Environment Council of Rhode Island

Our mission is to serve as an effective voice for developing and advocating policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment.

We are the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation and are proud of our thirty-six years of environmental advocacy (1972 - 2008).

We have been presenting The Senator John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Awards since 2000.

Our Education Fund is a separate, research and education organization whose mission is to enhance the long-term stewardship of Rhode Island's natural resources.

2008 John H. Chafee Conservation
Leadership Award Winners Announced

A high school science program that has grown into something affecting much of the town of Scituate is one of the four top winners of the Environment Council of Rhode Island’s annual John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Awards.

The award is going to Scituate High School’s Community Energy Education Project — an initiative launched several years ago by science teacher Shannon Donovan with her freshman physical science students.

The project this year includes 65 students who each do a major research paper on reducing energy waste or making renewable energy. They share their work at a community “Energy Night,” where invited guests give the students feedback on their presentations and communication skills.

The project now involves students throughout the high school and involves partnerships with Peoples Power & Light and the state Energy Office.

The award will be presented Friday, May 9th, at the Marriott Hotel in Providence. U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse will be the keynote speaker and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee will present the awards.

Other Chafee award winners recognized for 2008 are:

The Little Compton Agricultural Conservation Trust

This local land trust preserved more than 300 acres last year, including the 95-acre Sakonnet Vineyards. The purchases preserved farmlands and protected watersheds for Newport’s drinking water supplies and two pristine salt ponds.

Amgen’s Resource Conservation Program

Amgen’s program has reduced water consumption by 150,000 gallons a day and electricity consumption by 2.2 million kilowatt hours per year while increasing the recycling rate from 33% to 55% at the pharmaceutical company’s plant in West Greenwich.

Fidelity Investments’ “Wildlife at Work” Project

Enlisting volunteer employees, a bluebird trail, butterfly garden and a bat house were created around the company's campus in Smithfield.

Tickets to the dinner are $60 each. Before dinner there will be a reception and exhibits by the award winners. For information or reservations, call (401) 621-8048.