Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation

DURING 2022, THE FOUNDATION'S PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES INCLUDED STEWARDSHIP OF THE VARIOUS PROPERTIES IN OUR CONSERVATION PORTFOLIO OF FEE OWNED LANDS AND CONSERVATION EASEMENT HOLDINGS. STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES IN 2022 WERE DIRECTLY RELATED TO ONGOING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S STEWARDSHIP PLAN, INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE CREATION OF PEDESTRIAN TRAILS AT NOYES NECK AND NUSHKA PREERVE. SUCH WALKING TRAILS PROVIDE IMPROVED AIR CIRULATION, ACCESS FOR FOREST MAINTENANCE, REMOVAL OF INVASIVE SPECIES AND INCRASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT. THE OVERLOOK RECEIVED NEW BENCHES ALONG WITH NEW PLANTINGS AND REPAIRS TO BROKEN FENCES. IN ADDITION TO THE WALKING PATH AT NOYES NECK, THIS AREA SAW RESTORATION OF ITS STONE WALLS, UPDATES TO THE COMMUNITY GARDEN AND THE ADDITION OF NUMEROUS BIRDHOUSES. PROJECTS IN THE FEN INCLUDED THE REMOVAL OF INVASIVE SPECIES AND THE PLANTING OF NEW FRUIT TREES AT THE POLLINATOR GARDEN. THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF 2022, THE FOUNDATION CONTINUED TO RENEW ITS COMMUNITY PRESENCE THROUGH ITS THE SUPPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND DUMOUCHEL SCHOLARSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES STUDENTS AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER LOCAL LAND TRUSTS.