THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. FOR INFORMATION ON A SELF-GUIDED WALK TO SOWAMS WOODS, VISIT THE SOWAMS WOODS PAGE.
Sowams Woods has come alive with the chattering of birds and new spring growth, making it the perfect time to discover this 12-acre network of trails through conservation land. The Barrington Land Conservation Trust, which owns and manages the property, invites all ages to join them for a “go at your own pace” walk in May.
The walks will be led by Land Trust Executive Director Cindy Elder on Thursday, May 18, at 9 am, and Saturday, May 20, at 10 am. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required due to limited parking at the site.
“Some people enjoy hearing about the history and ecology of the property, while others like less talk, more walk,” says Elder. “Our guided walk will have a leisurely pace, but it’s fine for people to go faster or slower and rejoin the group at any point. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of Sowams Woods in springtime.”
All ages are welcome. The terrain is gentle but may be wet in places. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
The Sowams Woods walks will begin at the juncture of North Lake Drive and old South Lake Drive, which is now a walking trail that meanders along the shore of Echo Lake to Sowams Woods. The entire walk covers a distance of 1.5 miles round trip. The guided walk will last a little over an hour. Everyone will receive a map with history of the site so they can enjoy a self-guided walk at their own pace if they choose.
Sowams Woods was acquired by the Barrington Land Conservation Trust in 2006 after a four-year, two-million dollar campaign that involved widespread support from Barrington residents, the Rhode Island Country Club (which borders the property), the Town of Barrington, the State of Rhode Island, and the federal government.
Located on the ancestral homelands of the Pokanokets, Sowams Woods is rich with history and significance. During the years-long effort to protect the property from development, leaders of the Pokanoket advised and educated the Land Trust on the property’s importance to Indigenous Peoples.
The Barrington Land Conservation Trust has preserved nearly 300 acres of open space in perpetuity for the benefit of the public. For more information, email cindyelder@blct.org.