"The Aquidneck Land Trust is widely respected for its leadership in conserving special Island places... places that are emblematic of the Island's rich and multi-faceted heritage... places that evoke positive memories and foster a sense of place... places that showcase the Island's unique and beautiful natural character... places that help maintain its environmental health and value."
- Aquidneck Land Trust Vision Statement

Environmental Values Statement
As an environmental organization, we are concerned about the global environment and act locally in ways that are focused and consistent with our mission to do our part in mitigating these threats.

 Aquidneck Land Trust's Actions to Mitigate Environmental Threats 

Land Conservation Activities – Maintaining robust land acquisition activities is the most powerful, tangible and long-term way for ALT to mitigate environmental threats. Land conservation directly helps conserve water resources, island habitat and biodiversity, local agricultural resources, outdoor recreational and educational opportunities and scenic vistas while also helping stop global warming. 

Water Resources - ALT’s land conservation activities protect public drinking water reservoirs and lands that help buffer these reservoirs, Narragansett Bay and other important water resources from harmful runoff.  ALT protects reservoirs, streams, wetlands, vernal pools and other water resources. 

Island Habitat and Biodiversity – Loss of wildlife habitat to development and resource consumption is a significant world-wide threat to biodiversity.  ALT regularly protects important wildlife habitats that support a number of important species, such as the Northern Harrier (State Endangered), Piping Plover (Federally Threatened), Northern Leopard Frog (State Species of Conservation Concern), and Barn Owl (State Endangered). 

Agricultural Resources – ALT protects acres and acres of USDA classified Prime Farmland and helps address other threats to local agriculture and our local food supply. Further, estimates suggest that average meal travels well over 1,200 miles by truck, ship and/or plane before it reaches the dining room table. The transportation of food goods at each and every stage of this process generates carbon dioxide, which is the main greenhouse gas that so many scientists attribute to global warming. By conserving local agricultural land we help secure long-term opportunities for people to buy fresh local foods and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions associated with long-distance transportation of food.

Carbon Dioxide Sink – A carbon sink is the opposite of a carbon source. The main natural sinks are the oceans, plants, trees and other organisms that use photosynthesis to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Through photosynthesis, plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, store the carbon in sugars, starch and cellulose, and release oxygen into the atmosphere. By preserving countless trees and plants in local forests, meadows, agricultural fields, and other open spaces, ALT preserves many of the area’s natural carbon sinks.

Consuming Less –Energy is consumed in the manufacturing and transport of everything we buy, which means that fossil fuels are emitted at every stage of production. When ALT conserves local land, we directly reduce the amount of potential energy consumption in the production of large homes, roads and other infrastructure required to support such development.

Outdoor Recreational and Educational Opportunities – ALT’s land conservation activities protect a number of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, such as the Sakonnet Greenway Trail, Oakland Forest and Meadow Preserve and Miantonomi Memorial Park, which positively contribute to the environment of Aquidneck Island and help foster future stewards in these living classrooms.

Scenic Vistas – ALT regularly conserves important scenic vistas that directly contribute to the quality of life and environment on Aquidneck Island. 

Internal Operations - ALT strives to actively run its internal operations in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Recycling – ALT recycles as much office waste as possible. 

Green Electricity – In 2007, ALT switched to a green electricity supplier, an action that should offset electricity-related carbon dioxide emissions by over 20,000 pounds each year.

Recycled Office Products – ALT buys recycled office products whenever possible.

Exploring Green Investments –ALT is currently exploring the use of resources that would ensure our money is invested in companies, products and projects that responsibly address sustainability issues while at the same time making sure that maximum returns are made on its investments in order to preserve the most open space possible.

Educational Outreach – ALT employs various outreach activities (e.g., ALT’s Conservation Speaker Series, Land Matters Walk & Talk Series, web-site and public trails) in order to educate people about environmental matters.

Think Globally and Act Locally with the Aquidneck Land Trust!!!