Aquidneck Land Trust celebrates new collection, funds at Fiesta Verde

AQUIDNECK LAND TRUST'S Fiesta Verde fundraiser in July saw 350 guests donate $100,000 in support of the nonprofit’s purchase of Spruce Acres Farm, which will serve as the future home of its offices, land stewardship and programming operations. / COURTESY AQUIDNECK LAND TRUST
AQUIDNECK LAND TRUST'S Fiesta Verde fundraiser in July saw 350 guests donate $100,000 in support of the nonprofit’s purchase of Spruce Acres Farm, which will serve as the future home of its offices, land stewardship and programming operations. / COURTESY AQUIDNECK LAND TRUST

MIDDLETOWN – Aquidneck Land Trust’s Fiesta Verde fundraiser saw 350 guests donate $100,000 in support of the nonprofit’s purchase of Spruce Acres Farm.

At the July event Chuck Allott, Aquidneck Land Trust’s executive director, and Jim Chace, the board chair, outlined the acquisition of a 23-acre plot on the Middletown-Portsmouth border called Spruce Acres Farm. They explained the organization hopes to raise $2.3 million for the purchase of the plot, which will serve as the future home of its offices, land stewardship and programming operations.

Allott added that fundraising was underway and a $300,000 donation toward the purchase of Spruce Acres Farm was given by Bernard and Sarah Gewirz to the Aquidneck Land Trust in late October. The gift is the first of its kind and includes naming rights for the property trail system.

In total, Aquidneck Land Trust has raised $428,000, which includes cash and pledges, toward the purchase of Spruce Acres Farm. The property had been a tree farm since the 1950s, but recently ceased operations. The standing farmhouse, barn and garages will be used for Aquidneck Land Trust operations but will be expanded to include learning spaces, an event space and functional stewardship area. The organization hopes to add a community garden, farm plots and nature trails in the coming years.

- Advertisement -

Aquidneck Land Trust’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 2,552 acres on 76 properties across Aquidneck Island since its founding in 1990. The Aquidneck Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the first land trust in Rhode Island to have received national accreditation.

No posts to display