Since 1996 The Tiverton Land Trust has preserved over 690 acres
of rural Tiverton
The beginnings of a private nonprofit charitable land trust.
Across the country, we lose a staggering 175 acres of farmland every hour. But here in Tiverton, we’re writing a different story.
The Tiverton Land Trust was founded in 1996 by a small coalition of Tiverton residents — to protect the future of farming in Tiverton from the mounting pressures for development.
TLT’s co-founders, Mary Wehle, Joseph Bossom, Martin VanHof and Stephen Barker, came together in their desire to protect the land, preserve Tiverton’s agricultural community and preserve the fabric of their community.
At the same time, one of the few remaining large farms in Tiverton was about to be sold to a developer who planned to build 80-100 single family homes on the site. Recognizing the imminent loss of a beautiful and historic farm, the newly formed Land Trust sought to save and preserve it as open space.
Allen Smith joined the group which then applied for Open Space funding through the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The DEM awarded $400,000 for the project, and additional grants were obtained from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, The Norcross Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and Newport Water.
Faced with the need even more funding to complete the project, the the Land Trust kicked off it’s first fundraiser with a concert held at the Four Corners Arts Center featuring the musician Pete Seeger. More than 100 people attended to show their support and contribute to the land preservation effort. A wave of community fundraising had began in earnest.
The effort to save the farm was a challenging one. Several times it seemed that the farm would be lost. Ultimately in March of 2000, the 237 acres of farm and woodland was purchased for $1,200,000.
The land was renamed the Pardon Gray Preserve in honor of the original colonial landowner. Abutting the town's preserved Weetamoo Woods, the Pardon Gray Preserve shapes part of a coastal greenway distinguished by the unusual growth of a Red Oak and American Holly forest. It is one of the few remaining forests of it’s kind on the East Coast.
Our Mission.
To preserve the rural character and scenic beauty of Tiverton, Rhode Island for generations to come.
Our Goals & Values.
GOALS
To protect land in perpetuity by conserving open space, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats.
To inform the community of the benefits of protecting open space, agriculture lands, and wildlife habitats.
To educate our younger generations to appreciate the rural nature, environment, and ecology of Tiverton.
To inspire property owners to preserve open space and/or provide conservation easements.
VALUES
Commitment to the public good.
Responsibility for the stewardship of resources.
Adoption of the National Land Trust Alliance standards and practices.
Recognition of the trust placed in us by our donors, landowner partners and the public by being fiscally responsible.
Effective partnership with government, private, and other non-profit organizations.