The East Sider: Nature Conservancy Director Terry Sullivan

With summer racing by, we waylaid Terry Sullivan, state director of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), to learn about the East Side-based organization’s role in preserving and protecting our state’s land and water. Soft-spoken, thoughtful and engaging, Terry explains that, this year, volunteers will contribute more than 6,000 hours to manage nature preserves; over the years, TNC has developed more than 60 miles of nature trails.

Did you grow up appreciating nature?

“I fell in love with Narragansett Bay during summers at our cottage at Warwick’s Rocky Beach. In Keene, N.H., where I grew up, my parents introduced me to skiing, hiking and fishing. I saw America’s landscape through a young person’s eyes,” says Terry,
when, as a high school student, he and his family visited many national parks during a cross-country drive.

Rhode Island ranks so poorly on many national indicators. Are we protecting our open spaces?

“We’ve been very successful. The Champlin Foundations have donated more than $50 million in the past 25 or 30 years to open space conservation and voters consistently approve open space bonds at very high ratings,” Terry explains. Our most urban communities – including Providence and Central Falls – are strong supporters.

“Few other states have the history of investments from foundations, individuals and government to both protect and restore natural resources that Rhode Island does,” Terry asserts. These investments create economic benefits and offer a better quality of life for people.

Any advice for East Siders about enjoying nature or favorite East Side green spaces?

“As the upper Narragansett Bay and Seekonk River water quality improves, I’d encourage people to get on the water,” he says. “Take out a kayak or canoe; see the land from that perspective.” This summer, the Department of Environmental Management, with TNC’s help, will open a boat ramp and dock on Gano Street (near Dunkin’ Donuts).

India Point Park speaks to the value of protecting urban spaces. “Peggy Sharpe, a TNC founding trustee, has been incredible; her mother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Sharpe, was instrumental in saving that land,” Terry recalls. “With industry and poor water quality there, it took real foresight to envision and execute a plan for the area to become green space.

“Blackstone Boulevard proves that people want access to places to enjoy nature, even if it’s just a strip between two streets.”

Closing words?

“Rhode Islanders tell us what they want for their future and TNC tries to be responsive to those visions,” Terry explains.

There’s lots going on at TNC; visit www.nature.org

Nancy Kirsch is a Providence-based freelance writer. Contact her at writernancy@gmail.com.