Join CLT in our mission to preserve Charlestown’s open space and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community. The land trust preserves and protects the distinctive character of our local area through acquisition and management of open space.
Dear CLT Supporters and Friends,
August has arrived, and there’s still plenty of summer to enjoy in Charlestown. Whether you’re savoring long beach days, paddling through Ninigret Pond, or enjoying a walk in the woods, it’s a wonderful time to connect with the landscapes that make this place so special. Here’s a look at what’s been happening at CLT—and what’s coming up next!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Summer Party at The Nordic! It was our most well-attended event yet, and a truly lovely evening with a delicious meal, live music, and a silent auction. We’re so grateful to all who made it possible—our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, Board members, and of course, our guests. We’re already looking forward to next year!
We were also thrilled to once again host the Youth Conservation League from the Audubon Society of RI for a day of work at Mill Pond Preserve. These high school and college students are all exploring future careers in conservation, and their passion for the environment is truly inspiring. They brought energy, enthusiasm, and care to our trails—and we’re so thankful for their efforts. The preserve is looking fantastic!
We’re also sharing a leadership update this month. As some of you may have heard, Bill McCusker has stepped down as President. Please join us in thanking Bill for his outstanding service and dedication over the years. Over two terms as President—and previously as the founding Chair of our Stewardship Committee—Bill has been instrumental in trail building and maintenance, land protection, and public outreach through guided hikes and paddles. His commitment to conservation has left a lasting impact on our organization and our community. We’re wishing him all the best in his next adventures!
We’re also delighted to welcome Jane Burns as our new President. A Charlestown resident for 37 years and a CLT Board member for more than two decades, Jane brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Since retiring from Electric Boat, she has served as Board Secretary and Chair of our Development Committee—and many of you may know her as a friendly face at the Charlestown Farmers’ Market! She has dedicated countless hours in support of our mission. We’re so excited for what’s ahead under Jane’s leadership—and grateful to Bill for helping us get here.
Looking ahead this month, you can still find us every Friday at the Charlestown Farmers’ Market at the General Stanton Inn, from 9am to 1pm through August 29th. Be sure to stop by our table to say hello, learn more about our work, and pick up raffle tickets for “Anadromous Ascension III”—a beautiful handcrafted wooden diorama by Brian O’Connor of South County Paddles. All proceeds benefit the Charlestown Land Trust.
We’ve also got some exciting events lined up for fall and will be adding more soon, so be sure to stay tuned—right here or on social media! Thank you, as always, for being part of this work. Your support allows us to continue preserving and protecting what we all love.
Date: Saturday, August 23rd
Time: 10am to 4pm
Sponsored by the Charlestown Economic Improvement Commission and the Agricultural Preservation Committee, Charlestown Farm Day is a self-guided tour of participating farms across town. Preserving farmland is a vital part of our mission at CLT, and one of the featured stops is Amos Green Farm—a historic property now under permanent protection through a conservation easement held by the Land Trust. This is a rare opportunity to explore a beautiful working farm that’s not typically open to the public. Check out the website for a full list of participating farms and locations!
Enter for a chance to take home “Anadromous Ascension III,” a handcrafted piece by local artisan Brian O’Connor of South County Paddles. Each $10 ticket supports the Charlestown Land Trust. We’ll be selling tickets in person every Friday morning from 9am to 1pm at the Charlestown Farmers’ Market at the General Stanton Inn. You don’t need to be present to win.
Raffle Drawing:
Date: Friday, August 29th
 Time: 12pm
 Location: Charlestown Farmers Market
Date:Â Saturday, August 30th
Time:Â 10am
Location:Â Mill Pond Preserve
This event is free and open to all, but space is limited—please RSVP here.
Join CLT in celebrating Land Trust Days with a special guided walk led by Bill McCusker—a farewell tour with our longtime President! Learn about CLT’s work, the fascinating history of Mill Pond, and the importance of protecting open space in our community.
Land Trust Days is a statewide celebration of land conservation hosted by the Rhode Island Land Trust Council. From August 10th to October 26th, land trusts across Rhode Island will host outdoor events that highlight some of the state’s most beautiful protected places.
Stay tuned—there are more events to come this fall. We can’t wait to see you there!
Your continued support, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about our work, is what makes our conservation efforts possible. Thank you for being a part of the Charlestown Land Trust community.
Not a member? Consider joining us today.