Aquidneck Land Trust Announces April 1 Deadline for Community Grants

Middletown, RI – March 11, 2024 – Aquidneck Land Trust is now accepting applications for grants from the Merritt Neighborhood Fund, an endowed fund which seeks to support the preservation of small parks, community gardens, and other natural spaces on Aquidneck Island. Established in 1999 to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the Land Trust’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. Grants provide up to $2,500 to each awardee.

“The Merritt Neighborhood Fund is a wonderful program,” Terry Sullivan, Executive Director, said. “It provides the Aquidneck Land Trust the opportunity to support community-based efforts to protect and enhance small green spaces in neighborhoods. Giving a little love, in the form of small grants, to these projects helps people connect to the land around them and beautify the community for years to come.”

The projects funded in the 2023 grant cycle were: 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); and Portsmouth Dog Park (trees for new walking path expansion).

Applications for the 2024 Merritt Neighborhood Fund grants can be found on the Land Trust’s website (https://ailt.org/our-work/merritt-fund/). Applications must be received by April 1, 2024. Award decisions will be made by the end of April.

Middletown, RI – February 6, 2024 – The Aquidneck Land Trust has announced 24 student winners in the 2023 Aquidneck Land Trust Art & Writing Contest, held annually to promote the importance and value of the conservation of open spaces. Students at Aquidneck Island schools and those who reside on Island were invited to enter artwork or written work depicting their favorite local vista. The winners were honored in a ceremony at the Land Trust’s Annual Meeting on February 1, 2024.

Art entries were judged by a panel that included Jonathan Gewirz, owner of design/build firm Sixteen on Center and current Board Chair, Seamus Hames, Manager of Museum Education at the Newport Art Museum; and Susan Woythaler, musician and board chair of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County. Written entries were judged by Terry Sullivan, Executive Director of Aquidneck Land Trust; Beezie Bickford, Associate Head for Faculty and School Affairs at St. George’s School; and Helena Touhey, Managing Editor of Newport Life Magazine and former Land Trust intern. The contest was underwritten by a grant from Sixteen on Center.

“This contest’s goal is to inspire the next generation of conservationists,” said Terry Sullivan, Aquidneck Land Trust Executive Director, “When you read the students’ stories and look at the beautiful art they created, you can see they have a deep appreciation for the open spaces and coastal waters of Aquidneck Island.”

Art winners in the kindergarten through grade four category are: Gwendolyn Montalvo, first place (Melville Elementary School); Wilamina Johnston, second place (The Pennfield School); Margaret Scholhamer, third place (The Pennfield School); and Timothy Norris, honorable mention (Melville Elementary School). Winners in the grade five through grade eight category are: Elijah Cote, first place (The Pennfield School); Kiyomi Francis, second place (St. Philomena School of the Sacred Heart); Benjamin Adams, third place (Portsmouth Middle School); Lucille Walker, honorable mention (The Pennfield School); and Anneliese Halvorsen, honorable mention (The Pennfield School). Winners in the grade nine through grade twelve category are: Winston Yeung, first place (St. George’s School); Sydney Rinfret, second place (Portsmouth High School); and Gabriella Humes, third place (Portsmouth High School).

Writing winners in the kindergarten through grade four category are: Sarah Adal, first place (All Saints STEAM Academy); Joseph Fricchione, second place (All Saints STEAM Academy); Grace McNabb, third place (St. Philomena School of the Sacred Heart); and Alexander Lavery, honorable mention (All Saints STEAM Academy). Winners in the grade five through eight category are: Caroline Whitlock, first place; Callie Patten-Harding, second place; Juni Wolfskehl, third place; and Brady MacFarland, honorable mention (all of St. Michael’s Country Day School). Winners in the grade nine through grade twelve category are: Rei Gaulin, first place (Middletown High School); Maggie Lauder, second place (Portsmouth High School); Loganne McKenna, third place (Middletown High School); and Leo Ailes, honorable mention (Middletown High School).

Winners received cash prizes and a household membership to ALT. The schools of each first-place winner will receive a generous grant to support their environmental science curricula. The Land Trust thanks Sixteen on Center for underwriting the contest, which encourages local students to recognize and treasure the beauty of Aquidneck Island.

ALT is the oldest accredited land trust in Rhode Island. Since 1990, it has conserved 99 properties covering 2,815.90 acres of land on Aquidneck Island, or over 11.5% of the Island’s total acreage.

