Environment Council of Rhode Island

...building an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy

Open Space Acquisition & Linkage

This recently established land trust put together the most complex open space acquisition of the year by raising nearly one and a half million dollars and purchasing the 230 acre Matta Farm/Pardon Gray Preserve. This property also helps shield surrounding lands and marshes as well as connecting to Tiverton's Weetamoo Woods preservation area. The partnership with the Audubon Society of RI, the Nature Conservancy, the Newport Water Board, the Norcross Foundation, RI DEM and others also preserves 18th Century history, several endangered species and increased by 50% the amount of trails and open space in Tiverton.

Award Type: 
John H. Chafee Outstanding Conservation Project/Program
Award Year: 
2001