Upcoming Events
Easement Workshop - Easements for Your Working Lands
Learn from representatives of the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, USDA NRCS, and Aquidneck Island Land Trust about voluntary easement programs to protect your farm, forest, or other working lands.
Pollinator Event - Plant it Forward
Spring is around the corner—and this is a practical way to prepare.
Join ERICD for an evening focused on how native plants strengthen local ecosystems and support pollinators right here in Rhode Island. You’ll learn how small, informed choices in your garden can make a measurable difference—and how to preorder from ERICD’s annual native plant sale.
Monthly Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
ERICD Local Working Group Meeting
No one knows more about a community's natural resource problems then the people who live and work there. That's why it's so important to give local landowners and partners a voice in how best to prioritize and address these issues through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Local Working Groups (LWG). Register to attend here.
Watershed 101 What to Know About Warren's Watershed
If you live in or around Warren, this Watershed 101 workshop is a chance to understand how your local watershed actually works and what practical actions make a difference.
You’ll learn:
What a watershed is and why it matters locally
How watersheds influence flooding in your community
Simple, effective ways residents can help protect local water resources
This is a free, in-person community workshop with hands-on learning, best-practice guidance, dinner provided, children’s activities, and a $25 gift card for participants.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
Cutler Mills Event Room
16 Cutler Street, Warren, RI
Open to all. Designed for residents who want clear, practical understanding—not jargon—and who care about long-term community resilience.
Land and Sea Water Summit URI
The 2026 Land & Water Conservation Summit (March 21, 2026 at URI) will focus on The Work Ahead: Caring for Our Land and Water and Creating a Just Future, and will explore the complex and necessary acts of conservation and stewardship across Rhode Island’s landscapes and watersheds.
Monthly Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Spring Garden Expo - ERICD Team Will Be There!
The Tiverton Public Library is holding their 4th annual Spring Garden Expo. Over 460 guests attended last year and they are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year! ERICD will be participating in this event sharing information about the work we do! This will be an indoor event. Free and Open to the Public.
Free seeds • soil testing • advice from URI Master Gardeners • family activities • gardening books for sale • raffles to benefit library programming • gardening, farming, and environmental organizations from around New England
Plog with Run Newport
Run for yourself. Plog for your community. Miles, movement, and making a difference. Turn your run into something that matters.
Plog and Chug combines light exercise with community impact and a social finish. We will head out together to plog, jogging or walking while picking up litter, helping clean up our local environment in a simple, visible way.
Come for the movement, stay for the connection, and leave knowing you did something good for the place you live.
Bristol Make-and-Take Rain Barrel Workshop
Rain Barrel Make-and-Take Workshop
Date: April 11
Rain Date: April 12
Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Location: 101 Asylum Road, Bristol, RI 02809 (behind the Community Center)
Build your own rain barrel and take it home the same day. This is a hands-on workshop. Expect splashes, drilling, and assembly. Do not wear good clothes. Prepare to make a mess.
Each town is limited to 30 rain barrels. Advance registration required.
Register on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bristol-ri-make-and-take-rain-barrel-workshop-tickets-1981527446935?aff=oddtdtcreator
Newport Marathon Race Day Plogging
On April 18, 2026, Eastern will be partnering with Newport Rhode Races for Race Day Plogging during the Newport Marathon and Half Marathon. Volunteers are invited to walk or jog 1–4 miles while helping keep the race courses and surrounding areas free of trash and debris. Plogging opportunities will take place along the half marathon course in Newport, the marathon course in Middletown, and at Easton's Beach. One step, one piece of litter at a time—this is community action in motion. Sign Up Here! When on the Rhode Races website Volunteer sign up p use task password: ERICD.
Barrington Make-and-Take Rain Barrel Workshop
Rain Barrel Make-and-Take Workshop – Barrington
Date: April 18
Rain Date: April 19
Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Volunteer Arrival: 9:30 am
Location: 283 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806 (behind Town Hall)
Build your own rain barrel and take it home the same day. This is a fully hands-on workshop involving drilling, fitting, and assembly. Do not wear good clothes. Prepare to make a mess.
