ALT ANNOUNCES MERRITT FUND RECIPIENTS

Middletown, RI. – April 23, 2023 – The Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has awarded twelve grants totaling $12,000 to local community and neighborhood groups through its annual grant program, the Merritt Neighborhood Fund. Grant awards ranged from $500 to $1,500.

Established in 1999 to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the organization’s president emeritus, the Fund supports projects that strengthen community identity and character, and which model the ethic of land conservation and stewardship through community volunteerism. It has awarded grants each year since its founding, distributing over $171,000 in total. A committee of ALT volunteers determines the awards.

“It’s been wonderful to learn about these inspiring projects that community groups and organizations across Aquidneck Island have developed,” said Brian Gallagher, ALT Interim Executive Director. “For 24 years, our modest grants have been able to assist with small parks, landscaping, and community well-being. This year’s awardees continue the Merritt Fund tradition of connecting people to nature and improving Aquidneck Island for everyone.”

Awards were given to the following applicants:
• Aquidneck Community Table: community garden art signage
• Battle of Rhode Island Association: Butts Fort Hill walking path
• Clean Ocean Access: vermiculture compost bins for classrooms
• God’s Community Garden: herb garden materials
• Emmanuel Church: creating a community garden
• FabNewport: garden tools and plants
• Four Hearts Foundation: landscaping for new Portsmouth Playground
• James L. Maher Center: pocket park creation
• Newport Tree Conservancy: 100 trees at Miantonomi Park
• Newport Spring Leadership Committee: Spring Park amenities
• Norman Bird Sanctuary: Hügelkultur Beds and cut flower garden
• Portsmouth Dog Park: trees for new walking path expansion

Information on the 2024 Merritt Neighborhood Awards will be announced in February 2024.

ALT ANNOUNCES NEW INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Middletown, RI –April 3, 2023 – The Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has announced the appointment of Brian Gallagher as Interim Executive Director, succeeding Chuck Allott who retired in February. Mr. Gallagher has been a leader in the non-profit sector for over twenty years, most recently as Interim Executive Director of the Garrison Institute where he helped build and align a strong leadership team, enhanced strategic communications, and instituted new and improved operational systems and processes. Previously, Mr. Gallagher was the CEO of Reach Out and Read, a national organization that promotes literacy through pediatric care.

“I am thrilled to support ALT as they continue their impactful work and build on all successes they’ve had over many years,” said Mr. Gallagher. “I look forward to working closely with the ALT board, staff, and donors to make this transition as smooth as possible.”

“Brian will be a great asset to ALT throughout this adjustment period,” Tom Hockaday, board chair, said. “His experience with executive leadership, especially within the non-profit sector, will be an advantage during this critical time for Aquidneck Island’s land conservation and watershed protection as we seek a permanent Executive Director.”

Mr. Gallagher received a B.A. from Hamilton College, NY, and an M.P.A. from Suffolk University. He has participated in Harvard Business School’s Executive Education, Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, and also teaches Nonprofit Management at Suffolk University’s Certificate in Nonprofit Human Services Management program.

ALT has launched the search for its next Executive Director; more information can be found here.

ALT ANNOUNCES FISHERIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE SPEAKER EVENT

Middletown, RI – March 31, 2023 – Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) announces an Earth Week lecture with Dr. Sarah Lindley Smith; Fisheries and Climate Change: Global Issue, local consequences. This free, virtual event will be held on April 17 at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public, register at Webinar Registration – Zoom.

As ocean waters warm due to the effects of climate change, it has significant consequences for fish and other oceanic species, and for the fishers and coastal communities that rely on fisheries for income, livelihoods, and food. This talk will explore the ways in which climate change is changing and will change marine fisheries now and into the future, and the ways in which fishers and fisheries managers can adapt to these changes.

“Living on an Island, the coastal and marine environment is particularly important to our health, economy, and well-being,” said Alex Chuman, ALT Conservation Director. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Smith to hear about how climate change is impacting fisheries, and what we can all do to help.”

Dr. Sarah Lindley Smith is a Fisheries Social Scientist and a Marine Research Associate with the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center. Her work focused on understanding how humans shape and are shaped by the marine environment, with a particular focus on fisheries and marine conservation both internationally and in the Northeast US. She has previously worked for Rutgers University, Environmental Defense Fund, Council Fire Consulting, and NOAA. She lives in Wakefield, RI with her family.

ALT thanks the William H. Donner Foundation for sponsoring this public lecture.

WATERSHED PROTECTORS ANNOUNCE ALMY POND WATERSHED OUTREACH EVENT

Middletown, RI – March 23, 2023 – The Watershed Protectors, a group of local non-profits and residents, announce a free public event to discuss ways in which residents can help to improve the water quality in Almy Pond and other island waterbodies. The event will be held on April 10, 2023, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., at the Bazarsky Lecture Hall at Salve Regina University, 36 Ochre Point Avenue, in Newport. Speakers will discuss current findings about pollution levels in Almy Pond and share steps that local residents can take to improve the water quality there and in all of the island’s waterbodies.

“Almy Pond is one of the most impaired water bodies on Aquidneck Island,” said Alex Chuman, ALT Conservation Director. “Residents can make a difference in improving water quality across the island through good land stewardship and watershed protection.”

The Watershed Protectors is a collaboration between local residents, ALT, The Newport Tree Conservancy, The Preservation Society of Newport County, Salve Regina University, and Save the Bay. All are welcome to this free event; please register at www.ailt.org.