The Last of the Alpacas?

Aquidneck Island is not short in its supply of natural beauty, especially in the summer months when gentle breezes murmur lazily across oceanside pastures of wildflowers and grass, mingling salt into the sultry air. This tranquil scene is exactly what one might encounter on a summer afternoon while visiting Glen Ridge Farm just off Glen Ridge Road in Portsmouth.

The farm, originally part of the historic Glen Manor Estate, is perched atop a gently sloping hillside boasting panoramic views of the Sakonnet. The main building, which houses the farms' resident alpacas, was built in 1925; however, additional buildings used by the farm date all the way back to the late 1700s. Needless to say, the farm is steeped both in history and natural beauty in equal measure.

The farms proprietors, husband and wife duo Ann Fiore and Kevin Tarsagian, purchased the farm in 1997 and have been raising their herd of alpacas, in addition to a few other breeds deemed threatened by the American Livestock Breeding Conservancy, ever since.  Kevin is taking care of the farm this week while is wife is in Ohio attending the National Dressage Pony Cup with their Champion Fell Pony, Hinter.

Arriving at the farm, visitors are immediately greeted by a herd of mother and baby alpacas in their enclosure.  The male alpacas, or "the boys" as Tarsagian refers to them, are kept in a separate enclosure and graze in a separate pasture as well. On this particular day, the alpacas were found lounging in a coveted patch of shade outside the main barn, no doubt seeking refuge from the blistering rays of the afternoon sun.

Excited to see the curious creatures, I felt a bit deflated as my arrival was met with little fanfare and stirred little more than a lazy glance from a solitary alpaca chomping on some hay. Nonetheless, watching them go about their business is something both children and adults would enjoy, as they are curious, cute and quirky creatures, indeed. 

Alpacas, raised for their high quality wool, are a relatively recent introduction to the United States and typically call the Andes region of Peru and Chile their home.  Tarsagian, a soft-spoken gentlemen and lifelong lover of animals, left a career in aviation to open the farm and is truly dedicated to it. 

He describes the alpacas as gentle and defenseless creatures, and looks lovingly upon them as he says, "They're like dogs; each and every one has its own distinct personality."  The farm is currently home to 85 alpacas, including several pregnant females.  While young alpacas typically stay with their mothers only until they're about seven months old, they maintain a lifelong bond such that mothers and their offspring will recognize one another after years of being apart. 

The alpacas are shorn once a year and their wool is sold; however, this year Tarsagian and Fiore generously donated the absorbent fleece to oil clean-up efforts in the gulf. This charitable deed is no doubt prompted by their ambition to be responsible stewards of the land and a reflection of their love for animals.

In addition to raising alpacas for wool, which is similar to cashmere, Tarsagian and Fiore show several alpacas, many of which have won awards.

Linking past to present, Tarsagian and Fiore have kept the integrity of this historic farmland intact while also successfully establishing their own agricultural business. Unfortunately, a dark cloud of uncertainty looms over the future of the farm and they must grapple with the notion of being forced to close down. The owner of Rhode Island Nursery, who owns and plans to develop land beside Glen Ridge Farm, won a decision to build an emergency road that would cut straight through the farm, effectively disrupting its function so drastically it would no longer be economically viable, according to the owners of Glen Ridge Farm.

Perhaps the most puzzling aspect of the situation is that various other options exist and Fiore says, "… it is most unfortunate that the choice that's been made is the one that will destroy our farm." 

The owners of Glen Ridge Farm urge anyone who has had a memorable experience at the farm to write about it in a letter to the Town Hall. In doing so, they hope the town realizes that Glen Ridge Farm is a valuable resource that is worth preserving.

Glen Ridge Farm is a private property, but visitors who call in advance to set up an appointment are more than welcome.  For more information on the farm, look them up on Facebook or call Fiore to make an appointment at (401) 529 – 4427.