Providence, R.I., December 2, 2024 – Horsley Witten Group (HW), an environmental consulting firm specializing in sustainable and resilient design solutions, has been selected for the first phase of the proposed Coastal Trail Master Plan and Design at the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Aquidneck Island in Middletown, Rhode Island. The future trail will improve an existing pathway between the Sanctuary’s Main Campus and Coastal Education Center, providing year-round access for visitors while enhancing and protecting the surrounding environment.
The Norman Bird Sanctuary (NBS) spans approximately 300 acres and it provides essential habitat for a diverse population of birds and wildlife. The new Coastal Trail will improve access for recreational use while prioritizing environmental preservation.
“We are thrilled to partner once again with Norman Bird Sanctuary on this project,” said Brian Kuchar, Principal at HW. “We are aligned with the Sanctuary’s intent to preserve the natural environment while improving accessibility between the two areas.”
The project builds upon HW’s previous collaboration with the Norman Bird Sanctuary on the Comprehensive Management Plan, which resulted in a 2019 Rhode Island, American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award for Planning & Analysis. As part of the first phase, HW has teamed with Vanasse & Associates, Inc. and will work with the Sanctuary to assess the existing drainage/hydrology and pedestrian safety conditions and to identify any additional design opportunities and challenges. The site analysis will be used to inform future design decisions and to seek funding for the next phase of the project which would include the design and construction of the future trail.
“This project will advance our egorts to protect and enhance the habitats in our care,” said Kaity Ryan, Executive Director of the Norman Bird Sanctuary. “In addition to connecting our coastal campus with our main campus, this planning egort complements field restoration egorts currently underway to convert the existing field – which sugers from invasive plant intrusion – into one of the largest pollinator meadow habitats in Rhode Island.”
About Norman Bird Sanctuary
The Norman Bird Sanctuary preserves nearly 300 acres of diverse habitats on Aquidneck Island, in Middletown, Rhode Island. Established in 1949 through a bequest made by Mabel Norman Cerio, the mission of the Norman Bird Sanctuary is to spark people’s curiosity to explore, steward, and find peace and joy in nature. A nonprofit wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center, the Norman Bird Sanctuary ogers 7 miles of hiking trails, 8 gardens, an all-ages Barn Museum and Curiosity Lab, and over 150 educational programs and events annually for the public to experience. Additional information is available at normanbirdsanctuary.org.
About Vanasse & Associates, Inc.
Vanasse & Associates, Inc. is a New England-based Transportation Planning and Engineering firm specializing in State and local permitting of private development projects and providing transportation services to cities and towns. Their expertise includes tragic impact analysis, transportation planning, tragic engineering, roadway design, tragic signal design, construction services, and expert witness court testimony. Additional information is available at rdva.com
About Horsley Witten Group
Horsley Witten Group develops environmental solutions that help people, businesses, municipalities, and the environment flourish together through a holistic approach to sustainable design. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Sandwich, Mass., Horsley Witten Group currently employes more than 70 dedicated stag members specializing in engineering, science, design, planning, remediation, training, and client support. The company has ogices in Boston, Mass.; Exeter, N.H.; Providence, R.I.; and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Additional information is available at horsleywitten.com