Westerly Land Trust: Meet the Organization Proving Nature Heals
Kids Step Off the Bus Feeling Worried—and Leave Smiling. Meet the Rhode Island Land Trust Proving Nature Heals.
A Rhode Island Based Organization Dedicated to Preserving Nature—and Connecting Community to the Outdoors
Westerly Land Trust is a nonprofit organization based in Westerly, Rhode Island, dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of its community through nature preservation, land conservation, and environmental education programs. They are passionate about the healing power of the outdoors, and the direct impact that access to nature has on the well-being of the local communities they serve.
The PK team sat down with Jennifer Fusco, Executive Director, and Erika Lebling, Director of Development, to learn how Westerly Land Trust is expanding access to nature, supporting working farms, and creating meaningful community impact through conservation and education.
"Organizations like ParsonsKellogg allow this program to go forward. It’s the fuel in our engines. We recognize that it is an incredible partnership and we wouldn't be able to grow in such a way without the support that we've been able to rely on."
-Jennifer Fusco, Executive Director
Westerly Land Trust’s Impact by the Numbers
Through our 1% for the Planet contribution, Westerly Land Trust continues to grow its programs, protect critical landscapes, and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the outdoors. Their accomplishments in recent years:
1.8k+
1,800+ acres of land conserved across 33 properties
8
8 preserves with frontage along the Pawcatuck River
80
80-acre campus home to 2 working farms
11
11 acres secured through developer partnership to create public green space