads/6/8/4/2/68426127/yawgoog_map_new.pdf

LEADER: Heather Wiehl, hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com, 401-338-1848

NOV - OPEN

12/7/25 - 10:00 Rome Point, North Kingstown - Remembering Dick Sullivan

Some of us will remember that Dick led a hike here with a beverage and cookies in December prior to the holidays. A very nice walk of about 3-4 miles with outstanding views of the bay and a good possibility of seeing one of the largest haul out of seals in the bay. We will bring the cookies and you can bring your beverage of choice.

DIRECTIONS: Take Rte 1 North to Rte 138 East, get off at first exit (Rte 1A) left at end of ramp and parking lot is 1/4 mile on right. N 41º 32.225’ W 71º 26.245’

Leaders: Sally Hanson, (401) 932-5295 and email: sallyhanson242@gmail.com

12/14/25 HOLIDAY Hike & Party, Maxwell Mays, Coventry

Same place as last year, with a big thanks to Linda & Ed B for securing this wonderful location again.

Hope to see you there on the trail, at the party, or both.

Please RSVP if you don't mind to hlawlesswiehl@yahoo.com, many thanks!!

10:00 - Hike at Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, rain or snow cancels hike.

Moderate 3-mile hike with 2-mile flat option.

The late RI artist Maxwell Mays donated over 295 acres of diverse wildlife habitat to Audubon in 2010. The property offers trails though upland forests, wetlands, streams, ponds, and open meadow. The 11-acre Carr Pond, situated entirely within the bounds of the wildlife refuge, is the centerpiece of the property. It is home to river otters as well as many types of freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates. Habitat includes forest, ponds, wetlands, streams, and open meadow.

DIRECTIONS: From I-95 north or south take exit 18 (West Greenwich) to Route 102 north. Go about 5.5 miles on 102 north and look for the entrance to the refuge on the right, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI 02816

LEADER: MaryBeth Smith, Cell: 401-304-7546; email Sullymb1@gmail.com

LINK: Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge

12:00 - Potluck Party at Sherwood Valley Community Center - rain or shine

Building opens at 11:30 with Full kitchen, Restrooms, Power, tables and chairs, and HEAT

Bring a favorite dish to share

Non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks provided, NO alcohol permitted.

Bring a modest wrapped gift if you want to do the Yankee Swap (under $20 or handmade).

Bring books and magazines you want to part with and pick up a few to bring home.

We have the place until 6 pm but usually wrap up by 3 pm.

DIRECTIONS: 1 Sherwood Valley Lane, Coventry, RI, 02816