PORTSMOUTH — Two local groups were the beneficiaries of grants awarded last week by the Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT).

ALT awarded eight grants totaling $10,000 to local community and neighborhood groups through its annual grant program, the

Merritt Neighborhood Fund. Grant awards ranged from $450 to $2,200.

In Portsmouth, grants were awarded to the following two groups:

• The Battle of Rhode Island Association, for grounds restoration of Butts Hill Fort

• The Pennfield School, for land acknowledgement trail signage

Established in 1999 to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the organization’s president emeritus, the fund supports projects that strengthen community identity and character, and

which model the ethic of land conservation and stewardship through community volunteerism. It has awarded grants each year since its founding, distributing over $181,000 in total. A committee of ALT volunteers determines the awardees.

“It’s been wonderful to learn about the inspiring projects that community groups across Aquidneck Island have completed since the Merritt Neighborhood Fund was established,” said

Terry Sullivan, ALT executive director. “These modest grants have been able to assist with historical preservation, beautifying small parts of the Island, and providing delicious locally grown foods and educating our community. This year’s awardees continue the Merritt Fund tradition of connecting people to nature and improving Aquidneck Island for everyone.”