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Open Space Institute

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Open Space Institute (OSI) is a conservation organization that protects land for clean drinking water, public recreation, healthy communities, wildlife habitat, and climate protection.[1] Established in 1974, OSI achieves its goals through land acquisition,[2] fiscal sponsorship,[1] regional loan and grant programs,[3] park and trail improvements,[4] and public policy and advocacy.[5] OSI is active across the country, including the states of New York,[6] Vermont,[3] New Hampshire,[7] Maine,[8] Georgia,[9] South Carolina,[10] Virginia,[11] Tennessee,[12] New Jersey,[13] Massachusetts,[14] Pennsylvania,[15] Alabama,[16] West Virginia,[17] North Carolina,[18] and Florida.[19]

Activities

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Funding

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OSI provides grants and low-cost bridge loans to land trusts, other nonprofit groups, and public agencies for more effective and resilient land protection in selected regions of the eastern United States.[20][15] OSI also provides financial awards for young leaders interested in pursuing conservation careers.[21]

Land acquisition

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OSI acquires and transfers land and conservation easements for permanent land protection.[22] They work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to protect land for communities, wildlife and water.[23] OSI aims to connect fragmented landscapes to protect wildlife habitat, expand recreational spaces, and preserve water quality.[24]

Park improvements

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OSI collaborates with public entities such as NY State Parks and the Department of Conservation to improve access to open spaces.[25] OSI specializes in Greenway Trails, converting abandoned rail lines to multi-purpose trails.[26] OSI also manages lands that they own in fee or easement.[12]

Research

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OSI conducts research and produces publications in different mediums to inform policymakers, other land trusts, and the public about the benefits of land protection, including the protection of natural resources in the face of climate change and improved access to outdoor spaces for under-resourced communities.[5]

Grassroots efforts

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OSI fiscally sponsors environmentally-focused grassroots organizations by providing financial and legal oversight.[1] With OSI’s financial and legal oversight, these groups are eligible to receive grants and tax-deductible contributions and can focus on their programming and capacity-building.[1] The participants have ranged from community gardens and land trusts, to environmental educators and promoters of nature-based arts and activities.[27][28]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Hattie Carthan, "the Tree Lady of Brooklyn," Scotland's SHORE Seaweed, Open Space Institute". theclimate.org. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  2. ^ Woodel, Mike (12 Feb 2023). "Conservation groups still have eyes on Georgetown County for future land purchases". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Putney Mountain Association and Vermont Land Trust announce conservation of land parcel along Windmill Ridge". Brattleboro Reformer. 16 Jan 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  4. ^ Marbone, Aaron (16 Feb 2023). "OSI plans trailhead at Lake Placid rail trail entrance". Lake Placid News. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  5. ^ a b Craig, Gwendolyn (23 Oct 2022). "Report: New York needs to do more to create inclusive outdoor spaces". Times Union. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  6. ^ Moment, Matt. "This Conservation Organization Protects Land Near the Shawangunk Ridge". Hudson Valley Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  7. ^ "Barrington's Stonehouse Forest saved for generations to come". Fosters Daily Democrat. 14 Dec 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust receives grant for project". centralmaine.com. 8 Nov 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  9. ^ Dixon, Chris (12 Feb 2022). "Muscogee (Creek) Nation, conservationists seeking to establish first national park and preserve in Georgia". The Washington Post. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  10. ^ Caines, Richard (27 Oct 2022). "Parts of SC barrier island safe from development after $500K Google donation". Post and Courier. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  11. ^ Domingo, Ida (31 Oct 2019). "George Washington, Jefferson National Forests add key lands in Botetourt County". WSET. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  12. ^ a b Benton, Ben (12 Nov 2022). "Cleveland man partners with conservation groups to protect 620-acre Custard Hollow on Cumberland Plateau". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  13. ^ Tully, Tracey (16 Sep 2022). "31 Bridges, 2 Cities, 6 Towns: Greenway Is New Jersey's High Line". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  14. ^ Merzbach, Scott (23 Aug 2018). "Cowls plans to protect 2,000 acres of timberland". Greenfield Recorder. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  15. ^ a b NCPA Staff (11 Aug 2022). "New conservation efforts underway for forests of western and central Pennsylvania". NorthcentralPA.com. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  16. ^ Pare, Mike (23 Feb 2021). "Environmental group launches $5.25 million fund to protect 30,000 acres in Chattanooga region". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  17. ^ Maccaro, Matt (14 May 2015). "White Horse Mountain purchased by conservancy". West Virginia MetroNews. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  18. ^ Chávez, Karen (21 May 2015). "Blue Ridge Mountains get attention for conservation challenges". Citizen Times. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  19. ^ "Florida Forever Acquisition to Preserve Important Habitat in Central Florida". floridadep.gov. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  20. ^ InsiderNJ (17 Feb 2022). "Open Space Institute Announces Loan Program". InsiderNJ. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  21. ^ Callahan, Cloey (7 June 2022). "Young environmentalists earn grants to lead local projects". Times Union. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  22. ^ Smith, Christian (27 Mar 2023). "Florence County to add Independence Farm as new county park". SCNOW.com. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  23. ^ Craig, Gwendolyn (16 Nov 2020). "Open Space Institute acquires Lake Luzerne property ripe for green and recreational opportunities". Adirondack Explorer. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  24. ^ Quinn, Erin (12 Jan 2023). "The Open Space Institute acquires 1,000 acres in Wawarsing, connecting the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskill Forest Park". Hudson Valley One. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  25. ^ Axelrod, Daniel (14 Oct 2020). "Minnewaska State Park opens new $6.1M visitor center. Drinking water, bathrooms included". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  26. ^ Quinn, Erin (10 Feb 2023). "The Open Space Institute unveils ambitious Growing Greenways Plan". Hudson Valley One. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  27. ^ "Support". kellystreetgarden.org. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  28. ^ "Donate". nyoutdoorrecreationcoalition.org. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
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