resources and build strong partnerships is the hallmark of our work.

Yet today, there is still much to be done. And, The Nature Conservancy is steadfast in its commitment to balance the needs of people with preserving the nature that sustains us on Block Island. Contamination of precious drinking water, impacts of exist-ing and new development, invasive plants and animals, and climate change continue to threaten our natural landscape. Increasing pollution is a major threat to Great Salt Pond.

Twenty percent of the island’s remaining unprotected open space is comprised of critical habitat corridors between protected lands. If these natural corridors are lost, far reaching negative impacts will be felt by flora and fauna, not to mention water quality and the Island’s rural character. Restoring populations of fish and shellfish, and maritime shrublands for migrating birds, are ongoing challenges as well as preparing for the increasing impacts of sea level rise and climate change.

A Community VisionProtecting the needs of people and nature on Block Island is more important than ever.

A Bold Plan 5 Years — $5 Million

Block Island

Soaring out of the Atlantic

Ocean, Block Island’s

wild, fragile landscapes are

rich with life and awash

in natural beauty — a special

place worthy of great care.

A Sense of Place What do you love most about Block Island? Is it the sweeping vistas of Black Rock; 17 miles of accessible beaches; the lush greenery and ocean views of Clay Head; or glorious sunsets over Great Salt Pond? These are just some of the island’s natural treasures. We work and play here. It is where we choose to live or spend our summers. In so many ways, our own health, well-being, and future are tied to the health and well-being of our lands and waters.

An Island Still at RiskIn the early 70s, there were signs specula-tive development would irreversibly alter Block Island’s landscape, waters and community. Islanders formed the local grassroots Block Island Conservancy (BIC) and invited The Nature Conservancy to bring its science and con-servation real estate expertise from around the country to inform land protec-tion and stewardship work. From that small beginning, we worked with the BIC, the Block Island Land Trust, the Town, as well as State and Federal partners to protect iconic areas of the Island for everyone to enjoy. The Nature Conservancy has been involved with 90 percent of the conservation transactions on the island. Our ability to leverage

The Nature Conservancy Block Island Program

352 High Street,

Block Island, R I 02807

401-466-2129

www.nature.org/blockisland

LAnd WAteR HoPe |  A Campaign for Rhode Island’s Future

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, just one of our many treasures.

Volunteers, staff and LEAF participants pulling invasive plants.

Horseshoe crab molts

Exploring the natural world.

Ma

rk

Go

df

re

y /

TN

CTN

C S

Ta

ff

ka

rIN

e a

IGN

er

TN

C S

Ta

ff

LAND — Save Special Places

WATER — Keep it Clean

HOPE — Inspire a New Generation

de

SIG

N /

Ma

LC

oL

M G

re

ar

de

SIG

Ne

rS We need your help. Together we can imple-

ment a bold plan for a more sustainable Block Island. The plan will protect 120 additional acres of farms, shrublands and grasslands in the five year campaign; restore the health of Great Salt Pond by protecting its watershed; and continue to educate the next generation of conservationists so they will carry on the community legacy.

To guide our efforts, and with partner-ship at the heart of all we do, we have identified three conservation priorities on which to focus our expertise and resources:

This plan, as you might imagine, will cost more than $5 million. Private dollars raised will leverage more than double in public funding — expanding the impact of our conservation efforts to $15 million.

Since the nature Conservancy opened its Block Island office in 1991, our focus has been on community-based environmental education. This is indeed a symbol of hope that portrays our commitment to pro-tecting the island. For across the United States today, only 10% of young people spend time outside each day, resulting in a serious concern over who will steward lands and waters into the next century.

hope Inspire a New Generation

and practices in both the public and private sectors. In so doing, we will create and inspire conservationists of tomorrow as we work on behalf of all people today. Priorities include:

ACTIVATE the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders For 18 years, the Conservancy has been providing nature education to grades pre-school — 12th in the Block Island School. As a result, students who graduate know the birds, the plants and the ecology of the island. This investment in nature remains invaluable to the future steward-ship of Block Island, not to mention a personal gift to each student it touches. Over the next five years, we will conduct 500 Block Island school programs for grades preschool-12. In addition, we will continue to empower teens and college students via internship opportunities.

