Protecting the Island’s landscapes, farms, parks, waters, and natural habitats for our community’s health and well-being.
Ensuring that the land remains viable for future generations through responsible stewardship.
Encouraging public participation, education, and awareness to foster a deep connection between people and the land.
Partnering with local organizations, landowners, and policymakers to achieve conservation goals.
Addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and development pressures with proactive solutions.
Our audited financial statements are available! Find them here.
1990: Aquidneck Island Land Trust (“AILT”) founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
1993: First conservation easement on historic Slocum estate in Newport.
2000: The Land Trust purchases Oakland Forest and Meadow, saving the old growth forest and opening its first public nature trail a year later.
2000: The Merritt Neighborhood Fund, Stewardship Endowment Fund, and Legal Defense Fund are established.
2002: First segment of the Sakonnet Greenway Trail is built and opened to the public, 2.2 miles around Newport National Golf Course.
2009: Of the over 40 land trusts in Rhode Island, AILT is the first to be awarded national accredited status by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
2017: The Land Trust purchases Spruce Acres Farm and begins improving it for public access, adding 1.5 miles of trail, a picnic pavilion, community garden, and more over the subsequent years.
2018: The Land Trust purchases Little Creek Preserve, adding an additional half-mile of trails to the Sakonnet Greenway Trail, including a new boardwalk and viewing platform.
2023: The Glen Farm Stables Trail is created and added into the Sakonnet Greenway Trail, now making it possible to walk from the Sakonnet River at Glen Park all the way to Newport Vineyards on trails.
2024: Spring Park in Newport is conserved. With the park’s conservation, the Land Trust has conserved 11 municipal parks in Newport in partnership with the City. The Land Trust has conserved an additional nine municipal properties in Middletown and six in Portsmouth.
2024: The Aquidneck Resilience initiative kicks off!
Our strategic plan focuses on long-term conservation efforts, community engagement, and sustainable land stewardship.
Acquire & Protect Key Lands, Resilience & Climate Adaptation.
Maintain & Enhance Protected Lands, Public Access & Trails, Agricultural Viability, and Sustainable Land Practices.
Education & Outreach, Build Partnerships, and Promote Smart Growth Policies.
Expand Fundraising & Membership, Build Endowments, and Leverage Public & Private Funding
Enhance Internal Operations, Board & Volunteer Development, Data-Driven Conservation.
Get involved! The Aquidneck Island Land Trust needs you today! Now more than ever.
The team at Aquidneck Island Land Trust is a dedicated group of conservation professionals, community advocates, and environmental stewards committed to protecting the Island’s natural beauty and resources.