Advance registration required.
Register on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barrington-ri-make-and-take-rain-barrel-workshop-tickets-1981529280419?aff=oddtdtcreator
Earth Day
Earth Day is a moment to reflect on our shared responsibility to the land and waters that sustain Eastern Rhode Island—and to recognize the power of local action.
Here in our communities, the challenges facing our environment are real, but so is our ability to respond. When neighbors, schools, farmers, municipalities, and community organizations work together, meaningful change happens close to home.
This Earth Day, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District invites residents, students, educators, landowners, and local leaders to stand together in support of clean air, clean water, healthy soils, and resilient ecosystems. Protecting our natural resources is not just a global goal—it’s a local commitment that strengthens our communities, supports working lands, and safeguards the health of people and wildlife across Newport and Bristol Counties.
Together, through practical conservation and community stewardship, we can protect what makes Eastern Rhode Island thrive—today and for generations to come.
Fogland Plog
Join us at Fogland Beach for a feel-good plog. We’ll walk or jog along the shoreline while picking up litter, helping keep this beautiful coastal space clean and cared for.
Fresh air, light movement, and real impact in just a couple of hours. Come dressed for the outdoors and ready to pitch in.
ERICD Monthly Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Middletown Make-and-Take Rain Barrel Workshop
Rain Barrel Make-and-Take Workshop – Middletown
Date: May 2
Rain Date: May 3
Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Arrival Time: 9:30 am
Location: 19 Berkley Ave, Middletown, RI 02842 (behind the washing stations)
Build your own rain barrel and take it home the same day. This is a hands-on workshop involving drilling, fitting, and assembly. Do not wear good clothes. Prepare to make a mess.
Advance registration required.
Register on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/middletown-ri-make-and-take-rain-barrel-workshop-tickets-1981530108897?aff=oddtdtcreator
Plog & Chug at the Fastnet Pub With "Newport Run and Chug"
Plog and Chug combines light exercise with community impact and a social finish. We will head out together to plog, jogging or walking while picking up litter, helping clean up our local environment in a simple, visible way.
After the plog, we regroup to relax and enjoy a drink together. Come for the movement, stay for the connection, and leave knowing you did something good for the place you live.
World Wetland Day
World Wetland Day
Wetlands protect water quality, reduce flooding, store carbon, and support wildlife. In Bristol and Newport Counties, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District works with landowners, farmers, and municipalities to protect and restore wetlands that keep our communities and ecosystems resilient.
International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day
Today is International Reducing CO₂ Emissions Day. Reducing emissions can start right here in Rhode Island.
Through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Combustion System Improvement (CSI) initiative (under EQIP), farmers and foresters can receive financial and technical assistance to replace old, high-polluting diesel equipment with cleaner, more energy-efficient or electric alternatives.
The impact:
Cleaner air for our communities
Lower greenhouse gas emissions
More efficient, future-ready farm operations
If you’re interested in learning more, contact the local RI NRCS office and connect with Julia Vieira for guidance on eligibility and next steps.
International Reducing CO₂ Emissions Day is a reminder that practical, local solutions are already available.
Phone: (401) 822-8839
Email: julia@easternriconservation.org or julia.vieira@usda.gov
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Tagged: Board Meeting
Earth Day Seedling Sale Store is LIVE
Curated collection of native seedlings to grow a resilient garden of plants that truly belong here. Carefully chosen for the climates of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to support pollinators and strengthen local ecology. VIST THE SEEDLING SALE STORE!
The Conservation Programs that Can Transform Your Farm or Forest
Are you a farmer, landowner, land steward, forest landowner, or wildlife habitat manager? Learn how NRCS programs and federal conservation funds work, what you actually qualify for, and how to secure support.
