Tiverton Land Trust Inspires Appreciation For Nature With A Tour Of Summer Constellations

If you have ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered how the ancient Greeks stared at those same stars and configured the shapes of hunters, gods and bulls, the Tiverton Land Trust will connect the dots for you with its Tour of the Constellations.

On Saturday, Aug. 18 at 7:45 p.m. the Tiverton Land Trust will hold its Tour of the Summer Constellations at  The Astronomical Association of Southern New England will set up telescopes and use laser technology to point out the Constellations of the summer skies. Visitors will have an opportunity to get an upclose view of several galaxies and more celestial wonders.

For your comfort, the Land Trust recommends visitors bring a lawn chair and bug repellant. The program is free to the public.

Tiverton Land Trust board member and Land Management Committee chairman Wayne Browning said the event is a part of a larger statewide effort to highlight the special natural places in Tiverton and other communities across the state that is protected and open to the public. Called Rhode Island Land Trust Days, this seven-week effort by land trusts across the state is aimed at inspiring residents and families to explore the green places just outside your door.

"We need to do more to get local people and other visitors - but particulatly locals - to realize that right in their own back yards we have got some nice places go for quiet and relaxation with the family," said Browning.

Pardon Gray Preserve features 226 acres overlooking the Sakonnet River, including a 67-acre cleared field. It connects via trails with Weetamoo Woods, creating a scenic natural edging for the town.

The Tiverton Land Trust bought the property in 1997 after a failed attempt to develop the property into an 80-home neighborhood.

"There are still some people who drive by and look at this piece of property and wish there were homes there to relieve tax base," said Browning. "It's important people realize the value of open spaces."

Land Trust Days, sponsored by the Tiverton Land Trust and other members of the state Land Trust Council, is designed to let Rhode Islanders know about the very special places that land trusts are protecting in communites all across the state. Land Trust Days runs Aug. 10 through Sept. 30. Everyone can participate in free guided walks on trails and many other affordable activities throughout the state. Many of the featured lands have historic and cultural points of interest in addition to their natural and scenic beauty. Visit the website for more details about Tiverton's activities and other Land Trust Days activities.

The Land Trust Days kicks off tonight in Middletown with a Conserved Lands Mapping Project Presentation by the Aquidneck Land Trust at the Town Hall.

The Tiverton Land Trust's annual Pardon Gray Day festival is also a part of the inaugural statwide effort. Pardon Gray Day will be held on Sept. 15.

Check back with Patch for more information on the event as the date draws close!