South Kingstown Land Trust is proud to announce a new opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts with mobility limitations to experience nature on trail tours aboard a newly acquired four-passenger utility vehicle.
“Creating opportunities for the community to connect with nature is a key element of our mission,” said Executive Director Julia Landstreet. “For people with mobility issues, those opportunities are more and more limited, and for years we’ve been brainstorming a program to serve this need.”
As the land trust also had a need to expand its equipment for its thriving weekly volunteer workday program, the staff decided on a four-passenger John Deere “Gator” XUV825M S4 Crossover Utility Vehicle, with a cargo box capable of hauling 1,000 pounds.
“The smooth ride and comfortable seats are perfect for offering access to new friends and members, and the durability and equipment carrying capacity is perfect for our land management staff and volunteers,” said Landstreet.
The acquisition was made possible by a generous $15,000 grant from the Champlin Foundation, as well as donations from supporters of the land trust’s Great Outdoors Celebration event, and a charitable discount from local John Deere supplier Howard Johnson, Inc.
“Walking the fields at Weeden Farm is such a gift, but for some it is too challenging to reach the back pollinator fields, visit the patch of white-capped flint corn, or just enjoy being out of sight and sound of buildings and roads,” said Heather Mae Breau, Chair of the SKLT Board of Directors. “We’re so excited to be able to provide some special experiences for folks who rarely have the chance to be truly immersed in nature.”
SKLT is in the process of setting up the trail tours program. Watch the SKLT website and social media for more details come the new year.
