We are excited to announce that Preserve Rhode Island has received generous new funding from the van Buren Charitable Foundation to enh
ance our efforts in preserving the historic stone walls of Aquidneck Island. For years, Preserve RI has been dedicated to restoring these iconic structures, which embody both craftsmanship and the rich narratives of our past.
Thanks to the grant, we will be able to initiate a mapping project to document the extensive network of walls around Aquidneck, focusing on areas visible to the public, such as transportation corridors and protected open spaces.
Many of these old walls are obscured by trees and invisible to satellite cameras; mapping them is particularly difficult. We’ll be able to utilize time-saving and extremely accurate technology thanks to a partnership with the Public Archaeology Lab. We’ll employ LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses lasers to conduct highly detailed geological surveys. LiDAR is especially valuable for mapping landscape features that are obscured, such as stone walls. For example, the image above reveals the miles of walls on the Town of Portsmouth’s Glen Farm property.
Through this initiative, Preserve RI continues our commitment to ensuring that the stone walls of Aquidneck Island remain an integral part of Rhode Island’s historic landscape, contributing to the region's cultural, environmental, and economic vitality. Stay tuned for updates on the results of our mapping efforts!
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