Conservation Speaker Series

The purpose of the Aquidneck Land Trust’s Conservation Speaker Series is to bring an important speaker to each of Aquidneck Island’s three communities over the course of a year so as to deepen the dialogue on our island about conservation matters.

Last Call at the Oasis

Directed by Jessica Yu

Thursday, April 19th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Jane Pickens Theater, 49 Touro Street, Newport, RI

Firmly establishing the urgency of the global water crisis as the central issue facing our world this century, this documentary film illuminates the vital role water plays in our lives, exposes the defects in the current system and shows communities already struggling with its ill-effects.  Featuring activist Erin Brockovich, respected water experts including Peter Gleick, Jay Famiglietti and Robert Glennon and social entrepreneurs championing revolutionary solutions, the film posits that we can manage this problem if we are willing to act now.  After the film, there will be a discussion with Alex Prud’homme whose book, The Ripple Effect: the Fate of Freshwater in the Twenty-First Century, inspired the creation of this documentary film.  For more information about Alex, visit www.alexprudhomme.com  In addition, during the discussion the global water crisis will be examined along with local actions we can take, such as the Aquidneck Land Trust’s watershed work.  This free presentation is made possible through a collaboration between the Aquidneck Land Trust and newportFILM.

RSVP to Courtney Huth at chuth@ailt.org or 401-849-2799 ext. 19 as space is limited. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the control of ALT, we have to cancel our May 17^th Conservation Speaker Series with Deb Caraco.  Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see you at many of our upcoming events!

Holistic Watershed Protection: Lessons Learned from the Chesapeake

Deb Caraco, P.E., Senior Watershed Engineer, Center for Watershed Protection

Thursday, May 17th, 5:30pm to 7:00pm
CCRI Auditorium, One John H. Chafee Boulevard, Newport, RI

The Center for Watershed Protection (“CWP”), based in Maryland, works to protect, restore, and enhance our streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and bays. They create viable solutions and partnerships for responsible land and water management so that every community has clean water and healthy natural resources to sustain diverse life. Founded in 1992, CWP is a non-profit organization that has developed a multi-disciplinary strategy to provide technical assistance to local governments and non-profits who work to protect the nation’s water resources. CWP has helped communities around the country discover the importance of approaching environmental work at the watershed level. Deb Caraco is CWP’s Senior Watershed Engineer. She will provide participants with lessons learned from working in the Chesapeake, including specific examples of successful projects (land conservation, nutrient management, dealing with CSOs, etc.), that can be applied here on Aquidneck Island. This free presentation is made possible through a collaboration between the Aquidneck Land Trust and the Aquidneck Island Watershed Council.

RSVP to Courtney Huth at chuth@ailt.org or 401-849-2799 ext. 19 as space is limited. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Green Eating

Casey Riley and Chef Jonathan Cambra, Newport Harbor Corporation/Newport Restaurant Group

Thursday, October 18th, 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Green Valley Country Club, 371 Union Street, Portsmouth

Back by popular demand, Casey Riley, Chief Operating Officer of the Newport Harbor Corporation/Newport Restaurant Group, and Chef Jonathan Cambra from Castle Hill will help participants understand the “hows” and “whys” of eating in an environmentally friendly way. Topics and activities covered will include sourcing local foods, the state of foodservice in our public school systems, the benefits of community supported agriculture, connections between farmers and chefs, the culinary benefits of local foods and of course recipes and delicious tastings. This free presentation is made possible through a collaboration between the Aquidneck Land Trust, the Newport Harbor Corporation/Newport Restaurant Group and Green Valley Country Club.

RSVP to Courtney Huth at chuth@ailt.org or 401-849-2799 ext. 19 as space is limited. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Nature as Nurturer: Protecting Land to Protect Our Health

Robert A. Carrellas, M.D.

Thursday, November 8th, 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown, RI

If you are really concerned about your health, there is something far more important and basic to it than a new gym membership, super food smoothies, running shoes and lycra tights: a healthy environment. A healthy mind, body and spirit require clean air, clean water, fresh foods, natural beauty, outdoor exercise and communing with nature. Land protection helps secure all of these so that we can live a healthier existence. Doctor Robert A. Carrellas, respected local physician and Aquidneck Land Trust Trustee, will help participants understand nature as nurturer and various medical studies and initiatives that illustrate how protecting land helps protect our health. This free presentation is made possible through a collaboration between the Aquidneck Land Trust, Robert A. Carrellas, M.D. and Sweet Berry Farm.

RSVP to Courtney Huth at chuth@ailt.org or 401-849-2799 ext. 19 as space is limited. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.