Visiting Properties
Westmoreland Land Trust welcomes you to explore our conserved lands. Most properties are open for passive recreation. Please help us protect these places for generations to come.
Important: Entry upon any property is at your own risk. Use is governed by the Land Management Plan for each WLT property.
Leave No Trace
WLT embraces the principles of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. These practices preserve the wild character of our lands and protect the species that call them home.
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Pack it in, pack it out. Remove all trash, food, and litter — even if it isn’t yours.
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Leave rocks, plants and natural objects where you find them. Do not disturb historic structures.
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Never introduce or transport non-native species. Don’t build structures or dig trenches.
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Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed animals as it may alter natural behavior and harm them.
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Keep pets leashed and under control at all times, or leave them at home.
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Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud noises. Respect visitors and yield on the trail.
Permitted Uses
Activities encouraged or allowed on WLT properties, subject to each propery’s mangement plan.
Passive Recreation
Hiking, observing nature, and similar natural pursuits are encouraged across designated WLT properties.
Snow-shoeing & Cross-country Skiing
Education & Research
Educational use that promotes environmental awareness is welcomed. Submit a proposal to WLT for any research conducted on our properties.
Recreational Trails
Dogs on Leash
Dogs are permitted unless otherwise posted. They must be leashed, under control at all times, and owners must pack out pet waste.
Hunting by Permit Only
Written permission by Westmoreland Land Trust required. Limited permits distributed. Volunteer hours required. Hunting for deer population management purposes during hunting season only.
Prohibited Uses
Activities not permitted on WLT properties in order to protect conservation values and visitor safety.
Firearms
The use of firearms is prohibited on WLT property, except as part of an approved hunt to manage wildlife.
Camping & Campfires
Camping is not permitted on WLT properties. Campfires are never permitted. Written exceptions may be granted by WLT.
Horses & Mountain Biking
Horseback riding and mountain biking are not permitted unless deemed appropriate in a property’s management plan, due to trail and environmental impact.
Motorized Vehicles
Snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, and four-wheel drive vehicles are prohibited, except for medical emergencies or WLT property maintenance.
Plant & Artifact Collecting
Collecting of plants, wildlife, minerals, or historical and cultural resources is not permitted on WLT properties.
Dumping
Dumping of any materials — household waste, landscaping debris, or municipal waste — is strictly prohibited.
Hunting by Permit Only
Deer Management Hunting Program
By written permission only, a limited number of hunting permits are granted by Westmoreland Land Trust for deer population management purposes during hunting season. Hunting without an active permit is strictly prohibited. Hunting of all other game is also strictly prohibited on WLT property. Specific restrictions apply to each property where hunting is allowed:
Ackermann Nature Preserve – only antlerless archery and antlerless flintlock muzzleloader hunting; only by special permit.
Meadowlark Nature & Art Park – only archery hunting; only by special permit.
St. Xavier Nature Preserve – only archery hunting; only by special permit.
Preference for award of a permit is given to those hunters who contribute significant volunteer assistance with designated stewardship projects or workdays organized by the Westmoreland Land Trust, and to those hunters who are committed to active assistance with management of the deer population.
Hunting permits are now closed for the 2026/2027 season. If you would like to learn more and be placed on a waiting list for a hunting permit, or to be included in our volunteer email to begin to accrue hours to be considered for a permit next season, please email [email protected] with an expression of your interest, full contact information (name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and CID #), and specify the property of interest to you.