Statewide Advocacy Groups

Apeiron Institute for Environmental Living Apeiron (app-er-on) works to create ecologically healthy communities by promoting sustainable living practices. They offer educational programs, reading groups, tours of their sustainable house in Coventry, and host the annual Sustainable Living Festival every June.

Appalachian Mountain Club AMC's Narragansett Chapter organizes outdoor recreation events for kayaks, canoes, biking, and hiking.

Audubon Society of RI ASRI is one of the state's biggest eco-groups, with several refuges that offer hikes and events, an Environmental Education Center in Bristol, and a headquarters in Smithfield. ASRI staff also act as advocates and lobbyists for nature, as well as educators.

Childhood Lead Action Project Works to eliminate childhood lead poisoning through education, parent support and advocacy.

Clean Water Action This active lobbying group works to support positive environmental legislation, and sponsors the annual Earth Day Breakfast of Champions, honoring local activists.

Conservation Law Foundation With a tiny two-person office downtown, CLF's environmental lawyers advocate on nature's behalf. RI's staff is backed up by a larger New England organization, based in Boston.

Ecology Action for RI ......

Environment Council of Rhode Island Most of the state's environmental groups belong to this umbrella organization, which serves as an effective voice for developing, advocating and lobbying for policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment. ECRI organizes an annual lobbying day at the State House every April.

Environment Rhode Island This is a new offshoot group of the Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group (RIPIRG) that deals exculsively with environmental issues. Besides local lobbying, ERI keeps an eye on national policies that can affect us here.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island ... This awesomely effective group works to create vibrant family farms, to bring fresh healthy food to our tables, and to create a strong local economy and healthy communities. 

Greenways Alliance of Rhode Island Dedicated to advocacy for Rhode Island's bike paths, trails and greenspaces.

People's Power & Light Rhode Island's nonprofit energy consumers' alliance, dedicated to energy that is affordable, safe, and clean for our families and the environment through energy efficiency, renewable energy, cooperative purchasing, education, and advocacy.

Rhode Island Interfaith Power & Light -- invites all congregations to make a commitment to address climate change through faithful congregational environment stewardship. Major activities are outreach, education, and advocacy.

North South Trail Council The Council's mission is the planning, development, and enjoyment of a recreational trail in Western RI from the Massachusetts border to the southern coast.

The Ocean Project Based in Providence, this nonprofit group serves an international network of aquariums, zoos, museums, and conservation organizations working to create an understanding among their visitors and members of the significance of the ocean and the role each person plays in conserving our blue planet for the future.

Rhode Island Association of Conservation Commissions A nonprofit, grass-roots organization devoted to fostering cooperation and coordination of municipal conservation commissions, creating an avenue where the state's municipal conservation leaders can come together to address common concerns, develop best management practices, and speak with one voice to collectively address the environmental issues that impact every community.

Rhode Island Canoe & Kayak Association The place to learn more about paddling sports in the state. This not-for-profit club offers paddle trips on rivers, lakes and ponds as well as estuaries, marshes and coves. Trips are open to canoes and kayaks.

Rhode Island Earth Day Committee Organizers, with DEM, of annual Earth Day events, including clean-ups and the Earth Day Festival at Warwick Mall.

Rhode Island Environmental Network This informal networking group, affiliated with the international Green Drinks network, meets once a month on the Third Thursday. Venues vary, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it of The Ocean Project to get on the mailing list.

Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs ....

Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Stakeholders Group The Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Process (RI GHG) represents a unique effort on the state level to reduce the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. RI GHG successfully formulated a Greenhouse Gas Action Plan for the state of Rhode Island in 2002, and has continued meeting to implement the plan.

Rhode Island Land Trust Coalition ...

Rhode Island Natural History Survey The Rhode Island Natural History Survey is a non-profit organization founded in 1994 to improve communication and coordination among the diverse people, agencies, and organizations interested in the ecology of Rhode Island and to gather and disseminate information on Rhode Island's animals and plants, geology, and ecosystems. RINHS manages the most up-to-date database of Rhode Island's rare and endangered species and hosts events to highlight biodiversity and the work of researchers and naturalists. It assists partners such as the Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy and local land trusts to undertake ecological research, inventory, and stewardship projects. RINHS encourages the activities and contributions of avocational naturalists including students. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Rhode Island’s plants and animals.

Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group ....

Rhode Island Rural Development Council ...

Save The Bay The state's biggest and loudest advocacy group for Narragansett Bay and its watershed. Plus lots of educational programs, restoration projects, and watchdogging.

The Sierra Club, R.I. Chapter Exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet.

Southern New England Forest Consortium Promoting forest conservation and the productive use of the region's forests and natural resources.

SouthEastern New England Marine Educators Promotes marine and aquatic education and research in classrooms, camps, aquariums, and other settings.

Surfrider Foundation, Rhode Island Chapter Members promote the protection and the preservation of the Rhode Island Coast for the benefit of all ocean enthusiasts. They organize beach cleanups and water-quality testing, and lobby to protect the ocean and coastal access.

University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. Volunteers take an intensive 16 week horticultural based USDA/CE training program with an emphasis on educating the public about sustainable landscaping and environmental protection in the home landscape.

Local Land Trusts and Watershed Groups

Aquidneck Island Land Trust ...

Blackstone River Watershed Council Buckeye Brook Coalition The coalition works to protect the brook and its herring run from encroaching development. Buckeye Brook runs across the airport and empties into Narragansett Bay at Mill Cove.

Common Fence Point Improvement Association ...

Concerned Airport Neighbors ...

Coventry Conservation Commission ...

East Greenwich Land Trust ...

Fort Adams Trust ...

Friends of India Point Park ...

Lincoln Land Trust ...

Mill Cove Neighbors Association ...

North South Trail Council ...

Pawtuxet River Watershed Council ...

Rhode Island Rivers Council The Council is charged with coordinating state policies to protect rivers and watersheds and strengthening local watershed councils as local partners in river and watershed protection.

Rhode Island Rural Development Council ...

Save Cranston's Open Space A neighborhood group fighting to prevent a big-box development in their neighborhood, where there is now a golf course and a municipal playing field.

Natural Places

Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island ...

Kettle Pond Visitor Center 50 Bend Rd. (off Route 1), Charlestown The visitor center is located on the northern section of Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Come and explore our interactive exhibits and discovery drawers, take a hike and view reminders of the great ice sheet, or participate in one of our many public programs we have to offer. For more information please call 401-364-9124 ext. 48.

Norman Bird Sanctuary Rhode Island Recreation and Park Association ...

Educational Groups

National Education Association Rhode Island ...

Rhode Island Environmental Education Association ...

Northeast Marine Educators Association ....

Do you know of a link that should be listed here, or do you have information to add to a current listing?

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