Story Behind The Song
relates image of wildlife refuge and efforts of Nature Conservancy to protect our natural environment
Song Description
scored for narrator, vocals, piano and cello
| Song Length |
5:00 |
Genre |
Classical - Contemporary, Unique - Unclassified |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Peaceful |
Subject |
General |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY ON BLOCK ISLAND
On a bright, cloudless day
You can discern with your naked eye
The delicate contour of Block Island
Whilst sauntering through
The speckled sands of Galilee
A mere boat ride away
From this 6400 acre island,
Fashioned by glaciers some 10,000 years ago
Its barrier beaches, ponds and thick shrubs
Provide a haven
To many of our state's most endangered species
From Elizabeth Dickens Trail,
A small bird peeks out
Through a sunny space in the thickets
Securely nestled, tucked away,
Nurtured in this habitat
Named for a special person,
A teacher of natural history
Who single handedly sparked
Community awareness for
Preserving the island's natural treasures
From its Clayhead Trail you may
Catch a glimpse of the migrating songbird
Feasting on its fruited shrubs
Sheltered in its southerly and northerly trek
Along the Atlantic Flyway
After entering the wooden gates of Rodman Hollow
You must pause and breath in the fresh scent of bayberry
It is here
Where the state-threatened Northern Harrier
Grazes and nests
It is here
That the Nature Conservancy on Block Island
Had its inception
Where Captain John "Rob" Lewis
Organized islanders to protect
Its natural habitats
It is here where many separate groups
Work as one
For, Block Island, is in essence
The epitome of a community pitching in
To make a positive difference
Block Island Preserve Song
Block Island holds the key
To our state's bright future
Fashioned by glaciers back 10,000 years
With its barrier beaches
Open fields and grasslands
Migrating birds rest 'long the flyway.
With its clayhead trails
and its Rodman Hollows
Grazing and nesting for our state's harrier
From Blackrock Roda to the Clayhead Trails
Within this Haven songbirds can sing their song
Nature Conservancy
Saving land!
by Noreen Inglesi (as part of Phase I of my project with The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts)