The Aquidneck Land Trust’s (“ALT”) Merritt Neighborhood Fund provides grants ranging from $100 to $2,500 to Aquidneck Island’s neighborhood and community groups working to strengthen their community’s identity and natural character and to model the ethic of land conservation and stewardship through community volunteerism.

Since the Merritt Neighborhood Fund was established in 1999, the ALT has awarded grants to local groups in Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport to revitalize parks, fund community gardens, repair and purchase playground equipment and improve aesthetic value through landscaping.

ALT established the Merritt Neighborhood Fund to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the organization’s visionary board president emeritus, for his decade of leadership. Merritt had a vision to execute the mission of the ALT on a smaller scale to benefit individual neighborhoods across Aquidneck Island.

“The work of neighborhood groups and others to reclaim or improve small parcels of land for community good is part of the holistic effort to create a sustainable future for Aquidneck Island,” said ALT Executive Director Ted Clement. “Examples of valuable projects that can be enacted on a neighborhood level include community gardens, transformation of neglected properties for community recreation and beautification, playground improvement, and pocket parks,” Clement said.

The deadline for proposals is April 1, 2012. Grant applications may be obtained by contacting the ALT at 401-849-2799 or to download a PDF version of the application, please click HERE.

ALT’s time-sensitive mission is to conserve Aquidneck Island’s open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community.  The organization has conserved 2,386.50 acres on 66 properties on Aquidneck Island since 1990.  ALT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the first land trust in Rhode Island to have received national accreditation.  For more information, visit www.AquidneckLandTrust.org.

As always, thank you for your continued support
for conservation on our Island.

Show your love for Aquidneck Island by becoming a member today! Makes a great Valentine’s Day gift!!
We’ll mail you this car magnet so you can display your island pride.

 Memberships start at $15/year for Young Friend Members (ages 25 and under) and $30/year for Friend Members!!

Not sure if your membership has expired?
Email Courtney at chuth@ailt.org

Click Here To Become an ALT Member TODAY! or join now below:

ALT’s time-sensitive mission is to conserve Aquidneck Island’s open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community.  The organization has conserved 2,386.50 acres on 66 properties on Aquidneck Island since 1990.  ALT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the first land trust in Rhode Island to have received national accreditation.  For more information, visit www.AquidneckLandTrust.org.

As always, thank you for your continued support
for conservation on our Island.

With the audience bearing witness, the Mayor of Newport, Stephen C. Waluk, and ALT’s Executive Director, Ted Clement, completed the closing on the Coggeshall School and Valley Associates II conservation transaction as part of ALT’s Newport Conservation Initiative.

Lots 39 and 50 of the Coggeshall School property in Newport have not only served as the outdoor recreation area for the students of that school but these two lots have also served as the defacto public park for the children and families in the densely developed Van Zandt Avenue and Evarts Street neighborhoods.  There is not another public park nearby for the children and families of these neighborhoods to safely walk to.  These two vacant lots were at risk with the impending closing and sale of Coggeshall School.  At the Annual Meeting, ALT acquired a perpetual Conservation Easement on Lots 39 and 50, with the City of Newport continuing to own this land, thereby permanently securing this important open space as a public park for the lasting benefit of these heavily populated neighborhoods and others.

In addition to the $100,000 paid to the City of Newport for the Coggeshall Conservation Easement, ALT also conveyed the fee simple title of an important open space property, commonly referred to as the Valley Associates II parcel, along Bailey’s Brook to the City of Newport, subject to an ALT Conservation Easement, to benefit the City’s water department and water system efforts.  ALT had owned this property unencumbered and wanted to permanently lock it up with check and balances.

After completing the closing, Ted Clement publicly thanked the City of Newport for its leadership on conservation matters, something the crowd enthusiastically applauded.

The crowd also bore witness to the live signing of a Purchase and Sale Contract for a Conservation Easement on a property identified as a high priority for protection in ALT’s recently completed mapping and prioritization study of all the remaining and threatened open space parcels within Aquidneck Island’s seven primary watersheds.  The subject land, owned by the Pimolwatana family, is along the Maidford River in Middletown and is located at the intersection of Green End Avenue and Paradise Avenue.

Under the executed Purchase and Sale Contract, ALT is to purchase a Conservation Easement for $98,000 on almost 6 acres of this critical property that helps protect the Maidford River.  Provided the real estate due diligence period goes well, ALT should close on the Conservation Easement in the spring.  The Pimolwatana family was inspired to do this by their daughters who are staunch environmentalists.

Ted Clement publicly thanked the Pimolwatana family for helping ALT protect the island’s critical natural watershed buffers which was met with applause from the audience.

ALT’s time-sensitive mission is to conserve Aquidneck Island’s open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community.  With last night’s Coggeshall Conservation Easement closing, the organization has conserved 2,386.50 acres on 66 properties on Aquidneck Island since 1990.  ALT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the first land trust in Rhode Island to have received national accreditation.  For more information, visit www.AquidneckLandTrust.org.

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. 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.

