future generations. In total, the Conservancy owns 251 acres, manages another 3 acres and holds conservation
easements for another 410 acres. The Conservancy identifies and protects significant and scenic land and water
areas on Prudence Island by aqcuiring title or conservation easements and promotes stewardship of the island's
natural resources. The Conservancy's land acquisitions have been achieved through the tireless efforts
and generous gifts and donations of both islanders and mainlanders.
Obtaining property is only part of the story, however, as the Conservancy and affiliated organizations provide educational opportunities to foster appreciation and understanding of the environment and the conservantion of natural resources. These programs serve not only to educate the attendees on the natural wonders of the island, but strengthen the sense of community on the island. Through the efforts of Conservancy members, we have provided an effective stewardship program resulting in construction and maintenance of 10 miles of Island trails, the upkeep of the Sandy Point Lighthouse, the continuing renovation of the Farnham Farm, and the establishment of a water quality monitoring system. Additionally, Conservancy members founded and run a community garden, serve as host to a summer camp for children, and host many other community activities throughout the year on the Farnham Farm.
Through the efforts of conservancy members, Prudence Island will be preserved so that present and future generations can continue to benefit from the natural beauty of the island. Continued success is dependent on the dedicated volunteers that are the core of the conservancy membership. We encourage you to learn more about the island, and hopefully to learn more about how YOU can be a contributor in making great things happen on Prudence Island.
a very small group work on the Island in a full or part-time capacity as artists, consultants, carpenters,
handymen, etc. There are 24 students living year-round on the Island: 2 are preschool
age, 4 attend the historic, one room school on the Island (grades 1 to 4) and the remaining 18 commute daily
by ferry to schools on the mainland. Currently, 70% of Island land is protected from development with large
tracts of land on the north and south ends owned by the State and designated as park areas. There are 450 homes
on the Island most of which serve as summer residences. There is a growing trend to upgrade many of the
cottages for occupancy beyond the summer season. The commercial establishments on the Island include one
small, general store that operate all year on a limited daily schedule and a fruit and vegetable store
and gift shop that open from May to October. With the exception of one small bed and breakfast accommodation,
there are no public facilities available such as restaurants, hotels or entertainment centers.
purchased it from Narragansett Sachems, Canonicus and Miantanomi. Early colonial owners of Prudence included
John Paine, Edward Rainbrowe, and William Browne. Descendants of Roger Williams are still very active on the
Island today. Early settlers on the Island were mainly tenant farmers and virtually all were English. Prudence
Island was evacuated during the Revolution and British forces burned most of the residences. The Island was
re-built after the War and most residents remained tenant farmers although farms were larger than
pre-revolution. Most tenants and owners during this period were English or Scottish. After the mid-19th
century there were a number of non-agricultural activities on the Island, e.g., fish factories, oyster beds,
inns. People who worked at these seasonal jobs on the Island tended to reflect the increasing ethnic diversity
of Rhode Island in general, e.g., Irish, central and southern European, Canadian. Development of Prudence
Island as a summer colony started around this time, i.e., 1875, with the establishment of Prudence Park. By
the early 20th century, some of the visitors who came regularly to stay at the inns were buying house lots
and building. Many of these people worked in the mills of Attleboro, Providence, Pawtucket, etc. with
summer cottages on the Island. Most of the current residents of Portuguese and Italian descent came to
the Island after World War II. From the colonial times to date, the Island community has fluctuated in
size and interest. Currently there appears to be a resurgence of interest in Prudence Island as a summer
destination and an even greater interest in establishment of permanent year-round residences.
As we look forward, the Board of Directors has committed itself to a more active role as
stewards, not only in land, but also on the impact that land has on our community. We are committed to ensuring
the ecological health of our land, preserving its historical nature and providing the Island community with
opportunities to enhance their quality of life and ensure their legacy to future generations on Prudence Island.
We hope to achieve this by continuing to obtain new properties, and to improve upon the existing stewardship
programs in place over our existing land. We cannot accomplish these goals alone, however, and we welcome you
to please join us as we continue to preserve Prudence Island for the future. To learn more about the Prudence
Conservancy, please review the information contained here, and feel free to contact us with any questions or
suggesetions which you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!
