Decolonizing Conservation
Conserving open land in a way that honors the earth, serves the greater community and promotes healing through societal engagement and accountability.
Changing the way we think about conservation.
In our work on Block Island, originally known as 'Manisses' the stolen land of the Narragansett's Manissean people, we are working to not only restore the flora, fauna and soil of this amazingly special place but also reaching out to the Black and Indigenous communities here today to make sure that our work is in line with their visions for the land.
As part of our 2024 initiatives we will be working to maintain and beautify the landscapes of the Black and Indigenous burial sites on the island as a way to honor those resting there. We will be gathering funds to erect proper signage to pay homage to those laid to rest at each of these sacred places across the island.
Along with these historical efforts we will also be working on local landscapes and conservation projects for Black and Indigenous residents.
If you are interested in donating your time or resources to these projects, please fill out our contact form below.
Spring 2024
Restoration of Block Islands Black Cemetery
This Spring we will be setting up a community work weekend to restore the Black Section of Block Islands main cemetery. This secluded enclave contains the graves of Elwin and Clara Perry along with Robert Smith. This small piece of land, in the back right corner of the Island Cemetery, was privately purchased for Black residents who were not allowed to be laid to rest in the main section of the cemetery.
The path leading to this section of the cemetery is strewn with dog excrement, lawn clippings and garbage, along with being completely unmarked.
Our goal is to install a marker for this section of graves, clean up and maintain a dignified burial space and install memorial plants, trees and a sitting place as part of our community care work at ReBlockIsland.
