Rhode Island Land and Water Conservation Mini Summit

Ian McSweeney, Director of Agrarian Trust, will be presenting a Keynote address at the 2023 Land and Water Conservation Mini Summit at the University of Rhode Island. Ian will speak about the Agrarian Commons- a necessary and innovative land-ownership model that addresses the current realities of how land is owned, how tenure and equity are conveyed, and how land stewardship is carried out. This model challenges corporate and large-scale agriculture land-ownership models, and offers a new, sustainable approach for the small farmer. We will be encouraged to consider how to apply these methods to land and water conservation in Rhode Island. You’ll leave feeling inspired, more connected with your peers, and equipped with new information to bring back to your organization!

The Mini-Summit will also feature a panel discussion on engaging & retaining volunteers, a marketplace and sponsor showcase, and various opportunities to network with other attendees. We will be offering breakfast and coffee at the event.

We will be offering three breakout sessions:

• Navigating Federal Funding Opportunities
• Water is Life
• Native Plants and Pollinator-Friendly Gardening

In an effort to reduce waste, please bring your own reusable mug!

In order to keep the Mini-Summit accessible to all, we are offering a pay what you can option.

Register Here!

History: The Rhode Island Land and Water Conservation Summit is the premiere annual conservation conference, traditionally held on a Saturday in March. Developed to meet the needs of land trusts, watershed organizations and municipal conservation commissions, the Summit typically offers dozens of hands-on workshops and panels designed to enhance technical and organizational effectiveness, and to discuss the most pressing conservation topics affecting Rhode Island today. Since it began in 2004, the Summit has annually attracted hundreds of leaders from throughout Rhode Island for a day of learning and networking. Local conservation leaders come from all walks of life – banking, industry, academia – and are preeminent leaders from throughout the state. The Summit presents an unsurpassed opportunity to network with people who are both passionate about the state’s natural resources and outstanding community and state leaders.