EDUCATE the Public about Why Nature Matters

The Conservancy will expand its Block Island outreach program to engage more people about why nature matters via traditional and social media outlets, walks and talks and new recreational opportuni-ties. Our five-year goal is to conduct 500 family programs for 5,000 participants.

Our theory is that a larger and more

deeply engaged base of constituents

will translate into increased action

taken on behalf of the environment.

Yet, on Block Island, there is good rea-son for hope. We have a multi-faceted program focused on deepening the com-munity’s appreciation for healthy lands and waters that sustain both nature and people. Our theory is that a larger and more deeply engaged base of constituents will translate into increased action taken on behalf of the environment, more revenue to further the work of the Conservancy and its part-ners, and greater influence to shape policy

CREATE a Network of Volunteer “Conservation Ambassadors”

For decades, volunteers have helped The Nature Conservancy get the job done. Investing in recruiting, training and equip-ping volunteers makes our work more sustainable. “Adrian’s Army” of volunteers meets every Wednesday year round, to clear trails, cut back brush and remove snow and debris. With the protection of addi-tional lands and restoration work in our coastal waters, our goal for the next five years is to double the number of volunteers on Block Island.

For more information contactChris Littlefield Block Island & Marine Projects Director 401-466-2129 clittlefield@tnc.org

www.nature.org/blockisland

the nature Conservancy on Block Island recognizes that protecting land is the key to healthy waters. Block Island’s drinking water and the Great Salt Pond are depen-dent on lands to filter pollution and excess nutrients. To be successful, our work must continue to connect existing protected areas to safeguard our freshwater aquifer and coastal waters.

Working in partnership, with our col-leagues in states along New England’s southern shore from Cape Cod to Long Island, The Nature Conservancy has cre-ated programs focused on bringing the best expertise and capacities from around the region to protecting and restoring the eco-logical health of our local waters and coastal habitats. Priorities include:

IMPROVE the Health of Coastal Habitats

The Conservancy is working to restore coastal water quality and underwater

habitat for a wide range of shellfish and fish species. Examples include — working to restore populations of river herring by reducing bycatch from trawlers and improving conditions for spawning in coastal rivers. The Conservancy is restoring oyster reefs which filter coastal waters and provide habitat for many species of fish and shellfish important to recreational and commercial fishing.

PREPARE for Coastal Climate Change

In recent years, hurricanes, winter storms, and rising sea level have begun to dramati-cally alter and threaten built infrastructure and natural habitats alike. Block Island’s coast has always been a dynamic place, but when ocean waters run up against

the nature Conservancy’s goal over the five year campaign is to protect 120 acres or 2% of Block Island. Priorities include:

PRESERVE Working Farmland

The Conservancy is working to keep Block Island’s rural legacy and agricul-tural heritage alive by protecting irreplaceable farms and open fields. Our goal is to encourage “farming with nature’ to make the most of habitat values associated with pasture, meadow, hedgerow and maritime shrub.

CONSERVE and Steward Unique Coastal Land

Saltwater or fresh, this is the zone where biodiversity resides, and where people come to recharge their spirit. The Conservancy is working to protect Block Island’s coastal uplands, freshwa-ter ponds and wetlands, and salt marshes that are essential to the pro-ductivity of shorebirds and marine life. Stewardship and restoration of these lands are essential to ensure good water quality and abundant wildlife.

land Save Special Places

water keep it Clean

ThE NATURE CONSERVANCy

Conservation from Block Island to the

Caribbean Islands

Since the early 1970s, The Nature Conser-

vancy’s work in the Caribbean has

grown to become a landmark partnership

with the goal to protect 21 million acres—

an area nearly half the size of Florida —

of globally important coral reefs, mangroves

and other pristine ocean habitat. This

will triple the amount of ocean habitat

currently protected.

The Conservancy’s Rhode Island and

Caribbean programs have been sharing

best practices for 15 years. Not only do

they share a passion to bring back reefs but

they share migratory birds, whales and

other marine life.

Coral reefs, the tropical equivalent to our

oyster reefs, protect more than 1,400

species of fish and marine mammals. Reefs

also support the people of the Caribbean

by providing seafood, sport fisheries and

diving related tourism. Yet, they continue to

be threatened by development, rising ocean

temperatures, disease and storms. It is

estimated that living coral in the Caribbean

has declined 50–80% since the 1970s.

