The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has created a number of hiking trails in its 841-acre Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve in Charlestown.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

Nonprofit groups have lots of choices for celebrating significant anniversaries: gala dinners, big conferences, fundraising campaigns. The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island has found a different way to recognize its 20th. It is inviting Rhode Islanders to step outside and visit some of the state’s most beautiful places.

The Conservancy has organized eight events between this month and October at which Rhode Islanders can attend free of charge and Conservancy staff will provide tours and commentary.

The Conservancy had two goals in mind as it set up the celebrations, according to Kevin Essington, director of government relations and communication.

“We wanted to connect people with what we are best known for — protecting some of Rhode Island’s most beautiful and biologically important properties,” said Essington. “Also, with the current economic climate, we thought it was more appropriate that instead of having a big gala, to encourage people to go outside. In these times of austerity, this is a more appropriate way to celebrate.”

The Conservancy is a national organization that buys and preserves ecologically important land. It first began its work in Rhode Island in the 1970s by sending one employee, Eve Endicott, who literally worked out of her car. One of her first big projects was the famous Lewis-Dickens Farm on Block Island.

The Conservancy formally organized in Rhode Island 20 years ago. Since then, it reports it has attracted 5,000 supporters and helped protect more than 30,000 acres of shoreline, rivers, fields and forests.

Preregistration is required for each of the outdoor events. Register by going to www.nature.org/rianniversary or by calling (401) 331-7110, ext. 33.

The events include:

• Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve, 10:30 am. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday, May 23. Explore a picturesque meadow and rare pitch pine forest in Charlestown.

• Long Pond/ Ell Pond Preserve, in Hopkinton, 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 14. This was one of first tracts purchased by the Conservancy in Rhode Island. See pink and white mountain laurel blooms and giant rhododendron in their once-a-year displays.

• Sprague Farm, in Glocester, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 27. See an impressive stand of striped maples, chestnut oaks and an Atlantic white cedar swamp in this forest, now owned and managed by the Glocester Land Trust.

• Goosewing Beach Preserve, in Little Compton, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18. See shorebirds, waterfowl and songbirds at this historic landmark.

• Norman Bird Sanctuary, in Middletown, 8 to 10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 9. Join naturalists on trails along stone walls, fields, woodlands and the ocean.

• Quonochontaug Pond, in Charlestown, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Aug. 13. Bring kayaks for on-water demonstrations of clam restoration projects and beach seining.

• Block Island’s Lewis-Dickens Farm, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13. Experience a bird-banding demonstration and view migrating songbirds.

• Tillinghast Pond Management Area, in West Greenwich, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Discover secluded ponds and oak and pine forests that protect the Wood River, one of Southern New England’s most pristine waterways.

plord@projo.com