RI’s Conservation Districts
Conservation Districts were established in Rhode Island by State Law in 1944. They are quasi-public organizations with an opportunity to bring people together to focus efforts on the environmental and conservation concerns within our communities.
Rhode Island’s Conservation Districts work in partnership with private land owners, farmers, municipalities, state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental agencies. They are not regulatory or enforcement agencies, but rather provide assistance to those who desire to work as a team to face issues -- watershed by watershed.
Eastern RI Conservation District
Serving Newport & Bristol Counties
Program Highlight: Earth Month
ERICD has taken Earth Day to new levels and now celebrates - Earth Month! Their Earth Month programming runs each year throughout the month of April with the goal of helping our environment.
They host an annual Seedling Sale, Plogging Events (jogging trash pickups), rain barrel events, and more!
Northern RI Conservation District
Serving Providence County
Program Highlight: Urban Growers Leadership Program
The Urban Growers Leadership Program is a "train the trainer" program that provides leading urban growers with a stipend to support their participation in a workshop series, farm tour, and hands-on farm days that will build their growing skills to share with their communities.
Partners in this effort include Southside Community Land Trust, Community Health Innovations of RI, Groundwork RI, Farm Fresh RI, African Alliance of RI, the City of Providence and numerous growers and gardeners.
Southern RI Conservation District
Serving Washington & Kent Counties
Program Highlight: Fresh Harvest Kitchen
This project supports local food producers and creates a more resilient local food system while assisting the residents of Washington and Kent Counties to conserve natural resources now and for future generations.
The market offers fresh local produce, seafood, farm products and other handmade items as well as freshly prepared lunch specials using local ingredients. They also offer educational programs and tasting events to connect the community with local food sources and how to prepare them.