Block Island

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site Formed by glaciers nearly 10,000 years ago, Block Island features a diverse array of habitats. Maritime shrubland, beaches and open morainal grasslands support more than 40 state and federal rare or endangered species, including the globally endangered American burying beetle. Birds stop here while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. In addition to the plants and animals, the human community is dedicated to conserving open space to preserve their natural and cultural heritage.

How You Can Help

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With your help, we can save the natural character of the Block Island landscape before it’s too late.

Threats

  • Loss of habitat due primarily to second-home development.
  • Habitat disturbance/destruction due to overuse.
  • Inappropriate use of pesticides and other toxins.

Our Conservation Strategy
We have conserved areas throughout the island to provide habitat for migrating birds and endangered plants and animals.

Block Island
Block Island
© Dave Younkman

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Very few projects on Block Island have been put together by a single organization. Cooperation between Block Island Conservancy, the Block Island Land Trust, the Town of New Shoreham, the State of Rhode Island, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy and others have preserved more than 40% of this 6,200 acre-island.

This past year has been highly successful with the Conservancy and its partners making possible several key acquisitions totaling 110 acres. Our partners in this effort include the Block Island Land Trust, Block Island Conservancy, Town of New Shoreham, State of Rhode Island, The Champlin Foundations, Mildred Andrews Trust and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Each of these caring organizations is committed to long time conservation priorities.
Block Island Open Space

Places to Visit

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Preserve Visitation Guidelines

What to Expect
There are approximately 25 miles of walking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge.

  • Please do not bike on trails. The Island's many dirt roads offer excellent off-road biking opportunities. 
  • Please respect all signs marked "private" and keep noise to a minimum while enjoying these natural areas.

Maryland Golden Aster
Maryland Golden Aster
© Scott Comings