Edited March 11, 2024

Audubon Receives National Land Trust Accreditation

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Earns National Recognition For Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence 

One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. For over 127 years, Audubon Society of Rhode Island has been doing just that and now announces it has achieved national recognition – joining a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work. 

“Accreditation demonstrates Audubon’s commitment to permanent land conservation in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts,” said Jeff Hall, Audubon Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means special places – over 9,800 acres of conservation land in our region - will be protected forever, making Rhode Island an even greater place for us and future generations.” 

Audubon provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that Audubon’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts steward almost 20 million acres of land – the size of Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut combined.

Audubon’s recently acquired its fourth largest wildlife refuge within the 9,800 acres of property that the organization permanently protects. The 300-acre Congdon Wood Wildlife Refuge in North Kingstown was donated to Audubon by a generous family who wished the land to remain protected from development. “The size of this wildlife refuge and the fact that it connects to other protected areas explains the invaluable role it will play in Rhode Island conservation efforts,” explained Hall. “These large tracts of donated land leverage Audubon’s ability to improve the ecosystem for birds, wildlife, and people.” 

“It is exciting to recognize Audubon Society of Rhode Island with this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”