Local Conservation Groups

There are several local conservation-minded organizations that are active in North Kingstown and have been partners with the town on many of the property protection actions noted above.  The following are some of those groups:

The Land Conservancy of North Kingstown (LCNK) is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt organization working to protect the wetlands, woodlands, wildlife, trails, and open spaces of North Kingstown.  Their web site includes a list of the properties they helped to protect by either outright purchase or conservation easement.as well as information about their conservation work and upcoming events.  The town has partnered with the LCNK on several property acquisitions and easement purchases as well as other conservation projects such as the Mill Cove Causeway project in town.     

Narrow River Land Trust (NRLT) preserves land in the Narrow River watershed to protect water and agricultural resources, wildlife habitat, and open space for recreation. We work cooperatively with private owners and local communities to ensure that these areas are protected now and for future generations.  The town has partnered with the NRLT on several property acquisitions and easement purchases in the watershed. The Land Trust Alliance page provides some additional data on the accomplishments of the NRLT.

Narrow River Preservation Association (NRPA) works to preserve, protect, and restore the natural environment and the quality of life for all communities within the Narrow River (Pettaquamscutt Estuary) and Watershed.  Their web site provides good information regarding their mission, events, programs and resources related to the watershed.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI) protects birds, other wildlife and their habitat through conservation, education and advocacy for the benefit of people and all living things.  ASRI has protected several properties across North Kingstown. Their web site has information related to their programming, hikes, and advocacy.  They have also mapped all of their wildlife refuge areas where hiking is an option, including the Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge in North Kingstown.

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.  In Rhode Island, they have worked to protect many properties including King's Preserve in North Kingstown.  Their web site highlights their priorities, volunteer opportunities, and history of the organization.  

The RI Conservation Committee is also a helpful resource for state conservation information.  The Rhode Island State Conservation Committee has been established within the Department of Environmental Management to serve as an agency of the State and to perform the functions conferred upon it by Chapter 2-4 of the Rhode Island General Laws. These functions include coordination of Conservation District activities with other federal, state and local entities regarding natural resources within the State of Rhode Island. The RI State Conservation Committee continues to provide assistance and support to the three Conservation Districts in their efforts to assist local landowners and municipalities in the proper stewardship of our lands and waters. To this end, the Committee works with state and federal agencies to promote the districts' mission on both the state and national level, while still providing administrative and program support.

The Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts, incorporated August 1995, is a 501-c-3 organization whose mission is to attract public and charitable monies that can be used by the three State of Rhode Island Conservation Districts for their work in the stewardship of the State's natural resources through education, outreach, and technical assistance and to assist and support the districts in their endeavors. The Conservation Districts were established in Rhode Island by State Law in 1944. The function of the Districts is to take available technical, financial, and educational resources and focus or coordinate them so that they meet the needs of the local land user for conservation of soil, water, and related resources. They operate on a premise that local people know the most about local needs. The districts do not regulate or enforce laws.

The Southern RI Conservation District (SRICD) has a mission to promote and achieve a healthy environment and sustainable use of natural resources for the people of Kent and Washington Counties and the State of Rhode Island, now and for the future, by coordinating partners to provide technical, educational and financial resources.  SRICD works directly with USDA NRCS to accomplish and improve the process for NRCS Outreach and Education, Conservation Technical Assistance, Wetland Restoration, enhancing Fish and Wildlife Habitat, Grassland and Forestland Ecosystems, improving Soil Quality, Water Management, Water Quality, Energy Conservation, and Forest/Farmland Conservation.  Their web site includes a list of the services they provide including conservation planning and technical services, mapping, signage, outreach and education as well as project specific information such as the Duck Cove Restoration project here in North Kingstown.