Rhode Island Secures 174 Acres of Open Space with $1.23 Million in Grants

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced $1.23 million in grant awards to support the protection of 174 acres of open space across the state.

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These grants will assist communities and local conservation organizations in preserving green spaces. The funding originates from the 2022 Green Bond, which Rhode Island voters approved.

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This Green Bond invests in open space preservation, improvements to recreational facilities, and the cleanup of lands and waters. Four projects will receive matching grants through DEM's competitive Local Open Space Grant Program. These projects will protect 174 acres throughout Rhode Island.

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"These grant awards will help preserve natural spaces that are so important for protecting both our environment and local communicates," Gov. Dan McKee said in a media release.

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Municipalities, land trusts and nonprofit land conservation organizations were eligible to apply for the Local Open Space Grant Program in May 2025. McKee’s Natural Heritage Preservation Advisory Committee reviewed and ranked applications. The State Natural Heritage Preservation Commission made the final awards.

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