In 1981, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management evaluated the places on Block Island that provided the most spectacular scenery or the most fragile ecosystems, and recommended what entity would be most appropriate to step forward to save them.

One way or another, every site was saved -- a success rate rarely seen by planners.

Here are the special places:

• Lewis and Dickens farms -- some 200 acres of grasslands that are home to rare plants and two endangered bird species.

• Rodman's Hollow -- the town owned about 35 acres, but more than 100 acres were still privately owned and zoned for 2-acre house lots. The hollow is a special place for hiking and watching wildlife.

• Franklin Swamp -- 45 acres on the west side that is a nesting area for the marsh hawk. It's also the largest cattail stand in Rhode Island.

• West Beach and an adjoining wetland that is a rookery for little blue herons, black-crowned night herons and great egrets. The southern half includes one of the last un-ditched salt marshes in the state. The marsh was the state's only known nesting site for the American oystercatcher.

• Mansion Beach -- the 9-acre beach would be a logical southern extension of the Clay Head Trail. But it was privately owned and zoned for 2-acre house lots.

• The shoreline from Clay Head to Settler's Rock. The land was privately owned, but the DEM wanted public access so people could hike from Clay Head to the island's northern tip.

• Freshwater wetlands -- Great Swamp, Fresh Swamp, Old Mill Pond and various kettle ponds and freshwater marshes that the DEM felt were important for maintaining the island's diverse plant and animal communities.