We are proud to recognize Chariho Regional School District as our 2025 Organization of the Year! The RIEEA Environmental Education Awards celebrates those who exemplify dedication and commitment to outdoor learning and recreation.
Chariho Regional School District is leading the way in hands-on environmental education across its six rural schools in Charlestown, Hopkinton, and Richmond. With the support of grants like Learning Inside Out, Chariho has reimagined its schools as dynamic, hands-on learning environments by creating pollinator pathways, building or expanding outdoor classrooms, and installing indoor Grow Towers to engage students year-round. Through partnerships with URI Master Gardeners and local nonprofits, students gain real-world experience in sustainability, from tending native plants to running large-scale gardens that supply produce to community food pantries. Thanks to “Get the Foam Out” funding over the past two years, a dedicated District Green Team in collaboration with the Rhode Island School Recycling Project, has spearheaded share carts and cafeteria composting, which has cut landfill waste by up to 90%. With inclusive programs like “off-road” wheelchairs for field trips and paid Farm-to-School internships for CHARIHOtech students through a USDA SCALES grant, Chariho is building an environmental education model where all students can lead, learn, and grow.
Join RIEEA as we recognize and celebrate the awardees at a ceremony on Thursday, October 9, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Save The Bay Center in Providence. There will be lite fare served by a local caterer; open bar with local wine, beer, and soft drinks; live music; and a short program in which the winners will accept their awards.
***Tickets are on a sliding scale to ensure everyone can access the event.
