Walking Rhode Island: 40 Hikes for Nature and History Lovers

John Kostrzewa writes the “Walking Rhode Island” column for The Providence Journal and has been hiking across the state for years. He recently published a compilation of his hikes into a book, Walking Rhode Island 40 Hikes for Nature and History Lovers With Pictures, GPS Coordinates and Trail Maps.

His talk and slide show will include how he started, 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.

During his talk, he’ll also explain what makes Rhode Island’s trails unique and outline some of the challenges Rhode Islanders face to maintain the state’s public preserves.

John Kostrzewa worked for 42 years in the newspaper industry, including the last 29 at The Providence Journal as a business reporter, columnist, business editor, and assistant managing editor. He retired from the Journal in 2017 and spent three years as an adjunct professor at Bryant University.

Since launching a hiking column called “Walking Rhode Island” in The Providence Journal in 2021, he has written more than 120 columns. He recently published a compilation of his hikes into a book, Walking Rhode Island 40 Hikes for Nature and History Lovers With Pictures, GPS Coordinates and Trail Maps.