Mission
The Westerly Land Trust conserves open space, revitalizes culturally significant properties, and provides environmental programs for the enduring benefit of our community.
Statement of Purpose
The Westerly Land Trust, a not-for-profit corporation, operates throughout Westerly to conserve and enhance community resources. Specific programs include the preservation of open space, rehabilitation and redevelopment of established neighborhoods, and the creation of education and recreation opportunities for the public.
The Land Trust’s programs and activities are directed to the protection and enhancement of the environment, agriculture, and water resources as well as the community’s “sense of place.” Westerly is recognized as a place with special charm and attractions which are a source of pride to its residents and a magnet for tourists and new residents. The Westerly Land Trust aims to protect and strengthen that reputation.
History
The Westerly Land Trust was incorporated in 1987 in Rhode Island as a private non-profit conservation corporation. The land trust received tax-exempt status in March 1988 by the Internal Revenue Service under Code Section 501(c)3.
For several years, the volunteer Board of the Westerly Land Trust worked on various land conservation projects but had not acquired any properties.
In 1997, Westerly Land Trust had its first successful project with the purchase of more than 50 acres which would become the Avondale Farm Preserve. It was a complex sales transaction requiring support from many individuals, foundations, and the State of Rhode Island, as well as a mortgage loan. The Avondale Farm project generated support from many in the community, earning WLT credibility with state agencies, foundations, and individuals.
From 1998 to the present, land holdings have grown to 31 properties totaling nearly 1,700 acres, including eight preserves featuring frontage along the Pawcatuck River. WLT’s largest preserves are its 550-acre Grills Preserve and 482-acre Crandall Swamp Preserve. Crandall Swap Preserve encompasses the Town of Westerly’s Crandall water wellhead, thus WLT plays a critical role in protecting the Town’s drinking water supply. In addition, the land trust has created a robust suite of programs, including our education initiative working with grades K-8 to provide environmental education opportunities.
In 2004, the Board of Directors voted to expand the Westerly Land Trust’s mission to include an Urban Initiative, focused on redevelopment and enhancement of culturally significant commercial properties in areas of historic significance to the Town. The “smart growth” concept reflects the other side of the coin of land conservation. A vibrant downtown offering attractive options to live, dine, and shop reduces development pressure on precious open space.
Since establishing the Urban Initiative, the Westerly Land Trust has worked in partnership with the Royce Family Fund to purchase and adaptively re-use commercial properties of interest in downtown Westerly. The Westerly Land Trust holds four properties on Main Street along the Pawcatuck River as well as the historic Industrial Trust building on High Street and the former United Theatre and Montgomery Ward buildings on Canal Street.
During 2011 and 2012, the Westerly Land Trust facilitated a “KeepSpace Westerly” community visioning project in collaboration with Rhode Island Housing. This process of envisioning the future of downtown Westerly resulted in specific projects creating the Westerly Regional Arts Partnership, the Westerly Revolving Fund, an urban community garden, the installation of bicycle racks and improvements to the facades of downtown businesses.
The Westerly Land Trust staff and board of directors continue to build upon land holdings and simultaneously strive to fulfill its commitment to meet all standards of Land Trust Accreditation as set by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. In February of 2017, the Westerly Land Trust was awarded national accreditation, making it one of only six accredited land trusts in Rhode Island at the time.
The Westerly Land Trust is a thriving, dynamic and effective organization that protects and enhances Westerly’s natural environment and sense of place. Its leaders are engaged in attracting the talent and resources necessary to sustain and expand the organization’s programs to effectively achieve its mission.