Middletown, RI – November 7, 2023 – The Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has announced the conservation of 2.5-acre wetlands property, the “Sullivan Preserve,” on Portsmouth’s northwest shore. The parcel is adjacent to the Wood-Estabrook Preserve, another 5-acre property donated to ALT earlier in the year. The Sullivan Preserve is a part of a larger 44-acre marsh and beach. A CRMC-designated path runs through the land with access to a public beach. Parking for the pathway is near Pheasant Drive. Combined with the Wood-Estabrook parcel donated last year, 7.4 acres between the railroad line and the bay are now protected from development in perpetuity by Aquidneck Land Trust.

The property was generously donated by four siblings in the Sullivan family. “These wetlands have been a part of our experience as an Aquidneck Island family since we were kids in the 1950s.” The family detailed in a joint statement, “Our family shares many pleasant memories exploring this woodland, marsh, and shoreline. We are happy to deed this property to the Land Trust to preserve and steward its natural state for future generations.”

The site includes beach, salt marsh, and scrub-shrub habitat, and is visible from the path, railroad, surrounding houses, boats in the bay, and cars on the Mount Hope Bridge. It is strategically located should a multi-use path on the adjacent railroad line ever be created. A number of bird species have been recorded during site visits by ALT staff, including osprey and egrets.

“This coastal marsh area is a really special part of Portsmouth. Both the views and habitat are incredible,” said Alex Chuman, Conservation Director. “Protecting salt marshes and adjacent
uplands make our coasts more resilient to climate change, soaking in storm surge and allowing space for marshes to migrate as waters rise. We are grateful to the Sullivan family for donating
their land for conservation.”

ALT is the oldest accredited land trust in Rhode Island. Since 1990, it has conserved 99 properties covering more than 2,815 acres of land on Aquidneck Island, or over 11.5% of the Island’s total acreage.

Middletown, RI. – September 28, 2023 – The Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) announces the start of its annual Art & Writing Contest, a competition in which local students portray their favorite Aquidneck Island vistas. The contest encourages students to create artwork, written essays, and poems that express their appreciation of the Island’s natural beauty. Winners are awarded generous cash prizes and family memberships to ALT. Entrants must live, or attend school, on Aquidneck Island.

The prompt for either art or written entries is the same: “What is your favorite Aquidneck Island vista? Show it as an artwork on paper or describe it in an essay or poem.” Submissions are due no later than noon on Friday, November 17, 2023. Teachers, students, and parents should enter student work via the submission portal on the ALT website. Students who learn at home are welcome to apply. There are first-, second-, and third-prize awards for each of the three age categories: kindergarten–grade 4, grades 5-8, and grades 9-12. Student prizes range from $50 to $250. Cash grants of $500 are awarded to the schools of the first-place winners, to supplement their environmental education programs. A panel of art judges and a panel of writing judges will determine the winners, who will be recognized at ALT’s Annual Meeting February 1, 2024.

“Aquidneck Island is renowned for its beautiful natural vistas,” said Terry Sullivan, Executive Director at ALT. “This annual contest encourages students to look at the natural beauty surrounding them and express what they see and feel through creative artwork and written pieces. Thanks to the efforts and support of many Aquidneck Islanders, many of these special places have been protected for generations to come.”

The contest is sponsored by the design firm Sixteen on Center. More information may be found on ALT’s website, www.ailt.org/our-work/art-writing-contest/, or by calling ALT at 401-849-2799, ext. 113.

Middletown, RI – October 20, 2023 – The Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has announced the conservation of 10.81 acres of land in Middletown, RI known as the “Lazy Lawn” property. Located between Indian Avenue and Third Beach Road, the parcel is contiguous to other conservation land, adding to the important habitat corridor within Middletown’s Paradise Valley. Aquidneck Land Trust has now protected 98 properties totaling 2,812.66 acres.

The Lazy Lawn property is scenic land that includes a mix of meadow, scrub-shrub, and wetland habitat. It has prime soils for farming, a long history of agriculture, and provides views of the Sakonnet River. It’s location across Third Beach Road from the Norman Bird Sanctuary and contiguous to other conserved land creates a vital corridor for wildlife. ALT purchased a conservation easement from a large family that has owned the property since 1843 and are the descendants of Luisa Gindrat and Samuel Greene Arnold. The land covers a portion of a larger parcel. The property will remain private but the conservation easement protects it from development to serve as habitat, agricultural, and coastal watershed protection resource.

“We are deeply gratified to protect this land that has been in our family for so long.” said the descendants in a joint statement. “With memories made here over many generations, it only felt right for us to preserve it in its traditional state from any potential future development and ensure that it will always continue to be open space and natural habitat.

