Environment Council of Rhode Island

...building an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy

ECRI's Education Fund Announces Winners of 2021 Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Grants

Each year the Environment Council of Rhode island's Education Fund awards three small grants to school or after-school programs that enhance environmental education.  The awards are named after a long-time Rhode Island activist, Loraine Tisdale, who was known for her work keeping children safe from pesticide sprays.

This year the $250 grants will go to:

• The Westerly Land Trust

The Westerly Land Trust will expand their Living Laboratories program to involve students from Westerly and surrounding towns in outdoor experiential learning on a variety of preserves, including the Barlow Nature Preserve which features multiple farms. The tools gained through the fund will allow students to engage in research projects incorporated into their environmental education lessons as they explore these farms, compost operations, and conserved land.

• Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School

In a partnership with Tree-Plenish, The Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School in North Providence will study the school’s carbon footprint and paper usage and calculate how many trees would be needed to create a more sustainable school by growing enough wood to supply the school with paper and mitigate its heating and electricity usage. Students will work with community sponsors to raise money and plant trees, hoping to plant at least 1 tree per Ricci Middle School pupil.

• The Central Falls School District's Expanded Learning Community

The Central Falls School District's Expanded Learning Community will provide more opportunities for Central Falls youth to spend time at the community garden learning about growing healthy food and nutrition, and to work with community artists to create a healthy foods cookbook for the foods they grow.  In addition, the students will help start a garden at the Calcutt Middle School.

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Contact Information:

Environment Council of Rhode Island's Education Fund
401-621-8048
Environmentcouncil@earthlink.net