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
One tap mobile
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
One tap mobile
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
One tap mobile
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Wine Down - Yoga & Wine for the Earth
Join us for a mid-summer evening of yoga and a glass of wine in the gorgeous setting of Greenvale Vineyards in support of the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District. Bring your own mat and props.
Two ticket options are available - with or without wine. Additional wine will be available for purchase. Tickets are available here!
The event will happen rain or shine - we have a beautiful indoor space at Greenvale in the event of inclement weather.
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Bristol Independence Half Plogging
We’re excited to announce that we’re back for another round of plogging with Rhode Races!
To complete your registration, please use the Task Password: ERICD.
Ploggers will be dispatched in a staggered fashion based on their arrival, tackling consecutive 1-mile segments of the race course, starting with mile 1 at 7:00 AM.
Participants will either walk or jog along the 1-mile segments of the race route while collecting trash. Please remember, this is a volunteer opportunity linked to the Independence Rhode Race. Signing up does not grant you participation in the actual race event; it is exclusively for plogging the course post-event.
Further details will be shared as the date approaches after you register. All necessary supplies will be provided, including gloves, bags, and litter pickers, along with some exciting swag and snacks!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Jessica at jessica@easternriconservation.org.
HOW TO SIGN UP:
1. Click this link to access the "Post Race Green Team" Volunteer section of the Rhode Races website.
2. Enter the Password: ERICD
3. Fill in your contact information and volunteer details!
Join us on June 28, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM EDT as we work together to make the Half Marathon course in Bristol completely free of race debris. We’re looking for at least 13 more volunteers, and your help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your commitment to keeping Eastern Rhode Island clean!
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30 PM on the fourth Monday of each month (unless rescheduled; except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Monthly ERICD Board Meeting
Please join us for our monthly ERICD Board of Directors Meeting. This meeting is open to the public and will take place at Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth.
Meetings take place at 5:30PM on the fourth Monday of each month (except December).
Please join us in person at Greenvale Vineyards or on Zoom at the link below
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89245141853?pwd=RGNjWlk0S3NBT2N1VjIvUFpabTdyUT09
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 892 4514 1853
Passcode: 609436
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzEx4LBBF
Portsmouth Take-and-Make a Rain Barrel Workshop
TAKE & MAKE RAIN BARREL PROGRAM- USING A RAIN BARREL IS AN EASY WAY TO PROTECT THE WATERSHED
Order your barrel online and then pick up your barrel and installation materials in Portsmouth on Saturday, May 17th Barrels are $55 each and include the barrel and installation kit for you to take home and convert this container into any ally for a cleaner Narragansett Bay.
For Rain Barrel Pick Up:
Where -Ragged Island Brewing Company, Bristol Ferry Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871
When - Saturday, May 17th, 2025 between 12:00 PM-2:30 PM
Please pay attention to your selected pick-up time.
Take home a rain barrel which will collect and store stormwater for your garden. You will receive an unpainted barrel and installation kit that will connect to your downspout. Rain barrel prepping instructions are provided through a video and FAQ available on our website. Go to https://www.easternriconservation.org/residential-rain-barrels. Please wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty, as you will be sanding down your barrel before taking it with you. Containers are generously provided by the Rhode Island Brewers Guild.
For conservation and pollution prevention, installing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for use on your lawn and gardens is a simple but powerful way to make a difference for Narragansett Bay.
Lawn and garden watering typically makes up 40% of total summer household water usage, according to the EPA. Plus, the biggest threat to our waters today is polluted runoff water that runs off our roofs and into our streets and alleys, carrying all the oil, sediment and other contaminants that it picks up along the way into our lakes, rivers and streams.
The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) is a non-profit, quasi-public organization that functions as a facilitator for meeting the needs of the local land user in the conservation of soil, water and other related natural resources.
The make-up Rain-Date for this workshop is Sunday, May 18th. You will be notified via the email that you sign up with whether the workshop is postponed due to the weather!
Please contact Ally Cuomo at acuomo.ericd@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.