There are precious few places like the Sakonnet landscape, where generous sweeps of nature coexist in harmony with local agriculture and a light human presence. Between two rivers and an ocean, this landscape covers the communities of Tiverton and Little Compton, Rhode Island, and a portion of Westport, Massachusetts.

But today the Sakonnet landscape stands at a crossroads.

In one direction we face imminent—and once it starts, rapid—development that will change everything: eliminate the lush farmed fields, the wild coastal shores and the still-spacious tracts of deep forest; deplete and contaminate Sakonnet’s ponds, brooks , rivers and wells; and parcel the landscape into fragments where natural communities can no longer survive.

On the other hand...With your help, there is another direction we can go in immediately. In the summer of 2007, The Nature Conservancy launched forest, field and shore—a 3-year Campaign for the Sakonnet Landscape. Its goal is to protect 1,100+ additional acres, for all time to help preserve the special character—and natural health—of the landscape.

In addition to permanently protecting land through outright purchase and conservation easements, the Campaign’s plan also includes land and water management, stewardship, research, environmental education, and the creation of a greenways trail system that will offer access to many facets of Sakonnet’s unique landscape..

To complete the plan, The Nature Conservancy needs $4 million in gifts from individuals by June 2010. The plan as you might imagine costs more than $4 million. But your gift expands 3.5 times. Partnership is at the heart of what we do. The $4 million raised from private donors in turn leverages an additional $14 million in public, foundation, and land trust funding.

Nature picture credits (left to right): Photo © Nat Rea (Sakonnet Coast); Photo © Jeanne Parente/TNC (birding)