The Edgewood Waterfront Preservation Association recently received a $1,500 legislative grant to help maintain some trees in the park surrounding Stillhouse Cove.

The grant enabled the association to take care of four trees, three of which are ash trees which could be susceptible to Emerald ash borer beetles.  The loss of the trees would be devastating to the park which is an essential part of the beauty of the cove area, Waterfront Preservation Association President Barbara Rubine said in expressing gratitude for the grant money.

Emerald ash borers are an invasive species that are extremely destructive to ash trees.

“I’m proud to have presented a Legislative Senate Grant to the Edgewood Waterfront Preservation Association in recognition of their tireless work to protect and preserve Cranston’s beautiful waterfront,” state Senator Lammis J. Vargas said last week. “Their volunteers go above and beyond, cleaning our bay, (and) safeguarding our shoreline.”

Vargas said that the grant is a “small token of gratitude” for the tremendous impact the waterfront preservation association has made through its tireless, environmental stewardship of the cove. She also recognized Rubine for “ensuring that this natural treasure remains vibrant for future generations.”

The 5.5-acre cove and waterfront park runs along the southern end of Narragansett Boulevard in the city’s Edgewood section. It is Cranston’s only salt marsh and one of the last remaining ones in upper Narragansett Bay. 

It is considered a critical ecosystem and wildlife habitat that helps filter pollutants and supports a wide variety of wildlife, including shellfish, fish and birds.

The waterfront preservation association is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.