On Thursday, April 28th, the Aquidneck Land Trust’s (ALT) successfully concluded their campaign to Save Wicks Nursery in Portsmouth with the acquisition of a $2 million perpetual Deed to Development Rights and Conservation Easement, the group announced today. Press release worth quoting at length:

Who would have believed that 6 siblings, the Federal government, the State of Rhode Island, a municipality, and a non-profit organization could have reached an agreement on a complex and time-sensitive real estate transaction, let alone almost anything else? Who would have believed that a small non-profit could have raised about $2 million in less than a year for a project in this challenging economic climate?

With hard work and belief, ALT, the United States Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service, the State of Rhode Island, and the Town of Portsmouth purchased a $2 million perpetual Deed to Development Rights and Conservation Easement from the 6 Wicks siblings on 37.59 +/- acres of Wicks Nursery. This strategic farm is located off Moitoza Lane in Portsmouth. Numerous parties contributed to ALT’s Campaign to Save Wicks Nursery including 3 governmental entities, 6 foundations, almost 90 individuals and 1 homeowners’ association. We cannot thank these parties and the Wicks family enough for helping make this time-sensitive and lasting conservation project possible.

ALT’s time-sensitive mission is to conserve Aquidneck Island's open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community. With yesterday’s closing on the Wicks Deed to Development Rights and Conservation Easement, ALT has conserved 2,351.85 acres on 62 properties on Aquidneck Island. ALT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the first land trust in Rhode Island to have received national accreditation. For more information, visit AquidneckLandTrust.org.

What can I say. YAAAAAAY!

Editorial note: Written substantially from a press release.