Rhode Island woman left family farm to become a 300-acre wildlife sanctuary

Mabel Norman Cerio dedicated much of her life to the intersection of art and nature at Paradise Farm in Middletown, Rhode Island. Following her father's death in 1908, she acquired the coastal estate from her brother's estate. Decades later, the 300-acre land transformed into the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a protected wildlife area.

Cerio, a lifelong admirer of both art and nature, spent years painting, caring for animals, and birdwatching on the property. Her interest in conservation grew during this period. In her will, she left Paradise Farm to the community to establish a sanctuary in honor of her father and brother. Today, the Norman Bird Sanctuary serves as the guardian of the largest contiguous open space on Aquidneck Island, preserving 300 acres of diverse habitats and offering six miles of hiking trails.

The sanctuary focuses on wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental education. The historic coastal farm, originally built around 1750, had served various purposes before Cerio's ownership. George Norman, her brother, acquired the property to secure water rights for the Newport Water Works. Mabel later purchased it from him in 1908 and made it her home and studio.

Her decision to preserve the land was driven by a deep-rooted interest in conservation. As an artist, Cerio created portraits and explored sculpture, receiving support from her friend Hendrik Christian Andersen, a Norwegian-born artist who settled in Italy. Despite her artistic pursuits, her legacy lies in the wildlife sanctuary she established, a testament to her commitment to nature and conservation.