We are honored to join our neighbors in conserving these fields with the ALT and encourage others to join in preserving this natural corridor.”

“We are thrilled to add more preserved land to Middletown’s beautiful Paradise Valley,” said Terry Sullivan, Executive Director of the Aquidneck Land Trust. “Our efforts to conserve the Island’s lands and waters is more urgent now than ever before. By saving our last remaining open spaces we are able to protect our drinking water and the health of our coastal bays and estuaries; maintain our beautiful vistas; secure farmland for future generations; and ensure our island is resilient to the impacts of climate change.”

ALT is the oldest accredited land trust in Rhode Island. Since 1990, it has conserved 98 properties covering more than 2,812 acres of land on Aquidneck Island, or over 11.5% of the island’s total acreage.

Middletown, RI – July 5, 2023 – Conservation leader Terry Sullivan has been appointed Executive Director of Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT), an organization that preserves and stewards Aquidneck Islands open spaces for the lasting benefit of the community, while connecting people with the land that defines the Islands natural character.

As Executive Director, Sullivan will play a crucial role in the successful execution of ALTs strategic plan so that the natural environment and quality of life on Aquidneck Island is conserved and stewarded for future generations.

In his current executive leadership position as Northeast Division Director of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Sullivan guides the collective efforts of ten chapters to realize large-scale conservation outcomes on behalf of the Conservancy’s mission. Since joining the Conservancy in 1993, he has held a variety of leadership positions, including Rhode Island State Director, US Senior Policy Advisor on Water Resources, and Director of Government Relations for the Eastern US Region and the Florida Chapter.

Sullivan’s recent career highlights at the Conservancy include being responsible for the combined operations budget of $60+ million and 350 staff; sponsoring and supervising TNC North America Region’s Climate Programs; leading the team that designed TNC’s 50-State Climate Strategy; and successfully leading a 5-year, $63.7 million comprehensive funding campaign in RI.

“We are excited to announce the selection of such a highly qualified conservation leader to serve as the new Executive Director of the Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT),” said Tom Hockaday, Chair of the Board of Trustees of ALT. “Terry’s extensive experience will be invaluable to ALT as we continue our long-standing work and commitment to preserving and protecting land on Aquidneck Island.”

In addition to his positions with The Nature Conservancy, Sullivan has taken on special assignments for TNC including Acting Chief People Officer; North America Region Sponsor for Climate Mitigation Strategies; Acting State Director, Alabama; and Founding Executive Sponsor, Young and Emerging Professionals Employee Resource Group.

“The work of the Aquidneck Land Trust is critically important to maintaining the quality of life and economy of Aquidneck Island, especially with the growing impacts of climate change on our natural and built environments,” Sullivan said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the community here on the Island to realize great conservation outcomes in the years ahead.”

Sullivan’s most recent non-profit board work includes serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Southside Community Land Trust in Providence, RI. He earned a Bachelors degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Sullivan will assume his responsibilities as Executive Director of Aquidneck Land Trust on September 18, 2023.

Aquidneck Land Trust engaged Kittleman & Associates to conduct a search for its new Executive Director. Kittleman recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector including conservation, science and wildlife organizations, foundations, advocacy and educational organizations, and human services agencies.

View Terry Sullivan’s full biography here.

Middletown, RI. – June 15, 2023 – The Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has announced the conservation of a 9.85-acre wetlands property on Hedly Street in Portsmouth, RI. Across from Maplewood Farm, ALT purchased the land from JIC Capital LLC to protect its important habitat and water resource value. With this purchase, Aquidneck Land Trust will have protected 97 properties totaling 2,801.85 acres.

The majority of the property is forested wetland dominated by red maples. There is also a section of upland forest and meadow near Hedley Street. Throughout the property, multiple tributaries meander through into Bloody Brook, which eventually empties into Narragansett Bay. The site has excellent habitat for year-round and migratory birds, raptors, amphibians, and mammals. ALT staff have documented over 100 flora and fauna species on the property.

“The Hedly Street property has many important conservation values,” said Brian Gallagher, Interim Executive Director. “In addition to offering wildlife habitat for such a diverse number of species, the property hosts multiple tributaries that eventually run into Narragansett Bay. Protecting this land helps protect our coastal waters downstream. We are very grateful to all our donors who made purchasing this property outright possible.”

ALT’s plan for the property will be to manage it as a wildlife preserve, with potential public access under consideration at some point in the future.

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.

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.

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.