The Nature Conservancy and partners

are establishing nurseries to grow Staghorn

and Elkhorn coral. These fast growing

species are capable of reproducing from

fragments and form the foundation

necessary to build reefs. Once they reach

a certain size, they are transplanted to

existing local reefs to increase natural

production. Ongoing operations will provide

a consistent source of corals to transplant

to multiple sites each year.

Stewardship and restoration of these lands are essential

to ensure good water quality and abundant wildlife.

To be successful, our work

must continue to connect

existing protected areas to

safeguard our freshwater

aquifer and coastal waters.

G LO B A L L I N K

Jef

f y

oN

oV

er

/ T

NC

TN

C S

Ta

ff T

NC

ST

af

f

Na

T r

ea

/ T

NC

ka

rIN

e a

IGN

er

rIC

ha

rd

Be

NJa

MIN

— w

ww

.Ph

oT

oS

of

rI.

Co

M

vulnerable shoreline, bluff and dunes are eroded, property is flooded, and habitat and infrastructure is lost. The Conservancy is developing ways to employ “green” infra-structure based upon models found in nature to help protect threatened properties.

LEAF participants learning to seine at Andy’s Way.

Artificial reefs, made out of slippersnail shells,

were constructed and deployed throughout

Great Salt Pond in 2014 to restore habitat.

Goldenrod in bloom at Rodman’s Hollow.

Sachem Pond, where land and water meet.

Kindergarten class experiencing the wonders

of Lewis Farm.

REIMAGINE Ocean Conservation and Management

By steering development to avoid impacts to sensitive natural areas and wildlife, needs of nature and commerce can be bal-anced, and the needs of development can be achieved with positive impacts. The Conservancy’s work in this area is essential to helping plan for: the locating of offshore wind turbines to avoid productive fishing grounds; sustaining river herring which are significant for local to global fisheries; and guiding shipping traffic in coastal waters to avoid impacts to marine mammals.

the nature Conservancy on Block Island recognizes that protecting land is the key to healthy waters. Block Island’s drinking water and the Great Salt Pond are depen-dent on lands to filter pollution and excess nutrients. To be successful, our work must continue to connect existing protected areas to safeguard our freshwater aquifer and coastal waters.

Working in partnership, with our col-leagues in states along New England’s southern shore from Cape Cod to Long Island, The Nature Conservancy has cre-ated programs focused on bringing the best expertise and capacities from around the region to protecting and restoring the eco-logical health of our local waters and coastal habitats. Priorities include:

IMPROVE the Health of Coastal Habitats

The Conservancy is working to restore coastal water quality and underwater

habitat for a wide range of shellfish and fish species. Examples include — working to restore populations of river herring by reducing bycatch from trawlers and improving conditions for spawning in coastal rivers. The Conservancy is restoring oyster reefs which filter coastal waters and provide habitat for many species of fish and shellfish important to recreational and commercial fishing.

PREPARE for Coastal Climate Change

In recent years, hurricanes, winter storms, and rising sea level have begun to dramati-cally alter and threaten built infrastructure and natural habitats alike. Block Island’s coast has always been a dynamic place, but when ocean waters run up against

the nature Conservancy’s goal over the five year campaign is to protect 120 acres or 2% of Block Island. Priorities include:

PRESERVE Working Farmland

The Conservancy is working to keep Block Island’s rural legacy and agricul-tural heritage alive by protecting irreplaceable farms and open fields. Our goal is to encourage “farming with nature’ to make the most of habitat values associated with pasture, meadow, hedgerow and maritime shrub.

CONSERVE and Steward Unique Coastal Land

Saltwater or fresh, this is the zone where biodiversity resides, and where people come to recharge their spirit. The Conservancy is working to protect Block Island’s coastal uplands, freshwa-ter ponds and wetlands, and salt marshes that are essential to the pro-ductivity of shorebirds and marine life. Stewardship and restoration of these lands are essential to ensure good water quality and abundant wildlife.

land Save Special Places

water keep it Clean

ThE NATURE CONSERVANCy

Conservation from Block Island to the

Caribbean Islands

Since the early 1970s, The Nature Conser-

vancy’s work in the Caribbean has

grown to become a landmark partnership

with the goal to protect 21 million acres—

an area nearly half the size of Florida —

of globally important coral reefs, mangroves

and other pristine ocean habitat. This

will triple the amount of ocean habitat

currently protected.

