Summer on the South Coast hums with activity, from farmstands stuffed with local produce to the hot sands and cool waters of our beaches and rivers. WLCT’s Westport Woods provides a place for folks to gather, and to be outdoors and explore. We recently expanded the Conservation Park with new trails on 60 acres.
Whether you are seeking a quiet walk or a place to bring family, a long hike or a moment in nature, there are so many ways to explore and experience Westport Woods.
Learn More About Native Plants and Habitats
The warm-season grass meadows and newly-built native pollinator garden welcome not only a huge variety of bees, dragonflies, birds, and many other creatures, but welcomes you to learn in nature’s classroom. Our pollinator garden is designed to add visual interest throughout the year, with every day bringing a new blossom and, in turn, new visitors from the animal kingdom.
Programs and tools to learn More
Our headquarters at the historic Kirby House also features a state-of-the-art Learning Center, with children’s activities, interactive exhibits, maps, guides, and a backpack check-out program. Explorers of all ages are welcome here.
Exploration for all abilities
Accessible from the parking lot, the immediate meandering pathways invite you to stroll the meadows and forest edge on a trail designed for accessibility. Bird boxes with nesting bluebirds, plant boxes designed for examination of root growth, and labeled flora along the trail will incite your curiosity. Many of our 4 years’ of artist in residence installations are also along this shady path.
Art installations
Our most recent artist in residence installation is in the West meadow, a teak and cedar sculpture titled The Return, by Rob Greene. It is only the most recent addition in a series going back four years. You can discover this and our other installations with a newly-developed Art Walk map, also available at the Learning Center.
So bring a book, or bring a hiking stick; bring your lunch–bring a friend! Westport Woods is a gathering place for the community to share and explore. We hope to see you soon.
Programs and events can be found on our website www.westportlandtrust.org/events. Or sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about what’s coming up!