These tours are free and open to the public, but be sure to RSVP as space is limited. Tours leave from the ALT offices promptly at 5pm and return no later than 7pm. Light refreshments are provided. For more information or to reserve your place please call Courtney Huth at 401-849-2799 ext. 19 or email her at chuth@ailt.org.

Upcoming Trolley Tour dates:
TBD
Click on a date to Register.

Click here to view the 2012 Annual Meeting presentation given by the Executive Director of ALT.

The 2012 Annual Meeting will be held Thursday, February 2nd, 2012, from 6pm-8pm at The Atlantic Beach Club.  To RSVP to this event contact Courtney Huth at 401.849.2799 x 19 or chuth@ailt.org to confirm your reservation.

Click here to see photos.

July 23rd: Fiesta Verde Summer Party
This annual fundraiser has become one of the most-anticipated summer bashes on Aquidneck Island. A cocktail reception is followed by dinner, music, dancing, a raffle, and a spirited silent auction of artwork, jewelry, gifts and get-away packages.

Click here to see photos.

August 2011
August 6: Aquidneck Island Paddle Race Day & Waterman Competition
Founded by brothers Matt and Kevin Kirby, the Aquidneck Island Paddle invites kayakers, stand-up paddlers and traditional paddlers alike, divided into relay teams, to participate in relay races and a waterman competition.  These events are new this year!  All of the money raised by participants benefits the Aquidneck Land Trust, Lucy’s Hearth, and the Norman Bird Sanctuary. In order to participate, paddlers must raise at least $100 through sponsorships or personal contributions. Both paddlers and non-paddlers are welcome to the after-event cookout, hosted by the Norman Bird Sanctuary. For more information and registration, visit www.aquidneckislandpaddle.com.    Click here to see photos.

November 2011
November 5th: Race for Open Space 5K Run & Walk
This scenic, cross-country 5-kilometer race on ALT’s Sakonnet Greenway Trail is a unique and exciting addition to the local race circuit. Though not allowed in the running category, leashed dogs and strollers are welcome in the walking category of the race. Entry fee is $20 with proceeds from the race directed towards further construction and maintenance of the Sakonnet Greenway Trail, the largest nature trail on Aquidneck Island. To register online, visit racewire.com. For more information, contact Courtney Huth at chuth@ailt.org or call 401.849.2799 x 19, or Register Online Here

Click here to see photos.

If you would like to volunteer to help with events, please contact David Thalmann.

• Good Dirt Archive 2012
• Good Dirt Archive 2011
• Good Dirt Archive 2010
• Good Dirt Archive 2009
• Good Dirt Archive 2008
• Good Dirt Archive 2007
• Good Dirt Archive 2006
• Good Dirt Archive 2005

WINTER 2011 – The Campaign to Save the Saint Mary’s Church Land Continues to Move Forward

WINTER 2010 – THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE WICK’S NURSERIES

WINTER – 2009 LAND TRUST CELEBRATES 20 YEARS LAND CONSERVATION

FALL/WINTER 2008 – Land Matters Newsletter

FALL/WINTER 2007 – Land Matters Newsletter

SPRING 2006- Land Matters Newsletter

SUMMER 2005 – Land Matters Newsletter

Morton Park – Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 9am

Morton Park was granted to the City of Newport by former Vice President of the United States, Levi P. Morton, in 1886. On November 28, 2007, the City of Newport granted a perpetual Conservation Easement on Morton Park to the Aquidneck Land Trust to ensure that the area would always remain a public park. Please join us on a stroll through Morton Park’s urban arboretum and learn about some of the interesting trees that have shaded the park through its history.

This free tour will be led by Aquidneck Land Trust’s Stewardship Director, Sophia DeMaio. Plan to meet at 9am on Saturday, May 12 at the park entrance along Morton Avenue in Newport.

Sakonnet Greenway Trail – Saturday, June 16th, 2012 at 9am

The final section of the nearly 10 mile Sakonnet Greenway Trail, Aquidneck Island’s longest public nature trail, was recently completed! Let us introduce you to the new 5 mile loop trail. We will pass through forest, farmland, meadow, and wetland and talk about some of the many species of plants and animals that are encountered along the trail.

This free tour will be led by Aquidneck Land Trust’s Stewardship Director , Sophia DeMaio. Plan to meet at 9am on Saturday, June 16 at the Middletown Soccer Fields on Wyatt Road in Middletown.

Oakland Forest and Meadow Preserve – Saturday, June 30th, 2012 at 9am

Come see one of the few remaining old growth beech forests! We will explore this rare forest community and the adjoining meadow habitat and hear from some of the people who helped conserve the Oakland Forest & Meadow Preserve.

This free tour will be led by Aquidneck Land Trust’s Stewardship Director , Sophia DeMaio. Plan to meet at 9am on Saturday, June 30 at the Preserve’s entrance on Carriage Drive in Portsmouth.

Please make reservations with Sophia DeMaio, Stewardship Director at 401-849-2799 x14 or sdemaio@ailt.org.

All Land Matters Walk & Talk Series are FREE and Open to the Public!