20th Anniversary Celebration – March 9, 2024
URI Memorial Union, Kingston, RI
Join the Rhode Island Land Trust Council as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Rhode Island Land & Water Conservation Summit at the University of Rhode Island Memorial Union on March 9, 2024! This year, we are focusing on critical strategies to conserve our important landscapes and waterways, and will be grounding our program in contemporary environmental challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
The Rhode Island Land Trust Council is committed to ensuring that this event is open and accessible to all that would like to participate. We will be offering a “pay what you can” option to attendees. Early Bird tickets are available at a discounted rate through February 16th, and Individual RI Land Trust Council Members receive an additional discount.
We are honored to welcome Tarshire Battle, Executive Director of Roots 2Empower, as this year’s keynote speaker to present on the theme, “Rooted in Resilience: Centering Community in Land & Water Conservation.” Through her keynote address, Tarshire will share a wealth of insights and experiences, highlighting the important role that economic empowerment and social justice play in the future of the land and water conservation in Rhode Island. Roots 2Empower was founded in 2019, to support people of color as they break the cycle of mass incarceration through economic empowerment and connection to the earth. The keynote presentation will explore how Roots 2Empower connects individuals to green spaces and green jobs, provides tools for financial empowerment, and advances environmental justice in Rhode Island and beyond. It will focus on envisioning a Rhode Island where families can thrive without the systemic barriers of poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, and incarceration. In addition to founding Roots 2Empower, Tarshire is the Director of Special Projects for the Southside Community Land Trust. Learn more about Tarshire and her work here.
The Summit will feature 30 engaging workshop sessions, including a workshop series from our lead partner, the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG). Additional workshop topics include farmland protection, land use planning, climate change solutions, community-centered conservation, fundraising and organizational development, wetland permitting, watershed topics. Click here for more information on our workshop and speakers.
Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to be inspired and connect with a network of over 30 vendors, businesses, and non-profits in the Conservation Commons, our exhibitor hall. Immerse yourself in a dynamic space where organizations showcase their impactful initiatives, and explore innovative solutions that drive positive change. Event attendees that visit all of the exhibitors will be entered for a fabulous prize in a drawing at our first Closing Ceremony at the end of the event, which will include a 50/50 raffle and other surprises. There will be plenty of dedicated time for networking and connecting with your friends and colleagues! Are you interested in sponsoring the event or tabling at the Summit? Learn more about the benefits here.
You will leave the Land & Water Summit inspired and engaged, with a commitment to building a more equitable and resilient future. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this transformative event, as we envision a Rhode Island where land, water, and people can thrive together.
Tickets are on sale now. Early Bird pricing is $80 through February 9th, then will increase to $100. Discount code for individual RI Land Trust Council Members and Speakers available. Pay What You Can option available for attendees who need it.
