NEWSLETTER, OCTOBER 2007

On August 30 The Board of Directors scheduled several walks at Canonchet Farm. The first walk was led by Tom Fortier in conjunction with Greenways Alliance. More than 25 people and 1 dog attended. Participants came from Providence, Newport and Bristol as well as Lebanon, CT. Since our purchase of liability insurance, we are required to have everyone sign release forms which the walkers did willingly. Future walks include 10/21, Jim Crothers of South County Museum, History of Canonchet Farm, meet at the Museum; 10/28, Tom Fortier, Leaf Walk; 11/18, Jon Boothroyd, URI professor, Geologic Features. Walks begin at 1 PM at the Anne Hoxie entrance across from Narragansett Town Beach South Pavilion unless otherwise specified. For further information go to www.canonchet.org or call 783-3951.

MANY THANKS to the Parks and Recreation Department for the great job clearing and widening the trails. Now that both mosquito and tick populations have dropped, walking in the park is quite pleasurable.

IN JULY WE WERE NOTIFIED by the Federal Government that we had been recognized as a charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. Since July $3100 has been donated for a total of $4500 raised. An additional $8200 has been pledged.

On October 1 the Town Council appointed five citizens to the Canonchet Farm Master Plan Review Committee: 3 members of our Board - Anne Richardson, John DiPanni and Charlie Lee - as well as William Scott, and David Figgins. Committee members also include Tom Fortier, President of our Board of Directors; Christine Sullivan, Chair of the Recreation Advisory Board; and Christopher Wilkens of the Town Council.

In addition to our Thursday meetings and Sunday walks several board members have volunteered hours of time on other projects. John DiPanni attended the day long Land & Water Summit participating in two workshops on trail development. Tara Flaherty is working with a class at URI to create a better Website (www.canonchet.org). So far she has attended 3 of their classes with 6 more coming up. Anne Richardson, Charlie Lee, and Camilla Lee worked with graphic artist Holley Flagg developing a brochure and stationery. This month Kathie Kelleher and John DiPanni will be attending another Saturday, all day workshop on Trail Planning & Design.

SPECIAL THANKS to Holley Flagg for all of her donated time. In addition to the projects mentioned, earlier she developed the logo seen above.

Unfortunately, in September Jack Casey informed us that because of time constraints, he would have to resign from the Board. He assured us, however, that he was eager to join us on trail-work projects. We are all sorry to lose his input.

At the end of October, we will begin our FIRST ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE. Watch for our new brochure and stationery arriving in the mail. Show your continued support for our efforts to preserve Canonchet Farm by responding quickly and passing the brochure on to others who might have an interest. Membership levels are

Photo by Bill Krull

Click on the "Support Us" button above to find detailed membership information (sending a check) or click "Make a Donation" below to donate with PayPal, credit or debit.

This web site is currently a work in progress. Please continue to check the site.

Friends of Canonchet Farms mission

is to improve, manage and preserve Canonchet Farm

in partnership with the public for the enjoyment

of present and future generations.