None The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island Press Releases Search All Press Releases Cheryl Wiitala Phone: (401) 331-7110 x25 E-mail: cwiitala@tnc.org

Nature Programs and New Trails to Explore at the TNC Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve in Charlestown

July 14, 2005—The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has created three new additional hiking trails with the help of volunteers and Boy Scouts on its 841-acre Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve in Charlestown, Rhode Island.  A new trail is in also progress of being crafted during this summer.

The Carter Preserve is a recent TNC acquisition of 841 acres of oak forest, pine barrens, wetlands, and grassland.  The Preserve is part of an 11-mile wildlife corridor joining Ninigret National Wildlife refuge to the Carolina Management Area.  TNC encourages passive recreation such as hiking, bird watching, nature study and photography on the Preserve. School and scout programs are also encouraged by TNC to use the preserve as an outdoor classroom.

“Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Preserve,” said Carter Preserves director Cheryl Wiitala.  “Visitors can look for blooming mountain laurel and lady’s slipper along the trail edges, while songs of the ovenbird and towhee are often heard during a stroll through the woodland trails. The 35-acre grassland is a great place to look for butterflies and a variety of wildflowers. It is a perfect site for a family outing, and a truly educating experience.”

A variety of nature walks is being offered for all ages and will be led by a naturalist guide during the summer through October. Programs are free and open to the public.  For a full program (Media note: See attached) go to TNC’s website at: www.nature.org/rhodeisland.   Or call The Nature Conservancy at (40I) 331-7110 to register for programs and for more information.

The Carter Preserve is located in Charlestown along Route 112 and Old Mill Road, north of the Meadowbrook Inn.  The main entrance is located at an unpaved driveway ¾ of a mile off Old Mill Road.  A secondary entrance is located off Route 112.  Large groups are welcome, but please contact TNC in advance at the number listed above.  Most of the activities will require registration.