Walking Rhode Island with John Kostrzewa
Hosted by the Barrington Land Conservation Trust
John Kostrzewa has written more than one hundred first-hand accounts of trails he’s hiked in his popular column, “Walking Rhode Island,” a regular feature in The Providence Journal. Now, he’s captured some of his favorites in a new book released this month, Walking Rhode Island: 40 Hikes for Nature and History Lovers.
Kostrzewa will present stories and images from his explorations at a free event on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 pm at the Barrington Public Library. Books will be available for sale and signing starting at 6 pm. The event is organized by the Barrington Land Conservation Trust in partnership with the Barrington Public Library, through the generosity of presenting sponsor Chart House Realtors and other local sponsors.
Advance registration is required as space is limited. Go to https://www.blct.org/event/walking-rhode-island/ to reserve a seat or attend the event virtually.
Kostrzewa has been hiking across the state for decades. His presentation will reveal how he started this journey, where he has hiked and what he has learned. He’ll share his observations about the history, geological features, vegetation and wildlife he has found along the trails. The book includes GPS coordinates, photos and trail maps.
The author will explain what makes Rhode Island’s trails unique and outline some of the challenges Rhode Islanders face to maintain the state’s public preserves.
The book has drawn praise from environmental and historical leaders in Rhode Island. Terry Gray, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, writes “Along with being gracefully written and packed with precise details, John Kostrzewa’s hiking columns are an antidote to our high-speed, screen-centered lives. They not only guide you on some of the most beautiful trails in Rhode Island, but also give you a sense of history and what you are seeing along the way.”
Casual walkers, families and experienced hikers can pick from easy, moderate and challenging hikes. Each trail has a description of the geological features, wildlife, vegetation, historical landmarks, directions to the trail head and tips for navigating the trail.
“John Kostrzewa’s stories show us that walks are not merely a chance to enjoy the natural world, but to see that during every walk, in every wood, along every stream, we are awash in the history of this land and it’s people since time immemorial,” said C. Morgan Grefe, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Society. “These walks are more than a meditation or recreation, they are Rhode Island history in a deep and meaningful way. They should not just be read, they should be experienced.”
The Barrington Land Conservation Trust has preserved nearly 300 acres of open space in perpetuity for the benefit of the public, including the land occupied by the Barrington Farm School. For more information on the Land Trust and how you can get involved, visit www.blct.org or email cindyelder@blct.org.