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The Aquidneck Island Land Trust has announced the permanent conservation of 0.77 acres of land on Coggeshall Avenue in Newport. The conservation easement was donated by Minnie Cushing Coleman and includes multiple greenhouses and a lawn area. The Newport Tree Conservancy currently uses a portion of the conserved property for its Heritage Tree Program. This parcel is located within the Almy Pond watershed, protecting remaining open space within the impaired watershed and helping to prevent further stormwater runoff into Almy Pond. The land is private and does not have public access.

This property provides growing space for specimen trees that are propagated and selected by Tree Conservancy staff. Once these trees reach a healthy size, they are distributed through the Tree Conservancy’s annual programs to be planted in public and private spaces throughout Newport. The Tree Conservancy will continue to operate the nursery on the property under the protection of the conservation easement. “The Newport Tree Conservancy is so pleased to honor Minnie’s generosity in a way that will directly benefit Newport’s trees for generations to come,” said Natasha Harrison, Executive Director of Newport Tree Conservancy.

The easement restricts development and allows for horticultural use, gardens, and small-scale farming. This is Mrs. Coleman’s second major conservation donation on Aquidneck Island. In 2020, she donated a conservation easement on 10 acres of coastal land off Ocean Avenue.

“Minnie Coleman’s generous contribution of space for the Newport Tree Conservancy’s Heritage Tree Center will ensure the continuation of its important work to restore our heritage trees,” said Lilly Dick, Aquidneck Island Land Trust Board Chair. “The conservation easement protects this property as open space, supports the Tree Conservancy’s nursery, and helps mitigate stormwater runoff into Almy Pond. The multiple benefits of this donation are invaluable.”

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses and restricts development of the land to protect its conservation values. Landowners retain certain rights, including the right to own and use the land according to the terms of the easement, sell it, and pass it on to their heirs. Conservation easements provide public benefits such as water quality protection, farm preservation, scenic views, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, education, or historic preservation.