To the editor:

For 27 years, Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT), with the help of the island community, has tirelessly worked to conserve farmland, watershed areas and open vistas on our beautiful Island. 

The Land Trust is close to accomplishing another major feat by protecting Spruce Acres Farm. Spruce Acres Farm is a spectacular 23-acre property straddling the Middletown/Portsmouth line. 

Currently private, Spruce Acres will become publicly accessible. In addition to offering nature trails and stunning bird and wildlife habitat for residents and visitors to enjoy, this property would expand the Center Island Greenway, a natural mid-island corridor of conserved land that helps protect the watershed area around Sisson Pond, one of the island’s seven drinking water reservoirs.

Hundreds of concerned individuals, the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth, foundations and local companies have already contributed $1.7 million of the $2.1 million required to permanently conserve Spruce Acres. 

As a former ALT board member and a lifelong Islander with a deep appreciation for the positive impact ALT has made to the quality of life here, I urge all of you to show your support for this important effort by making a gift of any amount to help conserve this parcel. 

Generations from now, your gift will continue to make a difference in the lives and health of those who live and visit here. What a wonderful legacy!

Bill Corcoran

Newport