Audubon, The Nature Conservancy receive $6.8M bequest

SMITHFIELD – A former Smithfield resident bequeathed $6.8 million to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and The Nature Conservancy’s Rhode Island chapter for land and water conservation, the largest single donation in ASRI’s 117-year history.

A press release from the Audubon Society said the gift is from the estate of the late Carolyn E. Aust, a nature enthusiast who was nearly 100 when she died in May 2014.

“As Mrs. Aust wished, these funds will be used to preserve and steward the nearly 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat that Audubon permanently protects in Rhode Island. These properties are protected in perpetuity to benefit birds, other wildlife and all living things,” Audubon Executive Director Lawrence Taft said in a statement. “This gift represents the single largest donation to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island in the 117-year history of the organization. Audubon is honored to receive this generous bequest from Mrs. Aust and is appreciative of the confidence she placed in the society. The Clifford R. Aust, Carolyn E. Aust and Thomas B. Capron Fund will be established at Audubon in their memory.”

An endowment in memory of Aust and her family also will be established.

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“We will use Mrs. Aust’s incredible gift to protect and endow treasured open spaces, expanding opportunities for families to get outside and enjoy nature,” Terry Sullivan, state director of the Nature Conservancy’s Rhode Island chapter, said. “We also plan to use this transformative bequest to expand our innovative coastal restoration program and launch new conservation initiatives in the Providence area.”

Sullivan said Aust’s gift comes at the “perfect time” as the organization is in the midst of a five-year, $35 million statewide fundraising campaign.

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