April is Membership Month, when we need to renew current memberships and gain new ones. As you must have noticed, formerly wooded lots are being cleared and built on all over town. Our work is to set aside some open space for the preservation of wildlife habitat and Charlestown’s rural characte that charms residents and visitors alike. Thank you for contributing to the continuation of this work in 2007.

In addition to the acquisition and management of open space, South County Conservancy has other projects planned for 2008:

• To support local farmers and local food production, our Board is working to establish a summertime Farmers' Market on Friday mornings. Fresh fruits, veggies and more will encourage healthful living and keep us connected to the land.
• Nature walks at Mill Pond Preserve and farm walks at Amos Green Farm.
• An expanded environmental education program, connecting children and families to the outdoors with hiking, habitat restoration, wildlife protection, demonstration of geo-caching, and a hawk and owl program. (See enclosed list for particulars.)
• Continuation of our working relationship with URI Wetland Ecology students who practice wetland classification during Fall and Spring semesters. Other URI students continue to study amphibians on one of our protected properties.
• A narrated boat tour of Ninigret Pond is currently being scheduled - an example of our partnering with Charlestown Historical Society and Cross’ Mills Public Library to promote appreciation of our beautiful historic town.
• Our website - www.southcountyconservancy.org - will have activity updates.

Please renew your annual membership, and if you have yet to join - please do. Time is not on our side to leave a legacy of clean water, scenic vistas and woodland trails. Your help is much needed and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Sarah Taylor
President