WESTCOTT WOODLANDS

New Glocester Wildlife Refuge Under Audubon’s Care

My life-long dream has become a reality; this land will be forever protected.

– Emily Westcott

There are few Audubon supporters more passionate about nature and wildlife protection than Emily Westcott. Not only has she rolled up her sleeves and worked side by side with staff on a number of wildlife initiatives, Westcott has also been meeting for several years with Audubon to develop the best plan to protect a 25-acre forest in the village of Chepachet in Glocester, Rhode Island.

Recently, Westcott donated this forested parcel to Audubon for conservation but will continue to live in her house on the property, as she has for almost 50 years. “Just after World War II, my grandparents Harry and Emma Westcott purchased the land. I have lived on the original ten acres, a gift from my folks, since 1976,” shared Westcott. This land donation is a testament to her commitment to preserve a cherished piece of family history, while also protecting in perpetuity natural habitats and the wildlife that depend on them.

A Passion for Conservation and the Wildlife it Protects

“The refuge is particularly valuable because more and more houses are being built in the area,” explains Audubon Senior Director of Conservation Scott Ruhren. “When I’ve walked the land with Emily, you immediately sense her passion and commitment to the property.” The new Westcott Woodlands Wildlife Refuge is mostly forest, critical habitat in a rapidly changing landscape. The property also contains streams and wetlands which provide a home for yearround species as well as migratory bird species.

Westcott, an avid birder, easily recalls the many species that thrive on the property. “Nesting families of Pileated Woodpeckers and Cooper's Hawks plus House and Carolina Wrens, Northern Flickers and Barred Owls have been sighted. Eastern Phoebes have nested in our garage for 45 years – and the population of Wild Turkey is thriving, easily numbering 20-30 birds.”

According to Audubon Executive Director Jeffrey Hall, “this wildlife refuge was a long time in coming, as we wanted to fully meet Emily’s expectations for how the land and her homestead would be conserved. Audubon is providing the most protective covenants to ensure this property will be conserved in perpetuity. We are so thrilled to have Westcott Woodlands as our newest acquisition and look forward to a long partnership with Emily in meeting her conservation goals.” This new Audubon wildlife refuge will largely remain off-limits for public use due to the sensitive habitat found within its borders.

Talk to Audubon About Protecting Your Property

For over 100 years Audubon has been a trusted partner to landowners, tailoring permanent conservation plans for families. Contact Scott Ruhren, Senior Director of Conservation, to discuss ways you can work with Audubon. Email sruhren@asri.org or call 401-949-5454 ext 3004.

Header image: Pileated Woodpeckers by Matt DiMaio III