Good Dirt

Aquidneck Land Trust Executive Director Ted Clement is pleased to announce the opening of the next phase of the organization’s long-awaited Sakonnet Greenway Trail. The opening will be marked by a ceremonious ribbon-cutting and walk around the newly-opened portion of the trail at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 19th behind the Brown House (which is yellow) at The Glen off East Main Road in Portsmouth. Community members are welcome, but asked to RSVP by October 12 at csabato@ailt.org or 401-849-2799, ext. 19.

This phase of the trail is a 1.5-mile segment beginning at The Glen, passing the Pennfield School, crossing Sandy Point Avenue and wrapping around the 3S property owned by the Town of Portsmouth. With two benches and a level footpath, this portion of the trail is welcoming for visitors of various ages and abilities. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.

Once finished, the 7.5-mile Sakonnet Greenway Trail will be the longest walking trail on Aquidneck Island and  the only trail to allow both leashed pets and equestrian riding (on some portions of the trail). Strategically and naturally forged amidst a greenway of more than 1,000 acres of conserved land on the eastern side of Aquidneck Island, the Sakonnet Greenway Trail will also be the only pedestrian corridor connecting Middletown and Portsmouth and linking recreational areas for golfing, polo, soccer and more. The trail passes through acres and acres of diverse habitats such as agricultural fields and wooded wetlands called home by many endangered and at-risk wildlife species and is designed to minimize negative environmental impacts. For example, where wetland crossings are unavoidable, raised wooden boardwalks will limit the potential for erosion and allow unrestricted passage by reptiles and amphibians. Benches, information kiosks and parking will help make the trail user-friendly for all. 

The Sakonnet Greenway Trail is made possible through the generous support of landowners and donors, whose names will be engraved on benches located on the trail. Visionary landowners who have granted trail easements necessary for public access to the trail include the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth, The Pennfield School, Newport National Golf Club, the van Beuren family, and the F. James Hodges Family.  The following generous financial donors contributed more than $285,000 for the construction of the trail: BankNewport, the Hope Goddard Iselin Foundation, the Tiffany Foundation, Newport Harbor Corporation, Ronald Lee Fleming of the Fleming Charitable Trust II, and Sue and Jim Klau.

 A partnership with the Newport National Golf Course in 2000 created a 2.2-mile segment of the Sakonnet Greenway Trail around the golf course perimeter. Next summer, ALT expects to complete construction of the 1.2-mile segment that will join the golf course trail to this newest portion of the trail. The remaining 2.6 miles of the trail will be built in 2009 or 2010.

The Aquidneck Land Trust’s mission is to preserve Aquidneck Island’s open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community. The Land Trust has conserved over 1,886 acres on Aquidneck Island. The Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.AquidneckLandTrust.org or call (401) 849-2799.

This email update has been sent to the entire Aquidneck Land Trust email list. Please let us know if you do not wish to receive these email updates by replying to this message. If you have any questions or comments, please call 401-849-2799 x19 or email csabato@ailt.org.