The Conservancy’s Rhode Island and

Caribbean programs have been sharing

best practices for 15 years. Not only do

they share a passion to bring back reefs but

they share migratory birds, whales and

other marine life.

Coral reefs, the tropical equivalent to our

oyster reefs, protect more than 1,400

species of fish and marine mammals. Reefs

also support the people of the Caribbean

by providing seafood, sport fisheries and

diving related tourism. Yet, they continue to

be threatened by development, rising ocean

temperatures, disease and storms. It is

estimated that living coral in the Caribbean

has declined 50–80% since the 1970s.

The Nature Conservancy and partners

are establishing nurseries to grow Staghorn

and Elkhorn coral. These fast growing

species are capable of reproducing from

fragments and form the foundation

necessary to build reefs. Once they reach

a certain size, they are transplanted to

existing local reefs to increase natural

production. Ongoing operations will provide

a consistent source of corals to transplant

to multiple sites each year.

Stewardship and restoration of these lands are essential

to ensure good water quality and abundant wildlife.

To be successful, our work

must continue to connect

existing protected areas to

safeguard our freshwater

aquifer and coastal waters.

G LO B A L L I N K

Jef

f y

oN

oV

er

/ T

NC

TN

C S

Ta

ff T

NC

ST

af

f

Na

T r

ea

/ T

NC

ka

rIN

e a

IGN

er

rIC

ha

rd

Be

NJa

MIN

— w

ww

.Ph

oT

oS

of

rI.

Co

M

vulnerable shoreline, bluff and dunes are eroded, property is flooded, and habitat and infrastructure is lost. The Conservancy is developing ways to employ “green” infra-structure based upon models found in nature to help protect threatened properties.

LEAF participants learning to seine at Andy’s Way.

Artificial reefs, made out of slippersnail shells,

were constructed and deployed throughout

Great Salt Pond in 2014 to restore habitat.

Goldenrod in bloom at Rodman’s Hollow.

Sachem Pond, where land and water meet.

Kindergarten class experiencing the wonders

of Lewis Farm.

REIMAGINE Ocean Conservation and Management

By steering development to avoid impacts to sensitive natural areas and wildlife, needs of nature and commerce can be bal-anced, and the needs of development can be achieved with positive impacts. The Conservancy’s work in this area is essential to helping plan for: the locating of offshore wind turbines to avoid productive fishing grounds; sustaining river herring which are significant for local to global fisheries; and guiding shipping traffic in coastal waters to avoid impacts to marine mammals.

resources and build strong partnerships is the hallmark of our work.

Yet today, there is still much to be done. And, The Nature Conservancy is steadfast in its commitment to balance the needs of people with preserving the nature that sustains us on Block Island. Contamination of precious drinking water, impacts of exist-ing and new development, invasive plants and animals, and climate change continue to threaten our natural landscape. Increasing pollution is a major threat to Great Salt Pond.

Twenty percent of the island’s remaining unprotected open space is comprised of critical habitat corridors between protected lands. If these natural corridors are lost, far reaching negative impacts will be felt by flora and fauna, not to mention water quality and the Island’s rural character. Restoring populations of fish and shellfish, and maritime shrublands for migrating birds, are ongoing challenges as well as preparing for the increasing impacts of sea level rise and climate change.

A Community VisionProtecting the needs of people and nature on Block Island is more important than ever.

A Bold Plan 5 Years — $5 Million

Block Island

Soaring out of the Atlantic

Ocean, Block Island’s

wild, fragile landscapes are

rich with life and awash

in natural beauty — a special

place worthy of great care.

A Sense of Place What do you love most about Block Island? Is it the sweeping vistas of Black Rock; 17 miles of accessible beaches; the lush greenery and ocean views of Clay Head; or glorious sunsets over Great Salt Pond? These are just some of the island’s natural treasures. We work and play here. It is where we choose to live or spend our summers. In so many ways, our own health, well-being, and future are tied to the health and well-being of our lands and waters.

