The Aquidneck Island Land Trust has replaced and reopened a 700-foot boardwalk on the Sakonnet Greenway Trail, dedicating it in memory of Maya L. Auchincloss.
The boardwalk, located between Sandy Point Avenue and Bramans Lane, had deteriorated after years of use. It has been rebuilt with longer-lasting materials requiring minimal maintenance, according to a press release issued Wednesday.
Funding for the project came primarily from the Estate of Maya Auchincloss. The structure is now named the Maya L. Auchincloss Boardwalk in her honor.
“We are deeply grateful to the Estate of Maya Auchincloss for this generous gift,” said Terry Sullivan, executive director of the land trust. “Maya’s enduring love of animals and the natural world makes this contribution especially meaningful.”
The Sakonnet Greenway Trail is the longest continuous hiking trail on Aquidneck Island at 11 miles. The free public trail passes active pastures managed by Aquidneck Farms, historic Glen Farm Stables, woodlands and wetlands, Newport National Golf Club, recreational fields and Newport Vineyards.
The land trust’s trails average 50,000 to 60,000 visitors annually and are popular with walkers, runners and dog owners. Many trails are equestrian-friendly.
The Aquidneck Island Land Trust has conserved 2,854 acres on 102 properties across Aquidneck Island since its founding in 1990. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the first land trust in Rhode Island to receive national accreditation.
Trail maps and updates are available at ailt.org/trail-maps.
