Great Swamp Press publishes authoritative maps and guides for hiking and mountain biking in recreational areas in and near Rhode Island, plus maps and guides of historic and architectural interest. Old fashioned field research, the latest technology and top quality materials provide you with the most accurate, completely detailed, yet easy to read maps available.
Great Swamp Press is owned and operated by Cliff Vanover. Cliff is the author, artist, photographer, and cartographer of the guides, maps, and posters at this site.
Cliff has been exploring Rhode Island’s natural areas most of his life. The maps on these pages reflect his interest in conservation of both land and historic buildings.
After finishing his Architecture studies at Syracuse University, Cliff traveled over most of the United States and explored opportunities to work and live in many places including Colorado, California and Oregon. When those travels brought him to Rhode Island for what he thought would be a short stay, a chance drive through southern Rhode Island revealed historic villages, farms, forests, and ocean beaches. He knew instantly this was the place he wanted to live and he has been here now for over 40 years.
Cliff has worked hard over those years to protect these beautiful places. His work in land conservation has led to the preservation of over 5000 acres of new park land in Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton.
Cliff is a former Chairman of the Charlestown Rhode Island Conservation Commission. He has written grants to acquire open space in several South County towns. He successfully campaigned for the passage of several town Open Space Bonds, assisted in the writing of Charlestown’s Comprehensive Plan, was a participant in the South County Green Space Protection Plan and worked to get Rt. 1 in Charlestown recognized as a State Scenic Road.
Cliff is an avid hiker and cyclist. You can keep up with his recent hikes in and near Rhode Island at his blog.
If you want to contact Cliff please visit our contact page.