An Island Still at RiskIn the early 70s, there were signs specula-tive development would irreversibly alter Block Island’s landscape, waters and community. Islanders formed the local grassroots Block Island Conservancy (BIC) and invited The Nature Conservancy to bring its science and con-servation real estate expertise from around the country to inform land protec-tion and stewardship work. From that small beginning, we worked with the BIC, the Block Island Land Trust, the Town, as well as State and Federal partners to protect iconic areas of the Island for everyone to enjoy. The Nature Conservancy has been involved with 90 percent of the conservation transactions on the island. Our ability to leverage

The Nature Conservancy Block Island Program

352 High Street,

Block Island, R I 02807

401-466-2129

www.nature.org/blockisland

LAnd WAteR HoPe |  A Campaign for Rhode Island’s Future

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, just one of our many treasures.

Volunteers, staff and LEAF participants pulling invasive plants.

Horseshoe crab molts

Exploring the natural world.

Ma

rk

Go

df

re

y /

TN

CTN

C S

Ta

ff

ka

rIN

e a

IGN

er

TN

C S

Ta

ff

LAND — Save Special Places

WATER — Keep it Clean

HOPE — Inspire a New Generation

de

SIG

N /

Ma

LC

oL

M G

re

ar

de

SIG

Ne

rS We need your help. Together we can imple-

ment a bold plan for a more sustainable Block Island. The plan will protect 120 additional acres of farms, shrublands and grasslands in the five year campaign; restore the health of Great Salt Pond by protecting its watershed; and continue to educate the next generation of conservationists so they will carry on the community legacy.

To guide our efforts, and with partner-ship at the heart of all we do, we have identified three conservation priorities on which to focus our expertise and resources:

This plan, as you might imagine, will cost more than $5 million. Private dollars raised will leverage more than double in public funding — expanding the impact of our conservation efforts to $15 million.

Since the nature Conservancy opened its Block Island office in 1991, our focus has been on community-based environmental education. This is indeed a symbol of hope that portrays our commitment to pro-tecting the island. For across the United States today, only 10% of young people spend time outside each day, resulting in a serious concern over who will steward lands and waters into the next century.

hope Inspire a New Generation

and practices in both the public and private sectors. In so doing, we will create and inspire conservationists of tomorrow as we work on behalf of all people today. Priorities include:

ACTIVATE the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders For 18 years, the Conservancy has been providing nature education to grades pre-school — 12th in the Block Island School. As a result, students who graduate know the birds, the plants and the ecology of the island. This investment in nature remains invaluable to the future steward-ship of Block Island, not to mention a personal gift to each student it touches. Over the next five years, we will conduct 500 Block Island school programs for grades preschool-12. In addition, we will continue to empower teens and college students via internship opportunities.

EDUCATE the Public about Why Nature Matters

The Conservancy will expand its Block Island outreach program to engage more people about why nature matters via traditional and social media outlets, walks and talks and new recreational opportuni-ties. Our five-year goal is to conduct 500 family programs for 5,000 participants.

Our theory is that a larger and more

deeply engaged base of constituents

will translate into increased action

taken on behalf of the environment.

Yet, on Block Island, there is good rea-son for hope. We have a multi-faceted program focused on deepening the com-munity’s appreciation for healthy lands and waters that sustain both nature and people. Our theory is that a larger and more deeply engaged base of constituents will translate into increased action taken on behalf of the environment, more revenue to further the work of the Conservancy and its part-ners, and greater influence to shape policy

CREATE a Network of Volunteer “Conservation Ambassadors”

For decades, volunteers have helped The Nature Conservancy get the job done. Investing in recruiting, training and equip-ping volunteers makes our work more sustainable. “Adrian’s Army” of volunteers meets every Wednesday year round, to clear trails, cut back brush and remove snow and debris. With the protection of addi-tional lands and restoration work in our coastal waters, our goal for the next five years is to double the number of volunteers on Block Island.

For more information contactChris Littlefield Block Island & Marine Projects Director 401-466-2129 clittlefield@tnc.org

www.nature.org/blockisland