www.conserfest.org

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If you have never heard of ConserFest or have yet to attend an event, you are missing out!  For the fourth year ConserFest has continued to impress by providing a fun platform to address young members of the community about the importance of land conservation on Block Island. Through music events Conserfest is doing its part in raising awarness about the importance and tradition of land conservation on Block Island, and the response has been amazing!

The concept of ConserFest came from a conversation between ConserFest founders Cameron Greenlee and Justin Lewis, and Lewis’ father David, a former BIC director.  David told them that if they and their friends care about this place then it was time to take some ownership. The efforts of Block Island Conservancy have proven inspirational to the group, who recognize the importance of raising awareness for land conservation among the younger generations.  “We realized that many of our peers were unaware of the personal effort and financial sacrifice required to keep Block Island as open as it is today. It’s time for us to step forward as the next generation of conservation leaders,” Lewis said.  Through benefit concerts, Conserfest aims to further the work of BIC and reach out to young members of the community. 
The 2011 Conserfest events included daytime surfside performances at Fred Benson Town Beach, as well as a matinee event on the deck at Yellow Kittens, followed by a full night of music at the inside stage.  The events were well attended and brought together many generations of people unified in their support of land conservation and environmental awareness.  Throughout the day there were a total of 16 acts that performed.  The musicians included local and off island artists, all of who donated their time and talents.  A silent art auction was also held and featured donated artwork from 12 local artists.  Over 120 new or returning members signed up to become active members of BIC, and over $8,300.00 was donated to BIC’s general fund.   Thank you to all who volunteered their time and effort for the 2011 Conserfest Block Island events!
 

For the third year in a row, Conserfest rocks!  Through music and art, Conserfest has brought us a different and fun way to help protect the environment and the natural beauty of Block Island. Conserfest is a grassroots project originating on Block Island, in the fall of 2007. The efforts of Block Island Conservancy have been inspirational to the Conserfest founders, who recognize the importance of raising awareness for conservation, especially among younger generations.  Through benefit concerts, Conserfest furthers the work of BIC by providing a new platform to address young members of the community.

As time passes and generations turn, it is especially important that those of us who enjoy this special place take notice of what we have.  Conserfest reminds us all that if we love Block Island as it is today, we must take ownership of this gift we have been given.  Through new memberships to BIC, Conserfest and its attendees have become agents for preserving the character, landscapes, and wildlife of this beloved island. With more than 40% of Block Island preserved as open space in perpetuity, it’s a legacy that will be passed to future generations.

The 2010 Conserfest events once again included daytime surfside performances at Fred Benson Town Beach, as well as a matinee event on the deck at Yellow Kittens, followed by a full night of music at the inside stage.  All in all 13 acts performed throughout the day including local and off-island bands.  In addition to all musicians having donated their time and talents, a silent auction was held and featured donated artwork by local artists.  127 new or returning members signed up for BIC and over $7,500.00 was donated to BIC’s general fund.  Thank you to all who volunteered their time and effort for the 2010 Conserfest Block Island events. 
 

ConserFest has again brought us a different and fun way to help protect the environment and the natural beauty of Block Island. The concept of ConserFest, a grassroots project originating on Block Island, RI, in the fall of 2007, came from a conversation between ConserFest founders Cameron Greenlee and Justin Lewis, and Lewis’ father David.  “My father said to us, ‘if you are friends, and your friends care about this place, it’s time to take some ownership,’” recalled Lewis.

 The efforts of Block Island Conservancy have proven inspirational to the group, who recognize the importance of raising awareness for land conservation among the younger generations.  “We realized that many of our peers were unaware of the personal effort and financial sacrifice required to keep Block Island as open as it is today. It’s time for us to step forward as the next generation of conservation leaders,” Lewis said. With more than 40% of Block Island preserved as open space in perpetuity, it’s a legacy that will be passed to future generations.

Stepping forward!  The 2009 ConserFest events proved to be more successful than the previous year.  Events were numerous and brought together many generations of people under the unified idea of land conservation and environmental awareness. Through the celebration of music and art at a variety of locations, including Fredrick Benson Town Beach, McGovern’s Yellow Kittens, Lewis Farm, and Smuggler’s Cove, ConserFest provided atmospheres fun for all ages. 

There were musical performances by several local musicians, as well as musicians from Boston, Providence, Washington D.C., San Francisco and New York City.  While enjoying the music, people were able to receive more information about BIC and ConserFest, become members, make donations, and purchase merchandise. 

With donors ranging from the age of 8 years old to over 80, ConserFest raised $5,400.00 for Block Island Conservancy.  Along with donations, ConserFest also signed up 120 new or renewed memberships for BIC.  The group is energized about the success of the summer and has already begun plans for 2010!