The sun was shining (not a given in this wet spring) as over 400 people gathered Saturday to celebrate the opening of Westport Woods Conservation Park off Adamsville Road at the Westport/Little Compton town line.

Speakers, including leaders of the Westport Land Conservation Trust, described the 82-acre property and how it was acquired, after which visitors took to the trails — some of them older trails that have been restored, others that are brand new.

Since acquiring the property in February of 2018 in partnership with the Town of Westport — a deal sealed by a Town Meeting vote — WLCT has removed 11 structures and over 32,000 square feet of asphalt. Healthy trees, native grasses and shrubs have been planted to restore the beauty of the natural landscape. The carriage paths have been refreshed with natural materials, and over three miles of trails have been created in the woods.

Little Compton residents have pitched in as well.

During the ceremonies, the Little Compton Garden Club presented WLCT with a swamp white oak tree and two native oak trees (grown by the club) that will be planted in the open landscape at Westport Woods Conservation Park.

The Little Compton Garden Club also recently welcomed a group of Morton Middle School (Fall River) students for a trail walk there as part of the club’s Outdoor Explore Student Program.

Kathy Wattles of the garden club said, “The students reported that it was the best field trip they have ever had.”

Also during Saturday’s event, youngsters were invited to craft and decorate their own walking sticks, take part in nature crafts and enjoy refreshments.