PORTSMOUTH/MIDDLETOWN — After delays in construction due to poor weather, Spruce Acres Farm will be opened to the public starting on Tuesday, Dec. 18, Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) has announced.

The 22.67-acre property, situated on the Middletown/Portsmouth border, was conserved by ALT in 2017. The former tree farm will offer 1.5 miles of publicly accessible nature trails and an environmentally friendly parking lot, which features a rain-penetrable surface. Future amenities include a picnic area, benches, and community gardens.

Two open houses are planned, the first from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Dec. 18, the second from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Staff will be available at both open houses to answer any questions from visitors. 

The property, its entrance located at 1286 East Main Road, Middletown, will be open between dawn and dusk daily beginning Dec. 18. Visitors are asked to respect trail rules by visiting only during the allowed hours, staying on the hiking trails, leaving no trace and being respectful to neighbors. Dogs are welcome but should be leashed and picked up after at all times.

“Over 500 Islanders, foundations, corporations, municipalities and others contributed to the purchase and conservation of Spruce Acres,” said Chuck Allott, ALT’s executive director. “This has really been a community effort from the start, and we are very excited to welcome people onto the property. It is an Aquidneck Island success story.”

ALT has come under some criticism lately from residents who pointed out that nonprofit said the trails would be open to the public by November. Mr. Allott responded that adverse weather conditions were to blame for a delay in construction that forced ALT to push the opening back.

Rich in wildlife

The property would have been developed into 20 house lots had it not been conserved, according to ALT. It is rich in wildlife habitat and is located within the watershed for Sisson Pond, an important source of water for the Island. 

Since purchasing it, the land trust and more than 100 volunteers have made trail improvements, repaired the outbuildings, installed map kiosks and signage, and created a second curb cut to facilitate safer entry and exit, ALT says. 

Three local Eagle Scout projects have been completed or are underway, and improvements will continue throughout 2019, according to ALT. 

Those who would like to volunteer to help take care of the property and trails are asked to contact ALT at 401/849-2799.