In 2002 the Commission developed the Alice M. Howland Conservation Award to recognize an individual, group or organization that has
rendered outstanding service, either recently, or over a period of years, to natural resource conservation in the town of Scituate.The award is named for Alice M. Howland,
formerly of Hope, one of Scituate's conservation pioneers. Ms. Howland, a philanthropic and civic-minded graduate of Vassar College in 1896, made 70 acres and the Hope Barn available for
recreation to the residents of Hope during her lifetime. In 1932 she donated her large barn and farm property along Hope Pond to be used by the village as a community and recreational center.
Today this facility continues to provide recreational opportunities to the citizens of the town.
Ms. Howland served as the librarian for the Hope library from 1996 to 1945 and she donated the
land on which the current day Hope Library stands. In 1951 she became the first certified Tree Farmer in Scituate. Her family's interest in forestry can be traced back to tree planting
efforts that they undertook on the family farm as early as 1913.
For her foresight and early and continuous interest in conserving Scituate's natural environment
for the benefit of its citizens, the Conservation Commission felt that it was appropriate to honor her lifetime's work through the designation of this award.
Past award winners include Alvah Vernava of North Scituate (2003) and James R. Doris of Potterville (2004)
FEBRUARY 2005
Scituate's Own American Bald Eagles
For the first time in over 200 years, a nesting pair of American Bald Eagles called Rhode Island home -- and specifically Scituate. Although Bald Eagles have been sighted frequently in the state
and town, 2003 was the first time in over 200 years that a mature pair of eagles nested in the state. The eagles called the Scituate Reservoir home and have successfully produced offspring in
the past two (2) years. Providence Water has been working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to monitor the progress of these extraordinary birds.
NOVEMBER 2004
Town Receives Open Space Grants
The town recently received two (2) grants totaling $550,000 from Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to be used toward the acquisition of an open space parcels in the
Potterville section of town. Providence Water has agreed to participate in this project. The Commission prepared the grant on behalf of the town.
NOVEMBER 2003
Conservation Commission Recognized
The Northern Rhode Island Conservation District presented the Conservation Commission with its Partnership Appreciation Award for 2003 for "its continued dedication to the achievement of
our shared (conservation) vision" at its annual meeting held on November 13, 2003.
NOVEMBER 2003
Scituate Reservoir Rated One of the Best
The Rhode Island Department of Health in conjunction the USEPA rated the Scituate Reservoir as one of "Best protected watersheds in the state". In part, this rating is due to the town's support
in promoting land uses that are compatible with water resource protection. The study was conducted for Providence Water by the University of Rhode Island and involved an assessment of
known and potential sources of pollution. The study was released in November 2003. Copies are available from Town Hall at (401) 647-5526.
SEPTEMBER 2003
Statewide Census Turns up Two New Dragon Fly Species — One in Scituate!
Two new dragonflies were discovered in Rhode Island recently by a team of scientists from the RI
Natural History Survey that has been collecting dragonflies around the state. Virginia Brown, coordinator of the census, discovered the Umber Shadowdragon, a lake-dwelling species along the
Scituate Reservoir. For more information contact the Rhode Island Natural History Survey at (401) 874-5800 or www.rinhs.org.
JANUARY 2001
Acquisition of Tasca Field Approved By Voters
